Disney Channel to air new stories of kids who are making a difference

The Walt Disney Company tries to inspire kids and families to take positive actions in countless ways, and it does this through several approaches. Central Florida parents may be most familiar with the annual Disney Dreamer and Doer awards that are bestowed by Walt Disney World on students who are making a difference in their communities. But the company has long recognized such students on the national level, as well, and it is launching a new initiative this month.

Perhaps the most memorable ads from recently are the Disney Channel campaigns aimed at tweens and teens that feature the network’s actors. A few years ago, the Friends For Change campaign initially sought to teach young viewers the value of conservation. The ads focused on how each individual truly can make a difference in a global project, such as the stewardship of our planet. The campaign took full advantage of Disney’s multiple platforms, spreading the message in its theme parks, on the television network and Radio Disney, on Disney.com, in Disney Store locations, and more.

Now, Disney Channel is expanding its Emmy Award-winning segments, “Make Your Mark,” and it is keeping the spotlight on the kids — rather than Hollywood stars — who have made a difference and can inspire others to do the same.

The first five new segments air today on Disney Channel and WATCH Disney Channel, allowing viewers to watch on TV, tablets, smartphones and computers. The segments will also be scheduled on DisneyChannel.com and Disney Channel’s YouTube channel.

One segment features 15-year-old Dylan Brady from Sea Cliff, N.Y. As a Youth Ambassador for the Tourette Syndrome Association, Dylan helps to inform and enlighten others about TS and share his message of acceptance and tolerance for all. He also hopes to inspire other kids with the story of how he overcame his disability to become the lead singer and drummer in a band.

An aspiring physician and an inventor, 16-year-old Mallory Kievman from Manchester, Conn., wants to help cancer patients, who often suffer from hiccups as a side effect of their treatment. She devised a proprietary recipe for a lollipop, made from natural ingredients including apple cider vinegar and sugar that can affect the nerves in the throat and mouth believed to cause the hiccup reflex.

Judy Adams, age 15, from New Paltz, N.Y., started Dimes for Downs three years ago to raise funds to help grant wishes for others with Down syndrome. Her organization now has 10 branches across the U.S.

During his nine-month hospital recovery from surgery to remove a tumor, 16-year-old Cameron Cohen of Los Angeles taught himself a computer programming language and developed his first app, the popular “iSketch,” which allows users to draw and share pictures from smart phones and tablets. With his earnings, Cameron then donated funds to the hospital to purchase electronics for other young patients undergoing extended stays.

The final segment debuting today shows 12-year-old Osama Abdulazeez from San Diego who is a refugee from Iraq. Osama works to help other refugee children in his community through the local organization Youth and Leaders Living Actively, which assimilates refugee children into American society through soccer and education.

“Peers can have a great influence on kids and teens, and through these stories about young people making a real difference, we aim to inspire a generation of kids to take action that can change the world and themselves through service, a sense of optimism and values they uphold,” said Ron Pomerantz, Disney Channel’s vice president for marketing and creative, in a press release.

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