And now . . . something to smile about!
National Keep Smiling Week will be May 25 ending May 31, 2020, National Smile Day. We need it this year more than ever.
AVAILABLE for Interviews:
Ken Rochon, Co-Founder of the Keep Smiling Movement
The Keep Smiling Movement, Inc, A 501(3)C Global Mental Health Organization Is Designed To Increase HOPE & HAPPINESS By Distributing Keep Smiling Cards In 27 Languages & Positive Message Cards; Motivational Social Media Outreach; Distribution Of Ebooks With Inspirational Stories Featuring Photographs Of Change Makers, Celebrities & Influencers; & Mental Health Programs All Created To Raise Awareness To Heal Millions.
Imagine 264 Million People Suffering from Depression Now Having a Reason to SMILE!
The Keep Smiling Movement is stepping up to counteract the adverse effects of COVID-19 during National Mental Health Month. Giving a “DOSE of HOPE,” this mental-health nonprofit organization celebrates National Keep Smiling Week starting May 25 ending May 31, 2020, National Smile Day.
With 45% of Americans stating they suffer from anxiety, fear, and depression (1), 2020’s statistics will skyrocket past 2019’s reported 264 million suffering from depression. With those staggering numbers, this year will surpass last year’s statistics of 800,000 people who took their lives unable to handle the stressors facing them. For every successful suicide, another 20 people attempted suicide.
Determined to make a change, the Keep Smiling Movement is making a stand to give people a reason to smile, to find joy, and to save lives. To them, a smile is the universal expression of love and acceptance that crosses all boundaries.
In 2015, Ken Rochon, Co-Founder and Celebrity Event Photographer, was seeking purpose and passion, a new way of living after losing his mother to Alzheimer’s several years prior. He was seeking a way to lead a life of legacy as a model for his son, K3. Then, he met Barry Shore, Co-Founder and Ambassador of Joy, a man who radiated JOY when he handed Ken a card imprinted ‘Keep Smiling.”
Rochon was moved by Barry’s story, a successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare autoimmune disease. Finding his smile to over adversity, he willed his body to almost fully functioning after 14 years of quadriplegia despite doctors saying he would never walk again.
Shore was determined to raise the joy level of people’s lives by passing out 10 million cards by 2020. Therefore, inspired to help him, Ken asked permission to create a viral movement out of the ‘Keep Smiling’ cards. With a JOYFUL, ‘Yeah, Baby!’ Barry agreed. Ken had found his purpose and passion.
Ken Rochon quickly enlisted Andrea Adams-Miller, an International Publicist for help. Andrea, now Executive Director of the Keep Smiling Movement, was looking for her purpose, too. She also wanted to inspire others to find happiness through adversity. The fall before meeting Ken, her daughter was in a tragic horse accident the same day her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time.
Both of her family members thrived by staying positive, and upon meeting Ken, Andrea was instantly moved to support Ken and Barry wholeheartedly. In 2019, she made their dream a nonprofit, the Keep Smiling Movement, Inc, a 501(3)c nonprofit mental health organization designed to increase HOPE and HAPPINESS.
Ken Rochon’s viral vision and hard work of taking thousands of ‘Keep Smiling’ photos led to the creation of the first Keep Smiling: Shift Happens book. Now a book series, these 140 co-authored books feature stories of triumph over challenges and motivational quotes. Additionally, they feature smile photos of Change Makers, Celebrities, and Influencers holding Keep Smiling cards. Co-Authors include Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder of Business Network International; Wm. Paul Young, Author of The Shack; Wayne Connell, Founder of InvisibleDisabilities.org; Michael Mann, Actor”; and many more.
As a team with their new Chief of Operations, Krystylle Richardson, Business Transformation Strategist & International Missionary, they achieve these goals by distributing Keep Smiling cards and positive message cards, delivering positive social media outreach; and publishing inspirational photo books.
Additionally, they have a mental health curriculum to overcome limiting beliefs, generate positivity, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Their online Facebook page ‘The Keep Smiling Ambassadors’ welcomes the public to join in S.M.I.L.E.S., a Society Merging International Leaders and Entrepreneurs for Social-Responsibility. Also, they generate advocacy and awareness for over 20 other nonprofit organizations. These organizations provide niche programs and services for people in need, including Veterans, Homelessness, Orphans, Foster Care, Cancer Survivor, Self Esteem, & more.
Interview: Ken Rochon.
Ken Rochon, is Co-Founder of the Keep Smiling Movement. To interview the team, to get your cards, to donate, and to support the Keep Smiling Movement in spreading a ‘DOSE of HOPE’ by being an Keep Smiling Ambassador, visit www.TheKeepSmilingMovement.com or reach out to info@TheKeepSmilingMovement.com.
Contact:
Jo Allison
Managing Editor
Director of Public Relations
MEDIA AMBASSADORS
Success In Media, Inc.
Jo@SuccessInMedia.com
Citations:
1) Nirmita Panchal, Rabah Kamal, Kendal Orgera, Cynthia Cox, Rachel Garfield, Liz Hamel, Cailey Muñana, and Priya Chidambaram, The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use, KFF, April 21, 2020. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
