Faith and First Responders: How Believing in a Higher Power Can Promote Healing
Antioch, CA, September 21, 2022 — If he were given a chance to travel back in time, make different choices and avoid a prison sentence, Norm Wielsch says he would decline the offer. In 2013, the former undercover narcotic agent was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after he pled guilty to corruption charges, and it was there, behind prison walls, where he finally found healing through faith.
“If you don’t believe in a higher power, there’s no rhyme or reason to life,” Wielsch said in a recent interview. “Life is just a series of incidents that happen. But if you truly believe that there is a higher power, and there’s a reason for things that happen, I believe that you can adjust to it, and cope with it a little bit better.”
As a police officer for 25 years, Wielsch witnessed his share of trauma and would later fall into a downward spiral following his own diagnosis of PTSD. He served 8 years of his 14-year sentence and emerged from federal prison determined to help others — particularly first responders — heal from trauma.
Wielsch’s new book, Christ Centered Healing of Trauma: Healing a Broken Heart (and companion small group study guide), teaches foundational principles and tools for resolving issues related to traumatic life events.
Readers will learn how trauma affects the heart, body and soul; how to manage emotions; how to identify the root cause of emotional pain; and how to begin the healing process.
Through a bible study portion, readers will learn God's plan for salvation and healing. Included are numerous sample prayers to guide readers through the healing process.
Wielsch’s Christ-Centered healing method was originally designed to minister to first responders and combat veterans but is also appropriate for counselors, pastors, chaplains and anyone whose lives are impacted by trauma.
“This book is not only for the victims of trauma, but for their husbands, wives, daughters, sons and parents who suffer right along with them,” Wielsch said. “They are wounded people as well. Hurt people, hurt people. Since our families are the closest to us, we tend to hurt them more than we intend.”
About the Author
Norm Wielsch was a law enforcement officer for over 25 years — 16 of those as an undercover narcotic agent. In 1998, he was diagnosed with an incurable neuro-muscular disease, and after more than 30 surgeries, he became addicted to opioids. Wielsch was diagnosed with PTSD, and then his daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness and given a poor prognosis. In a downward spiral, Wielsch made a series of bad decisions that landed him in federal prison.
While incarcerated, he obtained a master’s degree in Theology and Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, and a Drug and Alcohol Counseling Degree. He currently works at a men's residential treatment facility as a registered alcohol and drug counselor and pastoral care provider. He is a working credentialed chaplain who hopes to one day launch a first responder ministry.
Wielsch also has a master’s degree in Law Enforcement Management and is an expert in law enforcement tactics, criminal investigations, pursuit driving, high risk search warrant service, PTSD and the police culture.
A Recession-Proof Perspective: Easier Shares 60 Insights Into Resilience
Houston, TX, September 21, 2022― What could be worse than being fired via Zoom? In business coach Chris Westfall’s powerful new book, Easier: 60 Ways to Make Your Work Life Work for You, readers witness the story of one man’s incredibly difficult circumstances and his gradual awakening to new possibilities. It’s a framework that Westfall posits can be applied to virtually any source of frustration.
“Even in the midst of whatever it is that you’re going through — and I know that’s a broad statement … I don’t know everything that everyone is going through — but it is a universal truth, for all of us, that possibilities always exist,” Westfall said in a recent interview.
Accessing new ideas and possibilities in Westfall’s narrative is simpler than readers will find in other self-help books because Easier is told as a relatable, straightforward conversation between a Client and a Coach. The Client is ambushed at work. He’s fired on a Monday morning. He believes his wife will leave him as a result. He’s afraid that he can’t pay his bills.
From this life-after-career-death story, new discoveries bloom, revealing 60 insights into resilience, resourcefulness, self-leadership and more. With each new concept, readers can find their perspectives shifting from “How will I ever get through this?” to “What can I gain from this?”
Westfall’s insights can be applied not just to the workplace, but to all aspects of life.
“The obligations are the obligations, the duties are the duties, the deadlines are the deadlines, the sharks are still the sharks,” Westfall said. “But when you show up differently, the conversation can change.”
Ultimately, Easier takes an even-handed look at how things work — using neuroscience, history and powerful coaching examples to impart fresh perspectives that are vital for companies striving to create inclusive cultures, for organizations seeking to expand innovation and for individuals who want to deepen their relationships through understanding.
“When it looks like life and career and communication and everything else is breaking down, it’s time to break free,” Westfall said. “It’s time to access a kind of personal freedom that allows you to make different choices. To see things in a different way. People around the world are looking for more personal freedom, more encouragement and more possibility.”
About the Author
Chris Westfall is one of the most sought-after business coaches and keynote speakers in the world. He helped launch over five dozen businesses and has appeared on ABC NEWS, NBC TV and CNN. A regular contributor to Forbes, he has worked with thousands of leaders at Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations and high-tech startups. A coach to entrepreneurs and executives around the globe, his clients have appeared on Shark Tank, Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank-Australia. He regularly consults with top-tier universities and is the author of three other books, including Leadership Language.
For more information, please visit http://westfallonline.com or http://easier-book.com. You can also follow Westfall on Twitter (westfallonline), Instagram (westfallonline) or Facebook (easierbook).
Easier: 60 Ways to Make Your Work Life Work for You
FOUR20, One of Alberta’s Largest Cannabis Retailers, Opens its Doors in Ontario
Alberta’s community retailer brings its educational expertise and unique customer experience to a new province
Toronto, ON, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOUR20 announces the opening of its first Ontario location with the retail store based in Kitchener, a city in southeastern Ontario. The opening is the first step in FOUR20’s expansion into the Ontario market with a focus on providing accessible cannabis education, improving the customer experience, and creating a confident budtender sales force.
“With the company seeing exponential growth in Alberta since its inception, the FOUR20 team has been looking forward to expanding into a new province and we are very excited for Kitchener to be the first location we open in Ontario,” said Amber Craig, Chief Merchandising Officer. “Our goal is to continue investing in our customers, providing transparency, education, accessibility, and inclusivity within cannabis through a best in-store experience.”
According to the Globe & Mail, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) commented that cannabis consumers are favourably disposed to in-store shopping with only 4% of retail sales made through the OCS website. FOUR20 has created a program that is designed for the cannabis community fostering strong relationships in the industry, providing customers with a source of trusted information, and curating an inclusive environment.
To align with the company’s values of accountability, community, innovation, and service, FOUR20 has built an industry-leading education platform for their employees that will be implemented in all new locations. This platform includes education on the latest product innovations and critical cannabis knowledge to ensure customers receive the best shopping experience in-store.
In the company’s quest to continue bringing first-class cannabis education to its customers, FOUR20 has brought cannabis experts to its leadership team. Dr. Ife Abiola, VP of Advocacy & Education, joined the 420 Clinic in 2016 and has become a recognized authority in the scientific and medical applications of cannabis. “With education at the forefront of our company ethos, providing education accessibility to our budtenders is of most importance,” says Dr. Ife Abiola. “We offer enhanced product knowledge and provide an understanding of the regulations required to operate successfully within a Canadian retail cannabis outlet.”
With FOUR20’s expansion into Ontario, the company continues to provide accessible cannabis education to the masses. As a retailer designed for the cannabis community, FOUR20’s new location is the beginning of its journey within Ontario offering a best-in-class retail experience.
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About FOUR20: Our mantra has always been the same – to approach cannabis in a socially responsible manner, ensuring we’re providing our consumers with the best products, information, and customer service to guide your cannabis experience. We’re avid learners, caring community members, and changemakers. We’re a company committed to bringing on passionate individuals who are willing to lean into a new industry with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn, and we like to have a little fun along the way.
for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
Medical 21 secures up to $20 million commitment
for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
Globally recognized entrepreneur and medical device developer Manny Villafaña PhD Sc. secures additional financing to accelerate his latest venture.
Minneapolis, MN – September 19, 2022 – Medical 21, a medtech company aiming to transform heart bypass surgery with a revolutionary artificial graft, says it has successfully closed a $20 million commitment pursuant to Regulation D, Rule 506(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to implement its business plan.
Caption: Medical 21 secures up to $20 million commitment for its pioneering cardiac bypass technology
The investor opened with $2.5 million at closing and has discretion to invest another $2.5 million or more every ten months up to a total investment of $20 million.
Medical 21 was founded by Manny Villafaña PhD Sc., whose previous heart innovations have positively impacted five million people, while his seven earlier medtech ventures included three exits totaling $57.4 billion in shareholder value through acquisitions by Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.
Such achievements have earned Dr. Villafaña a reputation as the “Living Legend of Medicine,” and he expects Medical 21 to be his greatest: “With our experience and successes, we are ready to pursue the “holy grail” of cardiac surgery and its great market potential: a small diameter graft for bypass surgery that has evaded manufacturers and health institutions for 50 years.”
Medical 21’s breakthrough is set to drastically improve the recovery of heart bypass patients and assist cardiac surgeons by reducing time in the operating room.
The $20 million commitment will accelerate development of Medical 21’s artificial graft in preparation for a U.S. Food & Drug Administration Early Feasibility Study (EFS), likely to go live before the end of 2022.
Caption: Dr Manny Villafana, Founder & CEO Medical 21 and Living Medtech Legend
Dr. Villafaña is the Founder of Cardiac Pacemakers Inc./Guidant (acquired by Boston Scientific), Founder of St. Jude Medical (acquired by Abbott), and Founder of ATS Medical (acquired by Medtronic) for more than $50 billion in total shareholder value. He added:
“Medical 21 is the company I'm by far most excited about because of its enormous potential to improve conditions for the millions of coronary artery heart bypass surgery patients. It could be the biggest ever cardiac surgery innovation because it avoids the painful and invasive ‘harvesting’ of the patient’s own blood vessels to supply the heart bypass grafts.”
Medical 21 will also continue to seek further capital through its current $40 million Regulation A+ equity crowdfunding offering, with strategic guidance from Medical Funding Professionals (MFP) and its partner Life Science Intelligence (LSI). A copy of the Regulation A+ offering circular, along with how to invest can be found on Medical21’s website here. Prospective investors in the Regulation A+ offering should read the offering circular before making any investment.
Dr. Villafaña added: "We see crowdfunding as the 21st century way to fund a company and bring such a life-changing solution to market. Scott Pantel of Life Science Intelligence (LSI) and Stephen Brock of Medical Funding Professionals (MFP) lead our efforts and continue to do an outstanding job, not only for the investment offering but also building exposure to a broader investor network.”
MFP CEO Stephen Brock said: “We all know about the devastating impacts of cardiovascular disease and how intrusive and painful current bypass procedures can be. Medical 21’s technology will potentially revolutionize how these surgeries are conducted and eradicate suffering.”
Scott Pantel, CEO of LSI - a MFP strategic partner – said: “This recent investment is a huge vote of confidence in Medical 21 and demonstrates substantial interest from investors to get involved in exciting medtech companies. Medical 21 is going after a big problem and investors want to get involved so they can do good; they are following someone who has an enviable and proven track record in delivering innovation for patients in this field.
D-BOX and Cinemark Strengthen Long-term Relationship with 36 New Auditoriums in 12 Theatres Across the USA
The expansion rewards moviegoers’ strong appetite for a premium theatre experience
MONTRÉAL, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- D-BOX Technologies Inc. (“D-BOX” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: DBO), a world leader in haptic and immersive entertainment, together with Cinemark Holdings Inc. (“Cinemark”), one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in the world, are pleased to announce a new agreement to install D-BOX haptic recliner seats in 12 additional locations (36 new auditoriums), increasing the total number of Cinemark auditoriums with D-BOX technology to nearly 300 throughout the United States. With these luxurious haptic recliners, D-BOX continues to enhance the entertainment experience, immersing people in the storyline by perfectly synchronizing the action on the screen with patented individual motion control in the seats.
“Cinemark is capitalizing on D-BOX’s record summer in terms of occupancy and the post-COVID growing trend amongst moviegoers who are seeking unparalleled premium entertainment experiences. Audiences are excited to return to the theatre and are willing to pay more for a premium and unique experience such as D-BOX. There’s something really different about the way you connect with the content and how you focus on the story when you’re in a D-BOX seat. This immersive haptic experience is captivating audiences everywhere,” declared Sébastien Mailhot, President and CEO of D-BOX. “As a longstanding D-BOX partner, Cinemark understands what moviegoers are looking for and the advantage D-BOX brings to their premium offering.”
With the pandemic having reshaped many aspects of the theatrical experience, D-BOX has increased its presence, with these latest additions, to over 810 auditoriums located across the globe.
ABOUT D-BOX D-BOX creates and redefines realistic, immersive entertainment experiences by moving the body and sparking the imagination through effects: motion, vibration and texture. D-BOX has collaborated with some of the best companies in the world to deliver new ways to enhance great stories. Whether it’s movies, video games, music, relaxation, virtual reality applications, metaverse experience, themed entertainment or professional simulation, D-BOX creates a feeling of presence that makes life resonate like never before. D-BOX Technologies Inc. (TSX: DBO) is headquartered in Montreal with offices in Los Angeles, USA and Beijing, China. Visit D-BOX.com.
ABOUT CINEMARK HOLDINGS INC. Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark (NYSE: CNK) is one of the largest and most influential movie theatre companies in the world. Cinemark’s circuit, comprised of various brands that also include Century, Tinseltown and Rave, operates 521 theatres in 42 states domestically and 15 countries throughout South and Central America. Cinemark consistently provides an extraordinary guest experience from the initial ticket purchase to the closing credits, including Movie Club, the industry-leading exhibitor-launched subscription program and the first to reach the one-million-member milestone; the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat penetration among the major players; XD - the No. 1 exhibitor-brand premium large format; and expansive food and beverage options to further enhance the moviegoing experience. For more information go to https://investors.cinemark.com/
FOREVER BRANDS LAUNCHES SUPERFOOD POWDER LONGEVITY BY BROOKE BURKE BODY LOS ANGELES, CA - September 22, 2022 - The next evolution of Brooke Burke Body begins today with the launch of Longevity: a nutrient dense, plant-based superfood free of wheat, gluten, and dairy. Through an online subscription, Longevity superfood blends can become part of your daily routine to provide more energy, better focus, increased endurance, and faster recovery in as little as seven to 10 days of regular use. The foundational launch includes two carefully crafted, proprietary blends made up of the ideal combination of non-GMO, raw, organic, plant-based superfoods in either Cacao or Cafe Mocha flavor. Each flavor blend is packed with therapeutic levels of chia seed, flaxseed, green tea, probiotics, goji, and more in a single scoop serving. These carefully selected and concentrated nutrients, along with an active and healthy lifestyle, can improve overall physical and mental health and well-being. Consumers can find custom recipes that are simple and easy to follow on the Longevity website and via Longevity’s Instagram and TikTok channels, as well as on BrookeBurke.com and the Brooke Burke Body fitness app.
Longevity aims to simplify wellness by creating natural, energizing products that work in harmony with consumers’ daily routines and allow them take control of their health. “The ingredients in Longevity have been part of my personal health and wellness routine so I can say with confidence THEY WORK!” said Brooke Burke, Founder and CEO of Brooke Burke Body. “Brooke Burke Body has always been about making exercise and nutrition available to everyBODY - no matter your fitness level, access to gym equipment, or time commitment. I am thrilled to team up with Forever Brands to bring Longevity to the world and further showcase how simple health and wellness can truly be.” Brooke Burke is a mother, author, entrepreneur, fitness educator, philanthropist, television personality, and the Founder and CEO of Brooke Burke Body. Recognized for many network television stints, Brooke is most recently known for winning season seven and hosting seasons 10-17 of “Dancing with the Stars.” A social media influencer with nearly 4 million combined followers, Burke was named by Forbes as one of America's top 10 moms to follow. She is a content creator, a fitness influencer, and an encourager of all things health and wellness. Longevity is now available direct-to-consumer on www.longevitybybrookeburkebody.com with prices ranging from $39.95 - $57.95 with subscriptions options available.
QEII Foundation announces $20-million transformational gift for cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre
Halifax, NS, Sept. 22, 2022 /CNW/ - Health-care philanthropy is shining bright today as the QEII Foundation announces a $20-million gift, its largest, single donation received to date.
The MacDonald family donated $20 million to the QEII Foundation to help transform cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, N. S., the specialized referral centre for the Atlantic provinces.
This gift will support advanced cancer care technology, such as personalized radiotherapy, a world's first cancer-fighting technology being developed at the QEII. The family's generous support will also be a catalyst for enabling future innovation and discovery opportunities to happen sooner. This will help contribute to delivering care differently, improving access and patient outcomes, reducing wait times, and attracting and retaining the brightest minds in medicine.
In honour of their late parents, Colin and Belle MacDonald, the MacDonald family's tribute gift will name a new cancer care centre being developed as part of QEII New Generation.
With a vision of integrated, advanced care delivered in a supportive, healing environment, the new cancer centre will be a beacon of hope for patients and families and exemplify the commitment to deliver compassionate, innovative health care. The MacDonald family shares a similar commitment, as health-care connections run deep in their family.
The matriarch of the family, Belle, spent her career caring for others, as head nurse for many years at the former Halifax Infirmary hospital. In addition to caring for hundreds of patients and families, Belle raised her seven children while working long hours and stretching every dollar.
Her strength, perseverance, and giving nature was instilled in the MacDonald children, who are proud to honour both of their parents with this lead gift.
Earlier this year, the QEII Foundation launched its We Are campaign, a $100-million campaign to transform health care at the QEII. Supporting many care areas, such as diagnostic imaging, mental health care, rehabilitation, heart health, cancer care, and surgical robotics, the We Are campaign will truly elevate clinical excellence at the QEII to new heights.
Quick Facts
The Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program at the QEII cares for patients from across Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces. The Centre is responsible for delivering safe, equitable and sustainable cancer care services; the full continuum of cancer care from prevention and early detection through to screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative, and end-of-life care.
Personalized radiotherapy is a new way to deliver radiotherapy to patients. Through research and development, QEII experts will help develop an advanced model of adaptive, personalized radiotherapy technology that will be first in the world.
The goal is to allow health-care teams to evolve, adapt and re-map a patient's unique treatment plan in real time – using unparalleled imaging quality – before each radiation treatment session begins. This means targeting radiation beams with unprecedented accuracy; completely personalized based on the shape and movement of the patient's tumour and anatomy mere minutes before their treatment begins.
The MacDonald family is coming together with a $20-million transformational gift to the QEII Foundation in honour of their late parents, Colin and Belle MacDonald.
This gift is the largest, single donation ever received by the QEII Foundation.
The QEII Foundation's $100-million We Are campaign marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address some of the biggest issues in health care. Better access to care, first-in the-world technologies, improving wait times and patient outcomes, with research and innovation intersecting every project.
QEII Foundation donors have already raised more than $52 million toward the $100-million campaign goal. So far, some of the campaign milestones include:
Atlantic Canada's first surgical robot (endometrial, prostate, kidney, ENT cancer surgeries)
Interventional Radiology Suites (the most minimally-invasive procedures possible at the QEII)
Genetic sequencing technology (DNA analysis to provide targeted cancer care, reducing unnecessary treatments)
E-mental health services (accessed by anyone, at any time)
The We Are campaign will leverage the provincial government's commitment to the QEII New Generation project; a massive, multi-year project that's laying out how the province will meet the healthcare needs of Nova Scotians by developing new buildings and spaces to deliver care.
Quotes
"The QEII Foundation is so grateful to work with the MacDonald family on this transformational gift and their wish to create a lasting legacy to their late parents, Colin and Belle. The MacDonald family's $20-million transformational gift for cancer care will raise the bar in delivering the world's best cancer care, right here at home. While we have reached an amazing milestone for the Foundation – our largest, single donation to date – the real impact and measurement of that milestone is the lives changed and lives saved as a result of the family's generosity." - Susan Mullin, president and CEO, QEII Foundation
"Our family is very proud to be able to make this donation in memory of our parents, Colin and Belle MacDonald. Mom and dad were hard-working parents who loved all their seven children unconditionally. We didn't have much growing up, but we were rich with love of family. The new Colin and Belle MacDonald Family Cancer Centre at the QEII will help deliver the best cancer care, right here in Halifax. Our family is very proud to attach our name to something that will have such a positive impact and will mean so much to so many families in Atlantic Canada." - The MacDonald family
"The MacDonald family's investment is truly remarkable. It will help the QEII Cancer Centre's health-care teams advance cancer care for earlier detection, better treatment options, and improve survivorship with better, long-term outcomes. A donation like this, dedicated to innovation approaches and technology, will move us into a future state much faster than we could ever have imagined. Donations like this are truly remarkable and will inspire our teams to deliver cancer care in new ways. This is our time to do innovative things and come up with those solutions that will transform care here and be seen globally as a North Star." - Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice President, Research, Innovation and Discovery, Nova Scotia Health
Artist rendering of Colin and Belle MacDonald Family Cancer Centre
MacDonald sibling photo
https://qe2foundation.ca/transformational-gift
https://qe2foundation.ca/we-are-campaign
SOURCE QEII FOUNDATION
Survivor’s Compelling True Story Provides a Roadmap Toward Trauma Recovery
Boulder, CO, September 22, 2022 — Millions of Americans are self-medicating, suffering from mental health diagnoses, and are not getting the support that they need to function, heal and lead healthy lives, says author and certified emotional healing and relationship coach Rebeccah Silence.
Silence understands the struggles of emotional pain well. A survivor of cancer while pregnant, childhood sexual abuse and domestic abuse, she has known enormous suffering, but she learned to defeat her emotional pain to live free and happy.
Silence has taught clients worldwide on topics such as how to understand that past pain impacts the present, how to liberate yourself from those wounds, and how to connect to your own inner healer to create a life where you not only survive, but also thrive.
Now in her new book, Coming Back to Life: A Roadmap to Healing from Pain to Create the Life You Want, Silence helps readers create an opening to possibility. She provides tools, strategies and support that will allow readers to get to the root of their pain patterns while also receiving hope, encouragement and access to the light at the end of the dark tunnel they may find themselves in.
“What the world desperately needs now more than ever before is a way to navigate trauma and difficult emotions,” said Silence. "How you feel is 100 percent based on how healed your past is. There really is life on the other side of whatever darkness people are facing, and this book offers hope, healing, and a roadmap that is guaranteed to empower and encourage readers to take their lives back from an emotionally clear, neutral and grounded space. You’ll never have to feel powerless again, and that is a promise,” Silence added.
Readers will learn how to:
- Emotionally heal and process through anxiety, depression and past trauma, and re-commit to living a fulfilling life. - Break free from generational pain patterns to become the most authentic and happy versions of themselves. - Be the source of their own encouragement, take control over their lives and never feel powerless again.
“Coming Back to Life is the book that the world needs in this moment. It will illuminate what has been invisibly holding you back and give you a clear path to feeling good and getting what you want,” said Stephen Lovegrove, America’s Life Coach.
About the Author Rebeccah Silence is a global advocate and leading coach in emotional healing and relationships. As a survivor of childhood trauma and abuse, and being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer while she was pregnant, she has helped countless individuals, couples and families process even the most intense traumatic experiences — and heal!
An accomplished TV and radio personality with over two decades of experience speaking to millions about doing the inner work, Silence is a groundbreaking voice in the space of healing and self-development. Her life’s mission is about supporting people in moving through their healing so they can allow themselves to truly thrive.
Silence is the author of Coming Back to Life, host of the Healing IS Possible Experience and the Tougher Together Breakthrough podcast, and the creator of the on-demand The Emotional Survival Kit course. Through her coaching, seminars, books and online courses, Silence teaches audiences how to become their own healers, how to love and trust themselves, and how to be their best for others and the world. She currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband, two daughters and two dogs. Visit her website: rebeccahsilence.com.
Coming Back to Life: A Roadmap to Healing from Pain to Create the Life You Want Publisher: HCI Books Release Date: October 11, 2022 ISBN-10: 0757324460 ISBN-13: 9780757324468 Trade Paperback, 256 pages Available for pre-order on Amazon.com
Rookie Attorney Gets Schooled in Satirical Thriller, Filthy Rich Lawyers
Philadelphia/New York, September 22, 2022 ― What could be more entertaining than watching hedonistic lawyers fall flat on their faces? In Filthy Rich Lawyers, Book One:The Education of Ryan Coleman, author and attorney Brian Felgoise and co-author David Tabatsky weave a satirical legal thriller filled with scenarios loosely based on real-world interactions Felgoise had with lawyers, judges and plaintiffs, with one new key ingredient: guilty pleasure at the expense of unscrupulous, filthy rich attorneys.
“I laughed out loud at the salty wise cracks on most every page,” said Matt Flynn, author ofMilwaukee Jihad. “But underneath the lightning paced humor is a serious message about corruption in class action litigation. Filthy Rich Lawyers is a hilarious satire about a very real problem.”
The story begins in a Texas courtroom, where naïve young attorney Ryan Coleman is chasing his share of a class-action lawsuit involving a multi-national defense contractor. After getting reprimanded by the judge for speaking out of turn, Coleman meets Robert Smalley, a brilliant attorney and borderline criminal who boasts that, “I have the greatest practice of law in the world because I have no clients.”
Included in the cast of colorful characters is Eugenia “Gene” Cauley, a female shark in the male-dominated legal world whose life spirals tragically out of control, and Randy Hollis, an insanely successful lawyer turned multi-billionaire, who is pursuing his ultimate American dream: buying a professional football team. Coleman becomes Hollis’ “errand boy,” but as Hollis is investigated by journalists, law associations and government agents, Coleman must decide if he wants to remain in this sordid circle.
Federal prosecutor Patrick Coyle wants to take Hollis down because of an old grudge. He aligns with Dick Dickey, former Secretary of Defense and CEO of a military contractor, to ruin Hollis and Coleman. When an escort mysteriously dies in Hollis’ penthouse, Coleman becomes an unwitting accomplice and must choose between protecting his boss and saving his marriage, or telling the truth and risk going to prison.
Filthy Rich Lawyers reveals the surprising ways in which our system of class-action law enables (mostly) men to get ridiculously wealthy and behave like sophomoric frat boys.
“How they use their money and power will shock, amuse and entertain readers,” Felgoise said. “As media billionaire Mortimer Zuckerman once said, referring to some lawyer’s self-indulgence and unbridled hubris, ‘Practicing law is the exact opposite of sex. Even when it’s good, it’s bad.’”
Felgoise and Tabatsky have just completed Filthy Rich Lawyers, Book Two:In Due Time, where Coleman becomes Hollis’ prodigal son and must navigate his new life as a billionaire rainmaker as he grapples with one moral dilemma after another.
About the Authors
Brian M. Felgoise, Esq.,is a graduate of Temple University Law School and has been practicing class-action law for more than 25 years, including cases where billions of dollars have been recovered for class members who lost a significant amount of money.
David Tabatsky has authored, co-authored and edited many novels, including The Boy Behind the Door, Friends Like These, The Marijuana Project, The Battle of Zig Zag Pass and Drunk Log. His memoir, American Misfit, was published in 2017. Tabatsky was consulting editor for Marlo Thomas and her New York Times bestseller, The Right Words at the Right Time, Volume 2. To learn more, please visit: www.tabatsky.com.
Samaritan Ministries health care sharing members are free from confusing, expensive health insurance system
National survey shows that few Americans are satisfied with quality of health care system
PEORIA, Ill. — A majority of Americans are unsatisfied with the nation’s health care system, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. In fact, Americans of all age groups are profoundly dissatisfied. Only 12% say health care is handled “extremely well or very well.”
“This is why it is so important to give families better choices when it comes to their health care,” said Anthony Hopp, chief purpose officer of Samaritan Ministries International (Samaritan). “Health care sharing is not insurance; it is Christians joining together to help each other, keep costs down and gain the freedom and control to choose the best care for their medical needs.”
Overall, only 6% of Americans say the quality of services including nursing home care and prescription drugs are done “extremely well or very well,” according to the survey.
“The old song phrase, ‘you better shop around,’ has special significance when it comes to health care,” Hopp said. “Samaritan’s members are free to seek out the best care for their families, including alternative health services that expensive health insurance may exclude.”
“Navigating the American health care system is exceedingly frustrating,” A. Mark Fendrick, director of the University of Michigan Center for Values-Based Insurance Design, told the Associated Press. “The COVID pandemic has only made it worse.”
“Samaritan helps people cut through the complexity of the health care system and negotiate better prices,” Hopp said. “We also alert our members to health care breakthroughs and the best ways to stay healthy. Our members often write to tell us that they appreciate being able to ‘go outside’ the system, so to speak.”
Benjamin and Ruthann, from Pennsylvania, said:
“The health care system can be a place of conflict when dealing with such vulnerable issues of life, conviction, well-being, and family, so it is so refreshing to go through a Christian program for help, understanding, and encouragement when relating to health/medical experiences.”
Ronnie, from Texas, wrote:
“It is a pleasure to share other believers’ needs instead of paying expensive premiums to health insurance companies.”
Sara, who lives in Hawaii, said:
“Even with a large need during a year that was financially hard for so many, members were so faithful in sending their shares. There were also a few times that I had questions regarding different issues, and I was always able to get a quick and helpful response from Samaritan Ministries.”
Elizabeth, from Minnesota, shared:
“We are so blessed to be a part of Samaritan Ministries. We are very healthy people and went several years with no needs. All of a sudden, this year we ran on tough times medically speaking. We received all our shares as requested! We could not afford health insurance, so Samaritan was a great fit for us. We pray for all the staff daily that you will continue to be a blessing to everyone who is a member. God bless you.”
Samaritan Ministries currently has a membership of 281,602 individuals from 83,361 households.
Samaritan has no limited enrollment period. Government exchange-based health insurance requires signups to occur only during open enrollment periods unless one qualifies for a special enrollment period due to a “life event” such as losing coverage, getting married, moving, or having a baby.
Samaritan Ministrieshealth care sharingoffers additional advantages:
No network restrictions. When medical care is needed, Samaritan members choose the health care provider, hospital, and pharmacy that work best for them.
The direct-sharing approach allows members to not only help fellow believers with their medical financial needs but to pray for and connect with them on a regular basis.
Monthly shares are hundreds of dollars less per month than insurance.
