Elliot Costello’s life was drastically altered in a way he never would have imagined in 2013 after traveling to an orphanage in Cambodia.
He was unaware, though, that a meeting would occur that would alter thousands of other people’s lives as well.
It all began in 2013 when Australian social entrepreneur Elliot Costello got to know a young child named Thea.
The 10-year-old girl, Thea, had been saved from a horrible situation, but regrettably, she had wound up in an orphanage. She had been sexually and physically abused for two years, and the torture had a lasting effect. Regretfully, if Elliot hadn’t existed, we might never have learned about this courageous young girl.
However, let’s start at the beginning.
Thea’s life was happy once she was born. The Cambodian girl was loved and cared for by her mother, father, and other family members just like any other child. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas for her. Her father unexpectedly passed away one day, and his loss was tragic in many ways. Not only had it been a painful and emotional experience, but Thea’s father had been the only provider for the family. The family was left in dire straits after his death.
When things became so awful for Thea, her mother had to make the painful choice to place her daughter in an orphanage since she was no longer able to care for her. Sadly, the little girl would end up spending a miserable life there.
The director of the orphanage allegedly sexually and physically abused Thea every day for two years, according to Polished Man.
Thea was eventually moved to another Hagar International-run orphanage in Phnom Penh. Australian social entrepreneur Elliot Costello became close to the boy during a visit there by playing games of naughts and crosses. The 10-year-old child, in spite of everything she had experienced, exuded happiness and optimism.
Thea used to constantly have nail polish on her tiny nails, so one day she wanted to paint Elliot’s. They had a great time together as they sat and chatted.
“I promised her that I would always remember her and her suffering,” Elliot remarked as she painted one of his nails
Elliot was inspired to try and modify men’s behavior after meeting with Thea in order to reduce the number of children who experience sexual abuse. In order to demonstrate support, he also came up with the idea to launch a trend where males paint their nails.
Another symbolic interpretation of painting one nail is that it stands for the one in five children who may experience sexual abuse. It is immediately clear from looking at the numbers that we must put in a lot of effort to solve this problem.
Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults involve minors who are 17 years of age or younger, according to the YMCA. Unbelievably, one in six boys and one in four girls will experience sexual abuse before they become 18 years old.
Elliot believes that since men account for over 90% of this kind of abuse against children, they should be the ones to drive change. In light of this, a large number of international superstars have joined the nail painting craze.
Polished Man is still working to provide a better, safer environment for children today. Their principal goal is to stop child sexual abuse. “Being a Polished Man means challenging violent behavior and language, both locally and globally,” the organization states.
Chris Hemsworth is one well-known person who has taken a strong stance; he posed for the organization with a painted nail.
It takes more than just remembering to purchase flowers, shouting rounds, or lifting a lot to be a @PolishedMan. Saying no to violence against children is the main goal, according to Hemsworth.
Famous surfers Kelly Slater and Zac Efron also participated in the social media challenge, and maybe more people will openly speak out against child abuse.
Although the campaign began quietly a few years prior, by 2014 it had drawn the interest of numerous prominent media outlets.
The organization has persevered in its hard work and has now existed for a decade. Polished Man claims that $8.7 million has been raised to fund trauma prevention and recovery initiatives for women and children who have experienced or are at danger of experiencing violence in Australia and other countries.
KEVIN COSTNER’S BIG DECISION TO HAVE KIDS AT 50 BACKFIRES – DIVORCE FILED AFTER 18 YEARS
Kevin Costner was initially hesitant about having more children in his 50s. Despite already being a father to four kids from a previous marriage, he and his second wife, Christine Baumgartner, decided to expand their family. They had three children together after getting married in 2004.
Recently, Kevin and Christine have ended their 18-year marriage. The couple shares three children, and their decision to part ways marks a significant change for the family.
Kevin’s fear of expanding his family came true, as his second wife has filed for divorce. Despite their split, the family’s bond and their shared interests remain an important part of their lives.
Kevin Costner, famous for movies like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Bodyguard,” has seven children. Despite his success as an actor, he had concerns about having more kids in his 50s. His wife, Christine Baumgartner, who is 19 years younger than him, wanted to have children.
In a 2008 interview, Kevin admitted, “I was afraid I couldn’t be an effective father.” His initial worries about expanding his family were a big concern for him at the time.
Kevin Costner realized he didn’t want to risk losing his wife, Christine, due to his fear of having more children. He decided to overcome his hesitation and embrace fatherhood once more. At 52, he welcomed his fifth child, Cayden.
Kevin was thrilled to be a father again, but he had some worries. In a 2007 interview with People, he expressed his concern: “My fundamental fear is that my new baby, someone else will raise him … I won’t get to coach him in what I think it is to be a man.” Despite these fears, Kevin was eager to be involved in his child’s life.
Actor Kevin Costner and his wife Christine Baumgartner with their son Cayden at Daytona International Speedway on July 5, 2008, in Daytona Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his worries, Kevin makes sure to spend quality time with his children. He plays with them and teaches them to be independent, just like any other parent trying to navigate parenthood.
Kevin also shared some funny advice about what he’s learned from being a dad for decades. He joked:
Kevin Costner’s family includes seven children from both his marriages. Here’s a look at his kids:
From His First Marriage to Cindy Silva:
After his first marriage ended, Kevin admitted that his faith in relationships was “shaken” due to the breakdown of his first marriage. He said, “No one wants their marriage to end,” and the experience had a significant impact on him. Despite these challenges, Kevin has worked to be a devoted father to all his children.
Kevin Costner has seven children from different relationships. Here’s a look at his kids:
From His First Marriage to Cindy Silva:
1. Annie Costner** – Born in 1984, Annie is Kevin’s eldest child. She has acted in movies like *Dances With Wolves* and co-founded a film company called Sound Off Films in 2014.
Kevin has mentioned that not being able to see his children as much as he wanted has been a difficult adjustment for him.
Lily Costner, born in 1986, is Kevin Costner’s second child and a talented singer like her dad. Joe Costner, born in 1988, works in the entertainment industry as an audio engineer and production sound mixer.
Kevin also has a less-known son, Liam Costner, born in 1996 from a short relationship. Liam prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
In 2004, Kevin married Christine, and they had a son named Cayden Wyatt Costner in 2007. They had another son, Hayes Logan Costner, in 2009. Both boys like music and sports.
Lily Costner, born in 1986, is Kevin Costner’s second child and a talented singer like her dad. Joe Costner, born in 1988, works in the entertainment industry as an audio engineer and production sound mixer.
Kevin also has a less-known son, Liam Costner, born in 1996 from a short relationship. Liam prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
In 2004, Kevin married Christine, and they had a son named Cayden Wyatt Costner in 2007. They had another son, Hayes Logan Costner, in 2009. Both boys like music and sports.
The divorce news has received mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment, while others suppose it’s beneficial for his wife, given that Kevin is significantly older than her.
While many people reserved their judgments about the shocking revelation of their separation, countless onlookers shared their opinions. One user wrote:
“Yep, he is too old for her anyway! Good for her! You old people have to learn the hard way!”
Leave a Reply