There are many things in life that I am passionate about, but as a father of four beautiful children, I am most passionate about a child's sense of belonging, sense of security and knowing that they are truly loved.

I was emotionally abused as an adolescent. I believe the abuse I suffered created severe panic attacks that dominated every minute of my life until I was 20 years old. Even though I was a very bright student and a star athlete on my football, basketball and baseball team, my sense of self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence could not have been lower. For whatever reason, I never reached out to my parents or anyone close to me for help. I felt as if I had nowhere to turn. But I was lucky; I overcame this paralyzing disorder, but not until I was 20 years old!

An infant or a toddler doesn't have the ability to communicate or process what is truly happening in their isolated little world. Below are national statistics that move me to tears and inspires me to want to help, I hope it does the same for you. The number of abused children in America and all over the world is staggering. I made a decison and a commitment to help, I encourage you to join me.

Fact: More than 2.9 million reports of possible maltreatment involving children were made to child protective service agencies in calendar year 2003.

Fact: The actual incidence of abuse and neglect is estimated to be three times greater than the number reported to authorities.

Fact: Child abuse is reported-on average-every 10 seconds.

Fact: Based on approximately 2.9 million reports per year.

Fact: An estimated 906,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2003 (cases substantiated by child protective service agencies).

Fact: Nine in 10 Americans polled regard child abuse as a serious problem, yet only 1 in 3 reported abuse when confronted with an actual situation.5

There are many things in life I am passionate about -

This is one of them: http://friendsofmccac.org/ - Please help the local child advocacy center in your community!