1 Alex acensor@fastmail.fm 1 2009-11-14T09:09:21-07:00 Marshall 2794 R 647 Although I don't like to label people (whether as "heroes" or "villains" -- as it makes it harder to really see them and communicate with them) I might call Marshall Rosenberg a hero. He gave up a career as a psychologist, many years living on marginal income, to be able to help people resolve conflicts peacefully. Eventually he wrote a book (Nonviolent Communication) and formed a volunteer organization called CNVC that has helped resolve conflicts all over the world. One thing that makes the heavy duty heroes to me is that they persist over years and years -- often with little support and at first little success. It's far easier to look like a hero in a dramatic emergency (as when I used to be an ocean lifeguard) than to persist at making life-supporting changes in society over the long hall -- So to me those slow and steady workers for "a better life" are the real heroes. If this interests you check out www.cnvc.org or www.compassionatecommunication.com 2009-11-17T16:34:25-07:00 1 Rick P. rick@bringingbacktheamericandream.com 1 2009-09-11T16:20:00-06:00 Melanie 2705 587 Melanie... the REAL American Dream This story is dedicated to my awesome little sister Melanie! (aka Herbie. That’s what I call her) Melanie is the kindest, sweetest, gentlest, person I know and has a heart the size of Texas. I was about 10 years old when Melanie was born. My Dad came home from the Hospital and told us kids that we had a new baby sister and that she was extra special because she was born with Downs Syndrome. I have to admit that I didn’t fully understand what that meant and I certainly had no idea what an amazing blessing she would be in my life. Today, like most Fridays, I drove 30 miles south to pick up Melanie and go visit our Mother who resides at an Alzheimer’s care facility in my home town. Mom is in a wonderful facility filled with about 20 of the sweetest little old ladies on earth. Entering this care facility with Melanie is like walking into a Jr. High School with Miley Cyrus. These sweet women can barley remember the last sentence they uttered but every one of them remembers Melanie! They each shout her name and give her a hug as we work our way in to see our mother. The greatest thing about Melanie is that she never has a bad day, NEVER! Her sweet, sweet spirit and her amazingly simple and content outlook on life make her a joy to be around. Melanie is my greatest example of living the American Dream. She makes the most out of every single day, she has lived the full measure of her potential, she literally loves everyone, and she is so grateful for what she does have that she never gives a second thought to what she doesn’t have. I LOVE YOU HERBIE! Until tomorrow… Be Happy! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Kendra B. bell.kendra@yahoo.com 1 2009-08-25T16:08:21-06:00 Tyra 2688 W 572 In 2006, after about 3 years of taking care of my son Chance as a single mother, his father finally stepped back into his life. At first it was very difficult to let go and trust that he would be a steady presence in my son's life. Since our separation he had remarried and I was unsure of how my interaction with his new wife would go. For some women, this situation could be difficult, but in the 3 years that have passed I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my son's step-mother, Tyra. She's like a sister-mom. I am incredibly thankful for her presence in Chance's life. She is an excellent mother. Her presence has allowed me to do things to better myself, through both work and school, because she goes out of her way all the time and is committed to Chance's well-being, health and education. Tyra is loving, accepting and has been exceptionally nice to me. I'm so blessed by her presence in our lives. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Dave Hillman dave@dhillman.com 1 2009-08-22T08:54:08-06:00 Alan 2687 T 571 Al was an educator who believed the best in kids and families. He was a highly regarded (and award winning) elementary school principal when I first met him and not too much later, I found out he had MS. He retired after 25 years and fought MS for his, too few, remaining years. He died a few years ago, far too young - but content that he had made a difference in the lives of countless children. Al cared about children, knew how to get the best out of teachers, and understood what it took to create and run a school that benefited everyone in the community. Al lived his life like a shining model for all those who knew and cared for him. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Paula mailstuff1@yahoo.com 1 2009-08-21T19:39:10-06:00 Kenda 2686 N 570 Kenda is a Hero as she has brought more joy, smiles and higher self-esteem to my young adult child and others like him. You see, Kenda created and directs "Movement E-Motion", a dance program for individuals with different abilities - young adults aged 13 to seniors with Down Syndrome, Autism and physical challenges. This lady, the artistic director of AZDance Group which is a professional contemporary touring dance company, a professional herself for over 29 years, created this program for these particular individuals in order to provide artistic physical activity, movement, expression and dance to them. Participants and parents gain friends, interaction and integration, physical fitness, and higher self-esteem. They also gain incredible exposure to classical and contemporary dance styles taught in a dance classroom as well as outstanding performing opportunities. Kenda has written grants, given her time and done more the past 4 years for our children than anyone I know - to see my child up on stage alongside a professional dancer is an emotion I cannot describe. Kenda has brought so much to my family; she is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Stojan T. stojantrajkovski@gmail.com 1 2009-08-18T11:50:24-06:00 Nicholas 2683 T 569 My beautiful boy Nicholas was born at 32 weeks. A normal pregnancy is 40. Even though he was not that early he only weighed 2 pounds 4 ounces. Other than being little he was perfect. Then 10 days later tragedy hit. He had Necrotizing Enterocolitis which is a gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel(intestine)or part of the bowel. They had to remove the intestine that was dead because they could infect the healthy intestines. Needless to say this lead to numerous complications and 12 surgeries all together over the next almost 12 months. Through all of this pain and misery my Nicholas always lit up when he would her my wife's voice. He liked my voice also, but not like hers. I nick-named her "Sunshine" because to him she was like sunshine. She brightened his day and life. He taught us that no matter what happens we will always have each other for strength and support. He showed us how to love unconditionally. Even when our decisions to do more surgery lead to more pain for him, he still gave my wife and myself his whole heart. He showed us how to work hard at overcoming misfortunes. He taught us to never give up no matter how high the odds are stacked against you. He showed us that if we let others help it did not make us weak, it actually showed us how strong we could be. He showed us how to have hope in the darkest hours. He taught us to be humble and thankful for what we have, and not to dwell on how HE got dealt a bad hand in life. He showed us you can trust a complete stranger with the life of your precious son. He showed us to learn from failure, and not to just be angry because this surgery did not fix him. He showed us the greatest love that exists. What he showed the rest of the world was opportunity and optimism. The opportunity was in the fact that the transplant he needed to have in order to live had only been performed a handful of times on an infant, and had only been successful once. But at least the procedure existed. The optimism was in the fact that he could be the second baby to survive this transplant. Unfortunately Nicholas is now an angel, but maybe the next baby with severe NEC will be helped by what the doctors learned from him. There are still very bad days for my wife and myself when we think about Nicholas. However, there are also great days when we remember his smile, or the way he would get so excited to see us his whole body would be jumping. The two best memories for me were his smile and the way he would blow bubbles from his mouth to get my attention. I guess my point is that in the worst of situations there is always hope. You may have to work hard to find it, but it is there. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Kelly tmbrwolf329@yahoo.com 1 2009-08-13T00:36:00-06:00 Elva 2680 M 568 My hero is my Mom. She has always been a steady, motivating influence in my life. After she retired, she and my Dad decided to travel around, but ended up living in a very small community in deep South Texas. When they moved here, they realized that this community has a terrible frequency of poverty, hopelessness, and despair. So, Mom and Dad began a nonprofit organization here to identify the root causes of poverty in our community, and to create systemic solutions. My Dad has remained a steadfast volunteer, but my Mom has really been the person who has shaped the vision and the services that are offered in this organization. After my divorce, I moved to the same small town that Mom and Dad lived in, and now I am the CEO of the same organization. My Mom is 75 years old, and spends (on average) about 100 hours a week volunteering in the very organization she began. In the 6 years the organization has been in existence, we have helped to transform the lives of countless people who have traditionally been undervalued and who would otherwise have been unable to achieve the goals that they dreamed of. My Mom is the definition of true hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Eric L. elong1064@hotmail.com 1 2009-08-11T18:50:26-06:00 Jim 2677 M 567 My hero is my neighbor, friend, and schoolmate, Jim, who took a personal tragedy in his life and used it to help others. A little more than 25 years ago Jim was nearly killed in an alcohol-related crash near Muncy, PA that resulted in the death of one of his best friends. Jim himself clinically died twice at the scene and was not expected to live through the night. Miraculously, he recovered from his life-threatening injuries. Today, he is married with two children and operates a non-profit organization, Road Radio USA, producing a multi-media show in which he warns elementary, junior and senior high school students about the dangers of underage drinking. He has made a monumental impact on many young lives and may have saved a few by admitting to and showing them his mistakes. He is determined to make a difference in the lives of young people by encouraging them to make the right choices and has overcome a traumatic brain injury to do so. He inspires me and others every day and for using this painful experience to help others, I firmly believe he deserves the title of Hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Tim tim@indiewood.net 1 2009-08-09T17:54:16-06:00 Terry 2675 H 566 Terry Hitchcock is my Hero. After tragically losing his wife to breast cancer and struggling to raise three young children on his own, Terry Hitchcock seized on an idea. He wanted to accomplish the impossible: run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring attention to the incredibly difficult lives of single-parent families. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Devon kermiedafrog745@aol.com 2009-08-06T22:27:47-06:00 Jordan 2674 E 565 My hero is my friend Jordan. He passed away on June 24, 2008 at the age of 14. He was struck in the head by a tree limb while helping his dad cut down a tree. Jordan was a great person. He was involved in basketball, football, wrestling, student council, and was a lance corporal in our state's Young Marines. If you were having a bad day he was the first person to ask what was wrong and would keep asking until you told him. While it would make you mad at first, you realized that you felt better after telling him and he knew just what to say to make you feel better. Even though he and I weren't close friends, many days he would wait for me after school and walk downstairs with me so I wouldn't have to go alone. If he ever did have a bad day, He didn't show it. He always had a smile on his face. Jordan inspired us all by overcoming a learning disability. He was determined to read as well as the rest of the kids in our grade and would practice by reading his family passages from the Bible. He had a very strong faith in God. When Jordan was young, he went through a very traumatic experience that I can't share. He never let this dampen his energetic spirit and love of life. To me, Jordan is the kind of person that I strive to be. He overcame challenges in his 14 years that many people will never have to in their life. His smile, positive attitude, and love for life will be forever remembered and loved by everyone who knew him. "God never promised us tomorrow so live life to the fullest."~ Jordan E. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-07-27T09:52:10-06:00 Diana 1026 564 Diana’s story begins in the East Side community of San Antonio, a place plagued by not only poverty but also environmental contamination from local industrial businesses, such as nuclear plants and fuel companies that to this day continue to shadow the area ominously dubbed the “Toxic Triangle.” Environmental contamination from such industrial businesses has been a heavy burden on the East Side community, creating widespread health problems such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses.\r\n\r\nDiana started to become involved in activism in her community in February 2007, when residents successfully fought against a planned installation of two diesel storage tanks in the East Side by a company called Redi Fuel. Inspired by the victory of her community members against the corporation’s plans, Diana decided she wanted to further change the East Side for the better.\r\n\r\nThus, she came up with the idea of starting an urban garden. At the time she started working on this project, called the Roots of Change Community Garden, the East Side of San Antonio had no fresh vegetable market, and people had nowhere to turn for fresh, clean produce. Diana decided she wanted to create a wholesome garden where her East Side neighbors could access healthful produce at little to no cost.\r\nWith generous donations and help from many local businesses, Diana was able to make her dream into a reality, as they worked together to construct and launch the garden. She has motivated local organizations to join her in her efforts, and the Southwest Workers Union in particular now serves as the backbone of support, along with the 400 community members who have participated in garden workdays so far.\r\n\r\nDiana organized workshops about urban gardening, so that community members could tour the garden and see what kind of work goes on there. She has also held talks at the garden about environmental justice in the community, and how the Roots of Change Community Garden fits into the wider scope of a movement toward remedying the ecological problems of San Antonio.\r\n\r\nToday, Diana continues to do a lot of hard work for her garden, serving as the garden coordinator and working with staff to ensure the plants are healthy and the space is well-maintained. This diligent young woman also handles the budget, grant writing, shopping, outreach, and trouble shooting for the Roots of Community Change Garden. Due to her continuous hard work and dedication, the community now has a place to purchase fresh, clean, organic produce. Not only that, the garden also serves as an educational community center where people can come together to learn about nutrition, organic gardening, and sustainable technologies – valuable information that is hard to come by in San Antonio’s East Side. Her project has had such far reaching effects that local Edison High School took the initiative to start their own similar garden project.\r\n\r\nDiana’s story truly speaks to believing in your ideas and convictions toward making positive changes in the world. Although faced with limited financial resources, she is committed to continuing her education through college, and has dedicated her life to activism and tackling the daunting problems in her community. Her willingness to give back to her community and help her fellow East Side residents admirably demonstrates both selflessness and dedication.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-07-27T09:43:58-06:00 Adarsha 1025 563 In 2008, 15-year-old Adarsha came up with an idea that would alleviate both poverty and environmental degradation for villages in rural India: the promotion of a plant called Jatropha curcas in lieu of the tobacco that farmers were harvesting as a cash crop. A hardy shrub, Jatropha seeds are an economically sustainable and ecologically friendly source of biofuel, a huge improvement over the cultivation of tobacco, which requires cutting down huge swathes of forest in order to have ample land space to cure the tobacco under the sun.\r\n\r\nArmed with his idea and incredible dedication, Adarsha took action. He started by approaching both Parivarthana, an NGO that assists farmers, and Labland Biotechs, a plant biotechnology company, and bringing the two together to collaborate on the campaign, which he named Project Jatropha. Using the money he had earned in 2006 for winning the California State Spelling Bee, Adarsha bought the first 1000 Jatropha curcas seedlings that were planted in a rural village in India.\r\n\r\nTo date, Adarsha has distributed 13,000 Jatropha seedlings to over 50 self-help group leaders in rural Indian villages. Adarsha has made multiple trips to India to facilitate Project Jatropha, working closely with Parivarthana and Labland Biotechs, and he has organized numerous town-hall meetings with villagers to explain the benefits and process of the project in full. He has also taken farmers to the Labland Biotechs facilities to show them firsthand how the Jatropha seeds are turned into biofuel. Project Jatropha has committed to buying back the Jatropha seeds from the farmers at the market price, after which Labland Biotechs will convert the seeds to fuel. Adarsha plans on selling to fuel to local corporations and using the proceeds to further expand Project Jatropha, which he continues to lead to this day. He spends most of his summer and winter breaks in India to work on Project Jatropha.\r\n\r\nAdarsha’s hard work has helped to alleviate poverty in the villages by providing extra income to struggling Indian farmers, and has combated the deforestation that would have occurred if the farmers had instead been cultivating tobacco. The positive effects of Project Jatropha go beyond that however, for in addition, the processing of Jatropha seeds does not create carbon dioxide, thus cutting back harmful emissions. Adarsha’s project has also inspired many local youth, who have joined forces with him to spread the word among their communities about the benefits of cultivating Jatropha.\r\n\r\nAt only 16 years old, Adarsha is an accomplished, ambitious young man with amazing vision and dedication to Project Jatropha. He has persevered in the face of many challenges: his young age, language barriers, physical distance from India, and the skepticism of disillusioned farmers who held a deep mistrust of outsiders. Adarsha is proof that there are youth with the vision and devotion to make a difference in the world. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 El Paso U.S.A. 2009-07-26T13:23:02-06:00 Jorge 1023 M 562 Texas My hero is my husband, Jorge. I met Jorge when I was at a very difficult point in my life. I had just graduated high school and I didn’t know whether I was coming or going half of the time. I was all about the party and not at all about responsibility. Before meeting Jorge, I never thought it was possible for just one person to make such a deep impact on one’s life. The best and worst thing about Jorge is that he doesn’t view his life as an inspiration nor does he feel like he has accomplished much. Jorge is a Specialist in the U.S. Army. He will celebrate his three year anniversary on August 31st of this year but there is so much more to him than just that. Jorge had a very dark childhood that rolled over into his teenage years and then into his young adult life. Finally at the age of 27 was able to catch a break. Jorge has been on his own since the age of 15 but in reality he has been on his own before that as well. Only a couple of people know what Jorge has gone through in his life and I find myself privileged and humbled to be one of those people. If you ask my husband if his story is inspirational, he will tell you “no”, but if you ask me I will tell you “yes.” Jorge cared and provided for himself from a young age. He kept himself motivated and always wanted more than just average. He strives for excellence and although he can’t see it himself he is one of the greatest men alive. Jorge has a determination and a hunger that you don’t see in most people. Just to be around that for the last four years has been infectious. I went back to college because he made/makes me believe I can do anything in this world. However, he doubts his own ability and intelligence all the time. My husband lived (literally) on the streets of Miami but he is far from a product of his environment. He has overcome and endured so much and has such passion. He is so very capable and intelligent; he could do anything and everything he puts his mind to. Jorge came into my life when I needed someone the most. He is my own personal angel here on earth and he deserves to be honored. Jorge you are my hero and there is nothing in this world you cannot accomplish. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage, Jorge has all of these and more. Hoo-ah Solider! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Brule USA 2009-07-24T03:47:21-06:00 Mabel 1021 B. 561 Nebraska Mabel was my Grandma. I truly think she was really an Angel though. She was almost non-human in the ways she dealt with people. Here are some of the extraordinary examples from her life that have had a profound effect on mine: 1. When my father was a child, some gas splashed on his legs at the gas station and right then a man threw a cigarette butt. My dad, who was 8 yrs old, caught fire on his legs. My grandmother grabbed him and put out the fire with her bare hands - she just used her hands and placed them over his legs which did put out the fire but left her hands severely burned. 2. One day we went to the library. Grandma slipped on the cement steps outside and fell. She was about 83 at the time. I could tell she was in a great deal of pain but she just laid there quietly trembling and said "Don't worry about me, I'm just fine, I'm going to lay here for a minute and then I'm going to get up so we can go on with our day. Your coloring book is over there in my purse if you want to color for a minute while I get my breath back." She wasn't even crying. I called 911 and eventually at the hospital they told us she had fractured her hip - that it had shattered like chalk. 3. Little things: Both of Grandma's ankles were severely swollen and black - she had some kind of very painful disorder that made them that way. Dad always told me before we'd go to her house "Now don't make Grandma get up and walk - you know that every step she takes hurts her." Despite my refusing any goodies or any of the several offers of hospitality she would make when we were there, she always popped right out of that seat to greet us and then would walk constantly getting us this and that. She never, ever complained. Dad said it made her feel good to take care of others. 4. No matter who she dealt with, Grandma always had her very subtle, thoughtful ways to make that person feel like royalty. Whether it was remembering the mailman's birthday or complimenting the store clerk on a new hairdo, Grandma always went out of her way to genuinely make people feel special and cared about. 5. Although some people did her wrong - she NEVER spoke poorly of a person. She never ever said a negative thing about another person. Even when she had every reason to. 6. Grandma had money - apparently lots (before our family lost it later). I never knew this. From the way Grandma lived,I always thought she was poor. I was astonished years later to find that she was actually a millionaire at one point. Even though Grandpa bought her jewelry and a fur coat she never wore any of it because all her friends were either middle class or poor and she didn't want to make them feel bad because they didn't have such nice things. She never did wear that coat. 7. I can't remember Grandma ever doing one thing for herself - she literally lived to serve others. Everything she did was for someone else and it made her happy. She was eternally kind and gracious - the kind of thing you never see anymore. She was such an amazingly selfless person that I could never hope to be half the person she was but I am always trying. I always think that if more people were blessed to have such a positive role model in their lives perhaps they'd strive to be better people too. She was not a celebrity or any wealthy socialite. She was just a farmer/builder's wife in a very small town in rural Nebraska. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Wapato USA 2009-07-21T07:40:48-06:00 Charlie 1020 B 560 WA My father has always been a hero in my life. Ever since I can remember he always was my symbol of strength, success, and inspiration. He always pushed me to become something better and never failed to inspire someone. We avidly play recreational softball and everyone admires him for his humor, athleticism, and most importantly friendliness. He is there when anyone needs to talk and work situations out. He has taken in some of my cousin as his own children and taught them so many things. He shows people that the sky is the limit, but you make your own boundaries. Even though at times he struggles, he always has someone else’s best interest at mind and heart. He taught me to be a strong individual and to accept nothing less than the best. I recently took in 3 foster children and at times I felt like I failed them and could no longer make it. He was there to offer advice and comfort me when I cried. He showed me that what I do in life doesn’t matter if I don’t influence anyone else to be better. He may not be a super hero or someone worldly known, but he is my hero whether he knows it or not. He shares his values with others hoping that everyone will become better individuals influencing the world one person at a time. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Seattle United States 2009-07-20T07:42:00-06:00 Susan 1018 H 559 Washington When I was growing up my family consisted of three brothers and two sisters. My two sisters are much younger than I am. As I grew older I always wished I had an older sister (while I have an older brother it’s not the same thing).\r\n\r\nTo my way of thinking an older sister is someone who can inspire you to do things you never thought possible. She also listens and can give you advice like know one else can. Well Susan is that person to me. When I first met her almost four years ago I knew she was the older sister I had always dreamed of having. \r\n\r\nSusan just by her wonderful example has taught me to belief in myself again. I have never known anyone who always has to be doing something to help others like Susan. In other words she matters and every day of her life she makes a positive difference in the world. \r\n\r\nThe most important thing Susan taught me was this: don't do anything to embarrass yourself, your family, your faith or your team. Once you lose your honor and integrity you have lost everything. \r\n\r\nMy older sister, Susan, helped me to turn my life around. The encouragement she has given me to go out and do what I once thought was impossible. She has helped me to get my life back again. Because she believes in me and sees me not for who I am but for who I will become. That's why she will always be my big sister and more importantly my hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Asheville USA 2009-07-17T12:18:05-06:00 Marcus 1017 T 558 NC Marcus has demonstrated extreme determination to overcome injuries that left him quadriplegic. He has learned to paint beautiful pictures by holding the paintbrush in his mouth. The incredible thing about this is that he did not know he could paint before his injuries caused him to be unable to use his arms or hands. He always manages to keep his, and others, spirits up. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Weaverville USA 2009-07-17T10:29:50-06:00 Marcus 1015 T 557 North Carolina Seeing & knowing Marcus is a blessing to everyone's life he touches! Teaching himself to paint beautiful paintings after being paralyzed from the shoulders down is just a miracle! Marcus is always happy and enjoying life! The rest of us could learn a lot about life from him! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Weaverville USA 2009-07-14T09:09:51-06:00 Marcus 1010 T 556 NC Marcus is a neighbor I am just coming to know. I am immediately drawn to this man not because of his disability (he is a quadriplegic) but because of this many positive character traits. He is a man who appreciates life and inspires me to be the best that I can be. He uses his mind to learn daily and has independence despite his situation. This man is true hero each time I get to be by his side. I have always come away from him feeling as if the impossible can be achieved if I just believe in myself! It amazes me how he can pick me up and inspire me so! Marcus loves life and does not spend any time feeling sorry for himself. He is truly a hero for us all! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Asheville USA 2009-07-14T06:53:56-06:00 Marcus 1009 T 555 North Carolina Marcus was injured in a skiing accident when he was in his early 20's. He has been completely paralyzed from the neck down since this accident. Marcus with the help of his wife, Anne, learned to paint beautiful paintings by holding the paint brush in his mouth. His paintings are incredible and he is fascinating to watch. Marcus is a super, super nice man and inspires others through his work. I have a handicap 12 year old son, Krae, and we met Marcus about 3 years ago at the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville. We were attending a concert and our handicap seating was next to his and Annes. We talked through the entire concert and I was amazed to hear about his work and he's positive outlook on life despite his not being able to move any part of his body from is neck down. We made fast friends and I attended his art show in Blowing Rock's Arts in the Park the following weekend. I, along with hundreds of other people, watched him paint out in the heat for hours. I purchased one of his paintings and it's hanging in my office at home. I think of Marcus every time I look at it and in all of my life, he is the most remarkable and talented human I've ever met. Marcus also gives back in other ways. My husband and I started a foundation to raise money to fund programs in the North Carolina for children with special needs and disabilities. Marcus helps us raise money by donating his artwork that we auction off. He deserves more than anyone I know to be recognized as a hero! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00