Metahab. Designed for Post Traumatic Growth

Join veteran broadcaster Beth Ruyak and Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn as they discuss the genesis of the Metahab program that was born from the experience of severe trauma. The conversation will address the perception of trauma, it's harmful effects and question why some who suffer PTSD never regain some semblance of normalcy while others grow stronger as a result. To learn more about the event at Sacramento State University April 29th, click on the link below: https://www.csus.edu/college/health-human-services/center-health-practice-policy-research/spotlight/posttraumatic-growth-conference.html

Bill Finkbeiner is a well-known, talented and very successful ultra marathoner. Bill is married to Beth who also enjoys running and they have two grown children, Christian, 25 and Rachel, 21. At 61 years of age he had logged over 85,000 miles which included his 37 year record of consecutive daily runs as well as completing over 200 ultramarathons, 17 Western States 100-Mile Endurance runs, and fifty six (56) 100-mile trail races. In 2015, Bill was inducted into the Sacramento Running Association Hall of Fame. In 2017 Bill was out enjoying a run, something he has done daily since 1980, and was struck by a fast moving bicycle in a hit-and-run accident causing devastating effects. He suffered five facial fractures, a fractured skull, a broken hand, two broken teeth, and serious lacerations over much of his face and upper body. He has had a long road to recovery, but amazingly he was back on the trails the following year and has reinstituted his practice of daily runs.

Sentenced to 65 years in a Texas prison, Damon once had it all including a loving family who provided multiple opportunities to succeed in life. A natural born leader he was a three-year starting quarterback - an ‘All-American kid’ living his dream. However, underneath this pretense was a drug addict in the early stages of his disease. At nine years old he suffered childhood sexual abuse by a babysitter and started his use of alcohol to hide his pain. In 1999, Damon graduated from college and began his career with the U.S. Congress, participating in political fundraising for a presidential candidate and later took a job on Wall Street, training as a stockbroker for USB, a large international bank. It was during this time and at this job that Damon was introduced to methamphetamine. He became instantly addicted and in short time lost his job, family and became homeless. Moving back to Texas, he committed multiple drug related offenses, including property crimes to support his drug habit. On July 30, 2008, he was arrested by the Dallas SWAT team. Released from prison in 2015, Damon worked to improve his life. In May of 2019, Damon is scheduled to graduate with a Masters in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. Also, since his release, he has worked for the Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont, TX. When not speaking to schools about the dangers of drugs, the consequences of bad decisions, and sharing his personal recovery, he does service work helping others in recovery, exercises regularly and enjoys his new life with family, friends and his faith community. His message is a cautionary tale but also one of perseverance and hope for a positive future in the face of the most extreme odds. Damon’s new book, titled The Change Agent can be found at www.damonwest.org.

Metahab at Sac State is borne out of the current curriculum of Metahab and it's process of growth from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to PTG or Post Traumatic Growth. This series will take elements of the curriculum as they apply to the Metahab program in a descriptive and supporting dialogue throughout the series. For more information on Metahab, visit www.drjmf.com

This Special Edition in the Sliver of Hope series is the first of three that will address ways to cope with the current environment our communities are faced with as a result of Covid-19 or Coronavirus. The series is hosted by Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn and will focus on the symptoms and solutions in dealing with the trauma as an effect of this global pandemic. Trauma comes in many forms and the constant bombardment of negativity, uncertainty and misinformation surrounding this crisis wears on everyone. This first in the Special Edition deals with Survival during the storm.