by Blogbot
Millionaire Matchmaker, glam-goth reality TV star, mother, all round awesome person, and longtime friend of SG, Rachel Federoff recently became a spokesperson to raise awareness for the dangers of the choking game. It’s estimated that between 250 and 1,000 children die each year from the practice, however hard statistics are difficult to come by since many coroners record such deaths as suicide. This is one the reasons Federoff got involved and reached out to SG, since she’s currently championing a petition and letter writing campaign to persuade our government to devote resources to the issue so it can be properly investigated. Though numbers a hard to come by, the choking game seems to be especially prevalent in middle school aged children, with the median age of death from it being just thirteen. We checked in with Federoff to find out more.
Question: What inspired you to get involved in raising awareness for the dangers of the choking game?
Rachel Federoff: I met two ladies on Twitter who are uber fans of me, Barb Dibben and Neecy Jarman. Neecy lost her 13-year old son from this awful act and told me about it [see ABC News report]. Being a mom, I was, of course, devastated to hear about it, and knew exactly what he died from as I had a close childhood friend die from it in high school. I felt it was so important to help spread the word on this and, as of Monday, the ladies asked me to be the spokesperson for this. I was so honored and touched to help be a part of making the world aware and hopefully stop more children from dying.
Q: Can you tell us more about the organization you’ll be acting as spokesperson for?
RF: I will be working with Neecy and Barb and other non profit organizations such as the DB Foundation (Dangerous Behaviors). Both ladies received grant money from Pepsi Co. and we are looking at having the first national conference.
Q: It’s shocking that kids are playing this “game” at such a young age. Why do you think that is?
RF: It’s so crazy to me that people are so unaware of this as it’s been going on forever. I knew plenty of kids that did it growing up. I think kids are always looking at new ways to get “high.” If it’s not whip-its, it’s pot or whatever. Now it’s getting high by strangulation. They think it’s harmless but it’s not. They really do think it’s just a game, and when you’re young you have that “I’m going to live forever” mentality.
Q: And I guess kids being kids, there’s a lot of peer pressure involved…
RF: Absolutely, especially at middle school age like Neecy’s son. He was just thirteen. That’s why it’s so important that parents are aware of this behavior and have open relationships with their kids. Parents need to teach their kids that it’s not a game and will not make them “cool” if they participate. When I saw friends doing it I thought it was stupid and dangerous so I stayed away from playing.
Q: What resources are out there to give parents a better understanding of this issue? Are there any websites you could recommend?
RF: Sadly there just isn’t enough and that’s why people have no idea this exists and what it is. But there are some: GaspInfo.com and ChokingGame.net.
Q: What can people do to help?
RF: We are currently asking everyone we can to sign a petition and send letters to congress to make them open their eyes that the choking game needs to be addressed seriously. The more signatures and letters we send the better. All you have to do is go here. Also we’re asking people to post the link on their Twitters and Facebooks and anywhere else. We have over 1000 letters already! I also created a cause page people can join for more info and support.
Q: Finally, you know I have to ask; Millionaire Matchmaker is my guilty pleasure for many of us at SG. I’m totally addicted. What can we expect from the new season and when will it air?
RF: LOL Well it looks like we are scheduled to start filming Season 6 in March or April. As for when it airs, I have no idea yet. So many people are having Millionaire Matchmaker withdrawal. We’re coming back, so hang in there!
Related Posts:
SG Interview with Rachel Federoff – Millionaire Matchmaker
SG Interview with Destin Pfaff: Millionaire Matchmaker
