Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Carolee H.

At three, Carolee was diagnosed with cancer that was considered incurable. Thinking she wouldn't live, doctors operated, but damaged muscle around her kidney. Her parents were told to make her comfortable until she died. She didn't die, but lives to this day with much pain.

Expecting her third child, she was diagnosed with rare heart disease. Nearly losing her life, she chose to have the baby. Years later she found she was expecting a fourth child. Although warned against it, she chose to put her life at risk and have the baby.

Her sister was diagnosed with the same disease while expecting her ninth baby, but neither survived. Living with constant pain and heart problems, Carolee has taken in each of her sister's eight children, along with her own four. She celebrates birthdays, Christmas and special occasions with them, supports them emotionally and financially through education, weddings, babies and life.

Her giving doesn't end there. She's the first to offer help when a neighbor needs it. She's involved in community and church and always serving or helping others.

I've seen days when Carolee can hardly walk for hurting and fatigue, but I have never seen her give up. She insists on helping others when she could easily say no.

Story was submitted anonymously