|
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, YOUNG AND RESTLESS) is one actress always willing to lend her name to a good cause. That's why she couldn't resist becoming involved with Project Cuddle®, an organization that saves abandoned babies and reaches out to troubled pregnant women. Debbe Magnusen, the organization's founder, has fostered more than 30 drug-exposed babies, eventually adopting five into her own family.
Soap Opera Weekly: How did you get involved with Project Cuddle®?
Michelle Stafford: I met Debbe at a party. We started talking, and I thought she was so phenomenal. She's really an extraordinary lady. She told this story about a young girl being afraid to tell people she was pregnant. She ended up killing her baby and putting it in a Dumpster. If that's going on in your life, [before you get to that point], you call Debbe, no questions asked. She'll place your child. It's all done aboveboard, and it's legal. She basically saves your baby for you.
Weekly: And you wanted to do what you could to help?
Stafford: Yes. I've been working with Debbe, fund-raising and introducing her to legislators that I'd dealt with through my work with the Citizens Commission on Human Rights. Because this is a human rights issue, too.
Weekly: What is your goal?
Stafford: My goal is to help Debbe and to help change legislation; to stop women from [harming their babies], and to let them know there's a way to get help.
Weekly: What kind of legislation are you talking about?
Stafford: There is some really odd legislation in this country. In some areas, like Los Angeles, you can leave your baby at a fire department. But if you're caught doing that in Orange County, you will be arrested and put in jail. It's crazy. A woman who is actually trying to save her baby will be arrested for it. The laws are just so crazy.
Weekly: Have you gotten to meet any of the children Debbe has helped to save?
Stafford: Oh, yeah, at the big fund-raiser that she organizes every January. A lot of the parents and the rescue families are there, and they bring their kids. They've adopted these children. It's very cool to see them.
Weekly: That must really make your work with the organization gratifying, to see these children placed in a happy home.
Stafford: Oh, it is, for sure. It's a nice feeling to see these children having a chance at a happy life, when it could have gone another way. And Debbe is the reason it didn't. It's really cool.
Weekly: When is Project Cuddle's® next fund-raiser?
Stafford: There's one in November in New York. I'm going to try to make it. I always donate a tour of [the] Y&R [sets]. I'm actually working with Debbe to do an event to mix in soap opera. We don't do a lot of things as a community. Wouldn't it be cool to have a party at my house with all the women of daytime? I could get them up to speed about what Debbe does. Everybody could donate 100 bucks. That would be great!
|
more here...
