Parenting

This episode contains sensitive content related to child grooming, human trafficking, and abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Mya and Sheri Lopez discuss the critical issue of human trafficking, focusing on Sherry's personal experience as a survivor. Sheri shares her journey from being groomed at a young age to becoming an advocate for child protection and trafficking awareness. The conversation highlights the grooming process, the realities of trafficking, and the importance of legislation to protect survivors. Sherry also introduces her organization, Pearl at the Mailbox, which aims to educate and prevent child grooming and trafficking.

Takeaways

Human trafficking is often misunderstood and dismissed as a distant issue.

Grooming is a gradual process that manipulates a child's perception of safety and love.

Parents must actively engage with their children about their whereabouts and online interactions.

Every trafficked child has an expiration date, emphasizing the urgency of intervention.

Legislation is crucial in holding traffickers accountable and protecting survivors.

Survivors often face stigma and legal challenges that hinder their recovery.

Awareness and education are key in preventing child trafficking.

Social media can be a dangerous tool for groomers targeting children.

Support for survivor advocacy organizations is essential for change.

Every child deserves protection and should be treasured by their families.

Chapters

00:00 Breaking the Silence on Human Trafficking

02:26 Sheri's Journey: From Victim to Advocate

11:20 The Grooming Process: Understanding Manipulation

18:26 Legislation and the Fight Against Trafficking

20:40 Finding Freedom: The Role of Advocacy

22:28 The Reality of Online Grooming

24:45 The Dangers of Social Media Apps

26:40 Coping with Trauma and Speaking Out

28:28 Legislative Victories for Survivors

30:03 Understanding Grooming in Boys

31:23 Introducing Pearl at the Mailbox

33:01 Grooming Prevention and Resources

36:11 Teaching Children About Touch and Safety

41:20 The Importance of Open Conversations

45:16 Treasuring and Protecting Our Children

Sheri Lopez / Pearl at the Mailbox – Contact Info

• Website: www.pearlautthemailbox.org

• Facebook: Pearl at the Mailbox

• Instagram: Pearl at the Mailbox

• X (formerly Twitter): Pearl at the Mailbox

• LinkedIn: Sherri Lopez (Note: She mentions she’s not very active there and may miss messages)

  
  

  Books:

• Title: Pearl at the Mailbox – Sherri’s grooming story, non-graphic, showing the manipulation process and how her allegiance shifted.

• Upcoming Book: 6,000 – Focused on her full trafficking experience, designed to educate young people and parents.

Summary

In this episode of the Hey Hannah podcast, Dr. Mya interviews Melissa Winger, a passionate advocate for patient rights and healthcare reform. Melissa shares her personal journey as a mother of a son with severe disabilities and the challenges she faced navigating the medical system. She discusses her motivation to write her book, 'Who Cares?', which aims to empower patients and families in their healthcare journeys. The conversation covers practical tips for advocating in healthcare, the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the emotional complexities of processing grief and expectations. Melissa emphasizes the need for systemic change in healthcare and her ongoing advocacy efforts.

Takeaways

• Melissa Winger's journey began as a young mother facing healthcare challenges.

• The medical system often overlooks young parents and their concerns.

• Documentation is crucial when navigating healthcare.

• Caregivers must prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.

• Grief over lost expectations is a common experience for parents of children with disabilities.

• Advocacy can stem from personal experiences and frustrations with the system.

• Melissa's book aims to provide insights and support for families in similar situations.

• Community support is vital for caregivers.

• Perspective can shift the way we view our loved ones' challenges.

• Healthcare providers also face frustrations within the system.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Patient Advocacy

02:57 Melissa's Personal Journey with Healthcare

05:42 The Challenges of Navigating the Medical System

08:27 Writing the Book: Who Cares?

11:08 Practical Tips for Advocating in Healthcare

14:09 Balancing Caregiving and Self-Care

16:56 Processing Grief and Expectations

20:01 Finding Purpose in Advocacy

22:55 Current Advocacy Efforts and Future Goals

25:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

Guest: Melissa Winger

Title: Certified Healthcare Quality and Patient Experience Professional
Mission: Advocating for healthcare reform by centering the patient experience, informed by nearly 30 years of caregiving for her son with severe disabilities.

Overview:
A deeply personal and eye-opening look at the U.S. healthcare system from the perspective of a caregiver. Melissa shares her journey navigating emergency medicine, long-term care, and everything in between—offering both powerful storytelling and practical insight on how the system can and must improve.

www.whocaresbooks.com
Includes:

• Book purchase links

• Tip sheets for patient advocacy

• Social media links

• Additional resources to help patients and caregivers navigate the healthcare system

Book: Who Cares: The Real Patient Experience