Every nine minutes, a child somewhere in America is confirmed to have suffered sexual abuse. That’s 160 confirmed cases every single day. In 2023 alone, more than 60,000 cases of child sexual abuse were substantiated by Child Protective Services in the U.S.—and those are just the reported ones.

But behind each number is a story. A little voice that was silenced. A child whose world was torn apart. In our own community, children in Topeka are suffering. And one man—Andy Diegel—is determined to make sure they aren’t suffering alone.

Andy, Catering Director for AIM Strategies, is one of just 17 men selected as a 2025 LifeHouse Hero. When asked what he wants the community to understand, he said:

“This isn’t just a private tragedy. It’s a community issue that demands a community response. Every child deserves to feel safe living anywhere in Topeka.”

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center provides more than just a place to talk. They provide hope, justice, healing, and a safe, trauma-informed path forward. Their multi-disciplinary team—made up of law enforcement, child protection services, mental health experts, and medical professionals—works together to reduce the trauma these children face, often when they’re at their most vulnerable.

We asked Andy what he thought he would feel if his own child ever needed the support on LifeHouse, “Aside from the heartbreak, disgust, and anger I’d feel if my own child needed their services,” Andy added, “I would also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Because LifeHouse exists. Because there is a compassionate team ready to walk families through unimaginable pain.”

Thanks to LifeHouse, children who once felt broken, ashamed, and terrified are being given the chance to heal. They’re more likely to stay in school, form healthy relationships, and grow into resilient adults who know their worth.

Seth Wagoner, CEO/CFO of AIM Strategies, says this about Andy and LifeHouse:

“Andy is an inspirational leader—ethical, visionary, and committed. LifeHouse is an incredible charity doing difficult, vital work for children when no one else is there.”

And now, AIM Strategies is stepping up again—this time with a generous matching donation. Every dollar our community gives from NOW until April 22, to support Andy’s fundraising efforts will be DOUBLED up to $2,000. That means your $25 becomes $50. Your $100 becomes $200.

Don’t look away.

Don’t scroll past. Too many people do.

Every minute that passes, another child suffers. You can be part of changing that.

👉 DONATE HERE to support children in our community walking through the unimaginable trauma.

There is also an online raffle Andy is working on. Check out all the details