China Reunites 54,000 Kidnapped Children With Their Families Over Last 3 Years

On December 24th, 2012, the day the West celebrates Christmas Eve, Chinese authorities finally bended to the outcry of child advocacy demands to significantly step up their policing and prevention of human trafficking of children in their country by arresting 355 individuals suspect of child trafficking.  Most importantly, 89 previously abducted children were rescued!  It is expected that many of the kidnapped children will reunite with their chasing parents since, under great pressure from the United Nations and its trading partners, China developed a DNA database for missing children suspect of being trafficked in partial reaction to the outlandish number of children abducted, traded, and trafficked in the country.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in China that can be traced back to China's one-child policy.
The policy has resulted in abortions, killings or abandonment of baby girls, and created a demand for abducted or purchased baby boys. 

It has been recently reported that the Chinese government, due to scrutiny from the West, and the rising voices of the country's citizens, has taken steps to combat the black market by tightening adoption rules and cracking down on child trafficking rings.

The 355 suspects arrested in the operation included police officers from nine regions, including the provinces of Fujian, Yunnan, Sichuan, Anhui and Guangdong, Xinhua reported, citing the Ministry of Public Security.

Sadly, I have personally witnessed Chinese authorities actually take down posters of missing children in SAR's such as Macau and Hong Kong, as well as cities including Shenzhen and Shanghai.  I have befriended chasing parents searching for their stolen children in cities that attempt to lure tourist, only to have these desperate parents disappear without a trace: where there was once a cell phone number, a home address, an email address - all whereabouts of their existence is gone because, in the past, China did not tolerate the public display of parents desperately searching for their kidnapped children.  However, the problem has grown so serious, and the number of children being taken has risen significantly that the internal pressure of government accountability combined with pressure from the west has apparently begun to make a difference. God I hope so.

Many of the children abducted in China come from rural areas.  They are then trafficked and sold in more affluent areas such as Fujian and Guangdongfor as much as 90,000 yuan ($14,400 U.S.) for a healthy male.  In China's seedy black market sex trade, a Caucasian male child could sell for over 1,000,000 yuan.

Is China actually taking a major step in the right direction to combat the disgusting, prevalent, and notorious trade of child kidnapping and child slavery that has been part of it's culture for so long, or is this just showmanship?

I think the answer will be found on whether China demonstrates an openness to the criminal prosecution of the monsters who have traded in child flesh, and, to learn if Chinese authorities capably expanded their investigation and arrested others responsible for the unforgivable acts of child kidnappings.

Chen Shiqu, the ministry's criminal investigation division anti- trafficking office director said this past Monday that, "Since a government crackdown began in 2009, police have broken up 11,000 child trafficking rings and rescued 54,000 children." 

Think about having 54,000 abducted in your country - a nation where the police either took part in the abductions or turned their eyes away from the criminal act.  Unthinkable.

Despite the 54,000 children who have been rescued, the number of missing children in China remains extraordinarily large: estimates are in the high hundreds of thousands.

It's a start . . . but still the problem remains a large problem . . . one that India must now address.

Child abduction of any kind is an inhumane act conducted by a person who generally has no true respect for the dignity of life.  Please support any organization dedicated to protecting children.

- Peter Thomas Senese -
  Founding Director
  The I CARE Foundation

* * *
Peter Thomas Senese's critically acclaimed international legal thriller novel about child abduction titled 'Chasing The Cyclone' is available on e-book.  100% of all proceeds are donated to the I CARE Foundation.

Getting Ready To Play Peter Pan At A Several Hospitals This Christmas

Nearly two weeks ago I went Christmas shopping for children who are or have recently spent time in one of the hospitals I have been privilaged to support.  Over the past week, we have begun to share some of these gifts, but come this Saturday and Sunday, we will give a large number of children and their families the various presents we saved over the year to purchase.  And keeping in the tradition that I started years ago, our gift theme is computer and video game-oriented presents of the coolest kind.

The following post below is what I shared the day we went shopping.  I think it shares the privilege it is to be Peter Pan, if even for just one day.

* * * * * * *

For over a decade I have remained active with a handful of hospitals that are dedicated to helping children fighting cancer or any other serious illness. 

As a cancer conqueror myself, as a professional with a history of investing in cancer research, and as a person who embraces my social responsibility, I have done what I can to financially support several hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and an assortment of Children's Hospitals.


I know first-hand that fighting cancer is not easy.  I also know that my life changed for the better in many ways when I had to fight the dragon because life and its beauty came to me in ways I had never previously experienced.  In seeing the magic, in my own way, I found my inner 'PAN'. 

I also know that the dragon is very powerful, and has the ability of taking life here on earth.  But in having my PAN fight the dragon, I also came to deeply understand that God does exist, and so too does Heaven.

I have come to understand that each of us can be 'PAN', and that no matter what, we can see magic ... and there is another place we all will go to.  A very magical place.

Each year I literally save my pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, ones, fives, tens, twenties .... whatever I can and put these monies in a 'Neverland' box.  The box is rather big.  Sometimes, during the year I empty the coins in the box and exchange them for bills.  I did that a few times this year.   And I am very blessed that I have a wonderful partner who is willing to give up a few niceties like a vacation or a fancy dinner or a new pair of shoes and toss the money saved into the 'Neverland' box.  Our efforts add up.

Then once a year -like today -  I take the money I saved - and I go and purchase Nintendo DS's or Sony PS's along with a video game or two that I give to the children being treated at the cancer ward of a few of the hospitals. Of course, I am mindful that some of the children may not be able to play the video games: some simply can't while others are to young and would prefer something else.  So I always have on hand a bunch of fashionable princesses and Lego, and coloring books - but most of all what I bring is the spirit of Peter Pan.

You see, if the medical doctors initial diagnosis of my cancer fight was correct, I would have been dead a long time ago.  It was nearly 15 years ago that I was first diagnosed with a brain tumor, followed by being diagnosed with neurofibromatosis II - which were both death sentences.

But I found my shadow.  And though you might think it odd, finding my PAN saved my life.

So you see, at 6 foot tall, and even at 47 year old, my body is very strong, those children that I visit in their Neverland, they don't see some old guy bringing toys . . . instead, they see Peter Pan - fighter and conqueror of the dragon.  And when I sit with them, and I tell them the stories of Pan fighting the dragon, of one Mr. James C. Hook, they always lean in . . . they understand.  And I know they find their PAN . . . even if for a short time because God has other plans for them. 

But you see . . . life is filled with magic.  And it becomes magical when you believe.  And God knows I believe.

I really believe.

And so in a few minutes I will be off to shop for these children, knowing that it is not the material gift that matters the most (though at times it helps, particularly when some of these children have no parents there with them [it is true] since they are wards of the state at the ages of 3, and 4, and 5).

And then over the next two weeks I will begin making my rounds to the hospitals, and hopefully teaching as many children as possible how to catch their shadow . . . and how to see the magic because it is right before their eyes - all they have to do is believe.

So today is a very important day for me.  It seems as if so much of my life evolves around keeping several promises I made.  One, when I was fighting the brain tumor that nearly took my life, was that I would do what I could to help others fighting the dragon should I live.  Thus, my ongoing support of research and other outreach at a handful of hospitals.  And of course, several times a year, with Christmas being the biggest time, I get to share the PAN that lives within me with others.  And so if you are wondering why I am willing to fight for children - this is part of the reason.

Fighting cancer should never be taken lightly.  But when trying to overcome any illness, we must learn to use all the tools . . . all the magic that is around us.  This includes the aid of modern medicine, homeopathic treatment, lots and lots of pray, and of course - finding the magic and embracing it.

Life is short. Eventually our spirits move to the next Adventure.

This past Thursday morning, my dear friend Robert Medori passed away while fighting the dragon.  Bobby is one of the nicest persons I have ever known.  He was a good, caring, and loving man, and though he will be missed here on earth, he will always be with me. 

And so today, Bobby will surely be joining me as we shop for the children.

Love Life.  Embrace Life's Magic.

Find your  . . . PAN

- Peter -

'Coldplay' To Open For The 'Cyclone's At The Hollywood Bowl New Years Eve

I can't believe my band is going on tour . . . and having Coldplay no less - Open For Us!!

Check Out Our Little Merry Christmas Melody!

The Cyclones Prepare For Hollywood Bowl New Years Eve Concernt

Helping Children Fighting Cancer During Christmas

Today is one of the days of the year when I know the culmination of my efforts will have an impact of the lives of many children.

You see, as a cancer conqueror, I embrace my responsibilty to help others fight this fight.  And nothing is more important to me - nothing - than helping children fighting cancer.

So today, I embrace my Peter Pan -  And This Is How. Please read -

- Peter -

International Child Kidnapper Threaten Abduction Prevention Advocates

I am not a fan of bullies or individuals who think it is okay to attempt to intimidate someone, especially when there is a child at risk.

If you are bullied, I suggest you take a look at the Stop Bullying website created by the U.S. Government or the NGO 'Reach Out': both offer valuable resources and suggestions.

Being bullied takes a whole different twist when you are physically or psychologically threatened, including having your online identity threatened (this is why I worked very hard at getting online impersonation and identity theft criminal laws passed in California and New York).

No threat should ever be taken lightly, especially when a threat is made by a person who is so out of touch with reality, such as a parent who criminally internationally kidnaps a child.  When a threat comes from a kidnapper, it is important to remember that the person is a delusional psychopath who has placed their own child at grave risk because of their own narcissistic behavior.

Now I must admit, I enjoy receiving letters, particularly from readers from all around the world who have contacted me about my various novels such as Chasing The Cyclone, Cloning Christ, and The Den of the Assassin, or my non-fiction historical works including In Their Own Words or The World Turned Upside Down.

On a near-daily basis I also receive at least one new email from a parent somewhere in the world thanking me for my and the I CARE Foundation's team's work in helping protect chid abduction.

So, as part of the course, and because of the increased activity of the foundation's success in helping others, par for the course is that on occasion I will receive 'Love Letters' from child kidnappers or would-be child abductors offering all sorts of pleasantries.

Today was one of those days when I received more lovely fan mail.

And so, I do try to write back to everyone who writes to me.  So here is my message to my most recent admirer:

My Dear Secret Admirer,
Thank you for taking the time to write and offer some suggestions on things you are willing to do on my behalf.  It is very thoughtful of you to keep me in mind.  It is also very considerate of you to remind me of just how important my and the I CARE Foundation's work is, especially when it comes to standing up to monsters who make threats like you recently have. In being reminded of the lunatics that steal children - you included - I recommit myself to standing in the face of the heinous act of child kidnapping.  And as I reemit myself, I know that there are more than simply a few good men who really care.   

I hope you enjoy your day.  As for me - I am going to go cower under my bed, worry about you, and move to Mars.  Oh wait, instead I think I'm going to take a deep breath, and have a fruit salad ... one filled with oranges, apples, bananas, kiwi, peaches, plums, pears, grapes, melons, strawberries and the likes.  

Thank you for reminding me that there are idiots and bullies in the world who must be stood up to.

So here I am ....

Oh one last thing ... I now know who you are.  Enjoy the rest of the day.

Peter Thomas Senese
Founding Director
The I CARE Foundation

That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing . . . I meant that. - GOD

It has been several weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit the eastern seaboard, causing much talked about but still hard to imagine and comprehend destruction.  In the aftermath of the incomprehensible rage that left behind insanity, something so much more powerful than the tempest appeared: the empowering human spirit that knows how to rise up and push forward to advance our human condition.  Call it what you want - but know it stems from the goodness each person has within - and it can be seen everywhere here in the New York metropolitan area and around the country.

Each day, as I try to play a humble role in helping others here, I see first-hand people from all walks of life banding together to assist those who felt the wrath of the perfect storm.

It is times such as this when we are reminded to the true capability of mankind, and, as demonstrated by our failures and faults, the need to do better.  Much better.

* * *

Yesterday was a meaningful day for Maria and I: we spent part of the day at a synagogue in Brooklyn helping load supplies and food onto trucks that were headed to the Queens peninsula.

We were amongst a diverse group of New Yorkers simply trying to help those in need.  And once again, I was reminded just how special it is to know the true meaning of being a New Yorker: to celebrate our differences and weave them together into the beauty that is the spirit of this magnificent city.

Какая организация пожертвовать, чтобы ураган Сэнди рельеф - католических благотворительных делает гигантские воздействия

На прошлой неделе, многие из нас играли нашей части лучшее, мы можем помочь тем, кто сильно затронуты ураганом Сэнди.

Многие из моих друзей и читателей со всего мира написали мне, спрашивая, как они могут помочь, и кто наиболее нуждается в помощи.

С моей точки зрения очевидно, все пострадавших нуждается в помощи; Однако есть несколько групп, которые может понадобиться наиболее помощь. Они включают:

1. Незарегистрированных жителей. Многие из этих лиц, живущих в районе Нью-Йорка имеют малолетних детей.

2. Жители, которые арендуют. Многие из этих лиц, включая большое количество семей с детьми, не получают помощи и чрезвычайной помощи, которой они нуждаются, особенно поскольку они не имеют страховки.

В попытке определить, какие организации, которые могут быть лучше всего оказывать поддержку, я пришел к выводу, что католических благотворительных будет моя первая рекомендация, чтобы дать поддержку. Просьба рассмотрите посетив их сайт или позвонив непосредственно в 718-722-6202.

Вот почему:

В настоящее время они работают в некоторых из наиболее пострадавших районов урагана Сэнди - означает, что они находятся на переднем крае battleline.

Мысль, они являются «Католических благотворительных», они не считают религиозные убеждения при оказании помощи: они помогают каждому.

Они были вокруг очень долгое время и имеют огромную репутацию помогать другим.

Очевидно, что финансовая пожертвования имеют важное значение и могут быть отправлены непосредственно в католических благотворительных организаций, посетив их сайт или по телефону 718-722-6202.

Что касается поставок это то, что они ищут прямо сейчас:

Новые спальные мешки и одеяла

Baby Daipers

Детские формулы и консервов

Носки для детей и взрослых

Белье для детей и взрослых

Фонари и лазеры и батареи

Моющие средства

Арахисовое масло

Банки тунца

Пальто и куртки

Перчатки и шляпы

Термобелье

Плащ от дождя

Большой продукт пожертвование Примечание: Если вы являетесь, группы или организации, которые могли бы иметь возможность отправить большой запас этих предметов, я предлагаю, направить их на центр распределения Центральной католических благотворительных организаций, который так бывает в Рокуэй, Квинс, которая является одной из областей, наиболее пострадавших от урагана Сэнди.

Адрес центра Центральной распределения Исполняющий обязанности является:

Святой Марии Звезда моря прихода

1920 Ave Нью-Хейвен

Дальний Рокуэй, Нью-Йорк 11691

* Человек отвечает за распределение является г-н Шелдон Питерс. Он может быть достигнуто на 347-585-7734.

Другие места, вы можете отправить поставок:

В Бруклине:

Пресвятой Девы Марии Благовещения

98 Ричардс улица

Бруклин, NY 11231

Храм церковь нашей Леди Милосердия

2866 Западная 17 улица

Бруклин, Нью-Йорк 11224

В Квинсе:

Церковь Святой Елены

восемьдесят третья улица 157-10

Говард Бич, Нью-Йорк 11414

В Стейтен-Айленде

Католических благотворительных организаций

120 Андерсон проспект

Стейтен Айленд, NY 10202

Номер телефона: 347-447-6330

Illegal Immigrants Need Help Due To Hurricane Sandy

We Can't Forget About Anyone - Hurricane Sandy And Undocumented Residents

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy and the ensuing winter storm that is hitting the New York - New Jersey metropolitan area, there is an alarming concern that is growing regarding the safety and well-being of New York residents who were living here in an 'undocumented status' - in another words, they were illegal immigrants - and many of them have been deeply affected and devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

This is not the time to lodge any debate over your belief on whether human beings devastated by this horrific storm should be in the country or not.   

The only thing to remember is that these people - the vast majority trying to build a better life for themselves and their family - have been dramatically hit by the storm and nearly  all of them do not have any safety net such as close-by family, job-related benefits and property insurance.  And they generally have limited financial resources available. 

I am by no means minimizing the difficulties American nations are facing - but this is New York - the amazing place it is because it is made up of immigrants.  And regardless of immigration status - our great city runs as the greatest city in the world because in part of all of our residents.

So today, keep in mind that there are many individuals - similar to 9-11 - who are going to not receive the help and assistance they really need.  And many of these individuals that will fall through the cracks will be the undocumented residents that amongst many things man our restaurants, that tend to our gardens and homes, and most of all, add to the social and cultural vitality that makes New Yorkers global citizens. 

One thing to remember: many of these individuals have young families.  They really need your help.

If you are an 'undocumented resident' and need help, please contact FEMA as they are providing assistance for EVERYONE regardless of residence status.  Also the Red Cross is helping EVERYONE regardless of residence status.  Contact Catholic Charities - you do not need to be Catholic to get help from them - they help everyone equally.  Also, your local churches, synagogues, and mosques are helping EVERYONE regardless of residence status.  Do not be concerned about anything else - these organizations are really only trying to help and are not concerned about anything else.

And to those who are trying to help - remember, many will fall through the cracks.  Your help is so important!

So if you can help in your own way - do so. Now I s The Time To Get involved!

Here are a few important suggestions on how you can do so.

1.  Contact your local church and ask them specifically what type of outreach and assistance they have for all Sandy victims.  Make sure you also ask that they are doing to help undocumented residents and how you can help.  If they have no programs in place to assist Hurricane Sandy victims, consider creating one, or contact a church, synagogue or mosque close by and ask what they're doing. 

2.  Contact any of your local community clubs and organizations such as your local Rotary or Lions Club and ask them what they are doing to help undocumented residents and how you can help. 

3. Contact the leadership of your local schools, or schools in urban areas that have been impacted by the storm, and ask the school's leadership  what they are doing to help undocumented residents and how you can help.

4.  Contact your local hospital's social services department.  Inquire if they are familiar with any cases where a person or family does not have the ability of obtaining assistance (meaning they are undocumented) and ask how you may help.

5.  Contact Catholic Charities and inquire from each one of these offices what they are specifically doing to help undocumented workers and how can you help. I have found Catholic Charities to be resourceful and able to make an impact at the very local level, which is important. 

6.  Contact the Red Cross. 

7.  Some hotels such as Marriott are allowing you to donate your hotel points to the Red Cross without charge.  In turn, the Red Cross is providing shelter in part at hotels such as Marriott for those in need. 

Conversely, if you are an individual living in the New York area without updated or official papers in need of help due to Hurricane Sandy, please know first and foremost that we are a city of immigrants and as a city of immigrants New Yorkers care about one another.  

Make sure you contact FEMA and the organizations listed above in 1-7, including your local church, synagogue, or mosque and ask how they can provide help to you and your family.  

Help is out there.  There are many people who are willing and eager to help those in need.

Remember everyone - we are all in this together.  Acts of humanity and kindness are blind to naturalization papers, religion, color, or religion.  

Please help wherever you can.  And if anyone has any other suggestions or ideas on how we may help, please right to me directly at peter@stopchildabduction.org 

Peter Thomas Senese

Executive Director

The I CARE Foundation

Weird Video Footage Of Hurricane Sandy

Out at Riis Park, Queens New York

People do the strangest of things during times of chaos.  And Bitch Sandy sure brought on more than her fair share of hardship, struggle, irrational behavior - while also bringing out her fair share of idiots.  .

Check out this video compilation for yourself - seriously ... none of this was done on a green screen over at Kaufman, Silver Cup, Chelsea, or Steiner studios.  

Best-selling author and I CARE Foundation
Founding Director Peter Thomas Senese

One last thing: I have announced that I am donating 100% of all my revenue generated from my various international legal thrillers to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy: 

If you're in the areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, please be safe out there.  And wherever you are, if you have the ability of helping those who have been affected, please do.

Kind wishes to all - 

Peter Thomas Senese

Best-Selling Author

Founding Director - I CARE Foundation

Photos of Breezy Point and Long Beach - Hurricane Sandy

Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to spend time in some of New York's most severly hit areas connected to Hurricane Sandy.

Let me make this clear:  Sandy is a Bitch.

The devastation that has occurred in Breezy Point, Riis Park, Rockaway, Long Beach and Gerritsan Beach is so much more than any words or photographs can ever express.

In the coming future these communities - which have been either completely wiped out, or severely crippled - will need great assistance.  Please keep an eye out on those organizations that are specifically being created for direct aid into these communities - as it is critical that aid gets to individuals in immediate despair.

Most of all, please keep all the individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy in your prayers.  Many have lost their life, scores more have been injured, tens of thousands have lost their homes, and millions have been impacted.

Here are a few photographs I though worth sharing:

Breezy Point

Long Beach

Hurricane Sandy: Rockaway Beach, Riis Park Devastation

Last night, when I finally went to bed after the power went out, filled with worry about how my parents, my brothers, my grandmother, and all my friends would fare in the midst of Hurricane Sandy, I could not help but think about friends of mine living out on the Rockaway and Long Beach Peninsulas, particularly since this is where the hurricane was expected to cause the greatest amount of destruction.

Hurricane Sandy lived up to all her billing and then some.

I mean New York City remains shut down, and in reality power is out all over the place, Wall Street and Downtown are shut down .... power is out in nearly 5 million homes (mine included), there is not public transportation (which sucks for many) . . . but none of this compares to what happened to those individuals living in Rockaway, Breezy Poing, and Long Beach.

I ventured into Rockaway and Riis Park a few hours ago.  These are the photos and video I took.

In the aftermath of the brunt of Hurricane Sandy's massive storm on the New York metropolitan area, I had a chance to get out and take some video footage of Rockaway Beach and Riis Park.

                                                             Watch The Video 

Last night the Atlantic Ocean and it's 7 to 10 foot swells roared past the sand beach, crashed into and destroyed the concrete or brick sea walls, and then continued toward Jamaica Bay.  As it did, with the streets drowning with the Atlantic - some areas of Riis and Rockaway had water levels as high as 9 feet high - anything and everything that got in its way was destroyed. 

Combining this devastation that clearly has destroyed an enormous amount of homes is the tragedy that occurred last night in Breezy Point, Queens - where at least 80 homes burnt to ash in wake of a wind-fueled electric fire.

                                                     View The Photographs 

The destruction that hit this beautiful peninsula of Queens was tremendous.  In the coming days there will be an assortment of fundraisers to help those that have lost so much.   Please do what you can to help others.