Update:
The episode is available online HERE.
Don’t forget to watch Lifetime’s Health Corner today, June 20th at 9:30 am ET/8:30 am CT, when they air a segment about Danny and Sophia’s Heart Foundation.
Danny Gokey: Giving Back With Sophia’s Heart
Danny Gokey’s best days really are ahead of him. About two years ago, he picked himself up after the unexpected death of his young wife Sophia, became an American Idol finalist, a singing star, and now, more than ever, he’s giving back. “I don’t know what gave me the strength to go on and do it. I think maybe just trying to find purpose in a tragedy like, ‘Ok, you know there’s pain but let there be purpose in this pain, let something good come out of it,’” he says.
Through Sophia’s Heart, the foundation Danny created in memory of his late wife, Danny is making a difference at places like Hope House. “I live at Hope House. It’s a shelter for mothers and families. If it wasn’t for Hope House, I think I would have been lost right now,” says Jasmine Ramos. And HeartLove Ministries. “The money from Sophia’s Heart will directly help build families,” says Darren Fisher of HeartLove Ministries.
“I love getting out and singing. That’s one of the main calls in my life is to sing. But at the same time, I feel like another one of my calls or destinies in life is to help people. And I just see that being a great marriage, entertainment and charitable causes,” says Danny. “It’s so funny, because it was in the midst of the most horrible time in my life that I actually went and followed a dream.”
Danny tried out for American Idol just a few months after Sophia died during what should have been routine surgery for a congenital heart condition. Now when the spotlight shines on Danny, it also shines on Sophia’s Heart and its mission.
“Music and art programs are the programs that they take away out of schools first and we believe that they are the most important programs that need to be in school because they set an atmosphere for learning. That flows over into math, into science that really enhances learning,” Danny continues, “We do Sophia’s Heart of Education in which we give away scholarships. We do Sophia’s Heart of Compassion, which is feeding the poor, clothing the poor, housing the poor. Last and not least is our fourth program, Sophia’s Heart of Medical Relief. We want to start helping families out who go through medical problems who have high medical bills so we can help alleviate the pain because I’ve been there,” he says.
Tenacity, compassion and a great voice. It’s no wonder Danny’s fans are so devoted. “I’ve been waiting 7 hours to see Danny Gokey.” “I love his positive message and I love his voice,” say fans.
Meaghan Bynam flew halfway across the country with her guide dog, Whitney, to be at Danny’s concert. “His voice, his heart, the passion that he has for other people, it’s amazing,” she says.
Danny has never given up on life and now he helps others achieve their dreams.
“I’m very grateful to Sophia’s Heart and Danny,” says Jasmine. “I hope God will bless him double for that.”
The episode will only be available online HERE after the program airs on TV but, right now, you can watch a web-extra segment about Hope House, one of the organizations helped by SHF, HERE.
Danny Gokey: Hope House
Danny Gokey discusses his career, his late wife, and his Hope House and Sophia’s Heart Foundation.
I know no one is perfect but my gosh Danny Gokey is close to it. He is the epitome of what, if you could choose all the desirable attributes- spiritually, mentally and physically and rolled them up into one human being!
All I acn say is Bravo Danny!
sorry not acn- can!