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 USA 2006-08-28T06:10:38-06:00 Russell 7 C. 2 Ohio My mom married this guy named Russell when I was around two years of age. Which is probably the best decision she ever made. He saved my family from crashing down. He saved me from becoming a worthless person to this world. I thought I was taking up space and breathing some better person's air. Through time he made me realize I don't have to be that person. So right now I am a person trying to be somebody in this world instead of another kid who doesn't care about anything. He taught me about God and showed me how lucky I am. I realized what I've got and what I should do with it. You’re going to hear about me thanks to Russell. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Sydney Australia 2007-03-28T17:54:45-06:00 Jessie 277 S. 257 NSW Jessie S. I can't really describe her in a paragraph. She is one of the most influential and wonderful people in my life. Jessie is kind, thoughtful and an all-around pleasure to be with. She has an awesome character and strives to do well in every aspect of what she does. She is always cheerful and full of life. Jessie is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Chicago USA 2007-04-08T14:26:20-06:00 Bryant 281 L 258 Illinois Born and raised in Cabrini Green, Chicago's most notorious housing project, Bryant beat the odds and became a person that everyone can look up to. Raised in an extremely impoverished community where he shared a one-bedroom apartment with four others and where friends and family were continually being lost to the streets, Bryant resisted the negative influences around him and excelled in school. He graduated from high school in 1992 with a 3.8 GPA. Right after high school he served for 4 years in the military. Somehow, he loved his great country so much that he decided to serve it even when it had challenged him so much. He came back a stronger leader and did not waste any time before continuing his education. That same year his hard work paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious University of Chicago. He graduated with an impressive 3.1 GPA and is currently employed by one of the regions top research centers. While paying off his substantial student loans, he managed to move his mother and grandmother out of the housing projects. In short, Bryant is an amazing, determined, and inspirational person who never let the hand life dealt him stop him from becoming who he is…A hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike USA 2007-04-26T10:07:13-06:00 Lena 288 M. 259 Florida Have you ever had a notion to lie down and give up, no matter how much you wanted to achieve? Well, that's how I felt until I met Mrs. M. Mrs. M is a teacher at my high school. She is viewed as our mom. She not only educates, she inspires, and is admired and adored. No matter how dogmatic the world is, Mrs. M. sagaciously turns all situations into a learning medium. She has taught me to succeed and never let my guard down. She has taught me patience, love, and has shown me that I have the ability to climb the ladder of success no matter how challenging it becomes. I owe my success to her. She is to be praised for meeting the expectations of the future and doing it with great tenacity and a constant smile. Love you, Mrs. M.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Anonymous, Miami, FL. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike USA 2007-04-26T10:07:40-06:00 Kezia 289 P 260 Illinois Kezia is my mother. I nominate her because of the hard work she did in bringing up the ten of us. Neither she nor my dad had formal employment. She did manual work and subsistence business to ensure that we had clothing, food and school levies. She is an exceptional mother who deserves recognition.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Pete A., Chicago, IL. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2007-04-26T10:08:03-06:00 Andrew 290 M. 261 Nevada My son Andrew nearly cut off 3 fingers in May 2005 and has had to endure months of physical therapy, surgery and doctors. He has never complained nor given up in all that he has been asked to do. He was in cast and splints all summer, thus he could not keep his summer job as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. He re-entered college including all his welding courses and to this day I have not heard him complain. He has more work to be done and most likely more therapy and surgery....but for some reason he has shown conviction and strength about his recovery. I hope I can be as strong as he has been. Andrew is my hero.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Marilyn C., Nevada 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike Darfur 2007-04-26T10:08:34-06:00 Nsubagu 291 R 262 Darfur I am a Sudan national working with African Union Mission in the Sudan. I would like to recommend to you Mr. R., Seniour Humanitarian Affairs Officer. He has displayed courage, determination, compassion and character towards local staff. R. came to the mission in October 2004 and was deployed in Darfur from October 2004 to August 2005. \r\nDarfur was not easy to live in, but he has endured it all. He has lived a life of example and sacrifice, at times preferring to walk rather than moving around in air conditioned Mission vehicles, despite the harsh temperatures. He will be returning to his home country, Uganda, in late December 2006. The IDPs and we the Local Staff of AMIS will miss him.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Anonymous, Darfur 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike USA 2007-04-26T10:09:03-06:00 Mark 292 E 263 New York On Labor Day Sunday, 1996, I was on a go-cart and had a terrible accident. I was scalped. I prayed that I would live. After all, I was only 8 years old.\r\n\r\nI met Dr. Mark E. He operated on me that day for 17 hours, and two more times. It took a long time to realize that what happened to me on that day was not an accident. I have learned that good comes out of every bad situation, if you just look for it.\r\n\r\nThis changed my life forever because someone came into my life that made me into the person I am today. He changed my physical appearance but he also showed me things that I wouldn't have learned if it wasn't for him. Some of us look at others different because the way we look. I learned that I looked different but I wasn't different inside. I was the same person as I was before.\r\n\r\nDr. E. is my angel. He is such a wonderful doctor. Because of Dr. E., I have been able to do things that I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. I had my junior prom, 2 senior proms, I was Student of the Year 2005, I attend college and I have confidence. Because of him I was able to not worry about the way I would look ever again. He is my idol, my friend and my hero.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Tara R., Islip, NY. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2007-04-26T10:09:32-06:00 Jarem 293 F. 264 Oregon At 14 yrs. old Jarem lost his leg above the knee to cancer. Since then he has been a Super Hero.\r\n\r\nAn avid outdoorsman, Jarem grew up hiking, skiing & biking with his family and friends. When he lost his leg many doctors told him he would most likely never be able to telemark (free heel) ski again. The technology and prosthetic equipment just weren't there.\r\n\r\n Never accepting the "I can't mind set, Jarem developed the first prosthetic knee that would provide an athlete the ability to do the sports he loves. Jarem has become the world's first above knee amputee who is able to ski backcountry and throw back flips covering a distance of 60'!! Last year he also competed in the 1st ever eXtremity Games and won the rock climbing event. Jarem, now in his early 30's, is a man among men and for these reasons that I have mentioned he is a perfect candidate as a Hero for your Foundation.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Todd S., Wixom, MI 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike USA 2007-04-26T10:10:06-06:00 Marda 294 S 265 California My young mom is my hero. She started from scratch. My father did not treat us right and left. She raised me alone since I was 2. No one else in the family helped us. We came to the USA but did not know enough to make a living. She prayed, continuously learned, worked very hard, never lost focus and was able to pay for child care and food. She is always concerned about my needs before hers. I went through three surgeries and she was always there. Till this date she takes me to the doctor and I have never seen her frustrated. She is a role model, very soft but courageous. She is extremely beautiful; she was a model. She knew a modeling career would not pay her consistently and she would not have enough time to raise me right so she accepted a state job, built up her credit, bought a new house and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. She cried so hard when we finally had our home and knew no one could throw us out anymore. She has given me the values of good karma, hard work & honest pay, never quit, be responsible, continuous faith, persistence and patience. She is very strong and denied to marry her boyfriend who asked her to leave me. She is the most responsible young woman I know. She is the best mother on this planet and my true hero.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Yuvraaj, Mather, California. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike India 2007-04-26T10:10:42-06:00 Anand 295 R 266 Bangalore My hero is my husband. He has been a constant motivator who has encouraged me to study further after having two sons and still continues to encourage me; today I am a successful secondary teacher in an International school, thanks to him. I owe all my success to this great man who has tolerated me for all the tantrums I made but never once complained.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Priya A. from Bangalore 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike USA 2007-04-26T10:11:07-06:00 Ben 296 P 267 Washington I am writing to you about one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He's saved my life (in a different way). For the last few months I have been suffering from a horrible anxiety disorder, was given the wrong medication and was hospitalized. Through that time I had horrible suicidal thoughts caused by the withdrawal of this medication and became extremely depressed. Ben has been there for me since day one. Not only has he lost his best friend to suicide, lost his dog, and has had the worst luck I have ever seen, he has always managed to keep me motivated to get better and overcome my disorder. I have been on and off of so many medications that numb me to any feelings or emotions for anybody or anything, but even then Ben knew I needed him and stood by my side. He just recently built a shop on some acreage in the country and with the disastrous weather we have had lately, his shop was severely damaged by fallen trees. Even then he kept on going. Ben has been a true inspiration to me and my hero. I do not know what I would do without him. I care about him more than anything and hope good luck comes his way.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Megan L., Bellingham, WA. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Mike United States 2007-04-26T10:11:54-06:00 John 297 H 268 California My brother John is a hero to me. Though he is younger by three years, he set an example of unselfishness at a time in my life when I felt hopeless. It totally changed my perspective in life and I realized that it is the kindness that we show others that brings us a sense of worthiness.\r\n\r\nIn the many years that followed I have been glorified for doing things for others. My simple answer as the reason for feeling compelled to act was that I felt that by helping others I was actually helping a persons prayers to be answered, and hope is always the key. If it wasn't for my brother’s example of unselfishness I honestly don't know if I would have become the person I am now.\r\n\r\nMy brother is starting to have some serious health issues and I pray he will be OK, because he is only thirty-five years old with a beautiful family and is respected among his peers. My brother John is my hero because he chose to not seek the spotlight but rather chose to do the truly rewarding work from outside of the spotlight. My brother John, My Hero.\r\n\r\n-- Nominated by Anthony H., Gilroy, California. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Lancaster USA 2007-04-26T10:12:43-06:00 My Parents & Family 298 269 Pennsylvania My parents and family because they helped me to be a better person and to always do what I love best. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Monte Sereno 2007-05-21T12:10:14-06:00 Ethel 317 M 275 California Ethel is my aunt by marriage; she is my husband’s aunt. \r\n\r\nShe has always treated me as someone special, and her kind and loving words have meant the world to me…Those words are what keep me going. \r\n\r\nI never have to do anything to hear her kind words, she just often tells me that I am her most favorite person in the whole world. \r\n\r\nShe is over 80 years old, and has the heart of an angel. \r\n\r\nWhen my world is falling apart, I know she will not judge me--She gives me hope to carry on. \r\n\r\nI can tell her anything. \r\n\r\nShe is intelligent and I admire the woman she is. \r\n\r\nMy love for this woman amazes me. I have never had anyone love me so unconditionally. \r\n\r\nMy world will always be different because I have been loved by her! \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Baumholder, Germany (stationed in Army) U.S.A. 2007-06-12T02:57:46-06:00 Carter 333 S 277 From 2 states- CA & KY My Darling Son is My Hero\r\nA Poem to him, a soldier....\r\n\r\nTo live so boldly, to dare and overcome\r\nDaily dealings take a path that surprises...saddens\r\nLeaving God to make sense of the total sum\r\n \r\nTo rise to necessity, giving yourself for us\r\nYelling commands follow down mazes of mayhem\r\nNo hindsight needed, beyond the sandy chaos\r\n \r\nTo take the moment, and make it count for all\r\nBreathlessly regrouping, searching, finding...capture\r\nCountless suffering desires from the battle torn streets...call \r\n\r\nTo guide and maneuver, to believe in your own\r\nGiving all that's required, then more, for the mission\r\nMaking the most of possibilities for all to go home\r\n \r\nTo finish there, and turn your heart to hear the sound\r\nYour mother's call, son? Can you now come home?\r\nTo the rolling Kentucky hills, to the quiet of a small town\r\n \r\nTo comfort you in love, to hold you in my arms\r\nSleeping in silence, waking to a clean slate, clear sky blue day\r\nNo rumble of artiliary, just suburban homes, and farms\r\n \r\nTo the country you've protected, our flag flying high\r\nJust being the All-American, enjoying your life's script\r\nAnd from your growing years, to San Diego we'll fly.\r\n \r\nTo you we call, come to all that is your homeland\r\nLand that is gentle green, filled with southern style ways, & from\r\nLand, rocky, with crashing waves, calling the boy to come back as a Man. \r\n \r\n \r\nI LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, ALWAYS, Mom\r\n \r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Spring USA 2007-06-15T12:55:38-06:00 Jody 336 H 278 Texas I began singing as young as I can remember. And as soon as I could, I enrolled with the best music teacher in town. When I started with her, we could immediately tell our political and religious differences.\r\n\r\nThrough her teaching me, however, we have discovered that we have more in common than we could have ever imagined. We are both determined, passionate, and willing to do anything to achieve our goals.\r\n\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Greenwood United States 2007-06-25T14:29:54-06:00 Isaias 343 G 280 Indiana My hero is my brother, Isaias. Right now, he is studying at the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Sociology and International Relations. In his free time, Isaias is always going to George Washington Community School and the Christamore House, teaching inner-city kids about leadership, and he is always telling them to stay in school and off the streets. He encourages them that if they stay in school, they WILL get into college. By volunteering and getting good grades, they CAN have a future. If they do these things, they can get scholarships and they can achieve the dream that they and their parents have: to go to college, and to have a better life. When Isaias is at home, he tells me to keep up my good grades and start thinking about my future. If Isaias weren’t here by my side, I don’t know if I would have become the person I am now. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Troy United States 2007-07-01T06:54:18-06:00 Jason 346 W 281 Pennsylvania My son, Jason, was severely injured in an automobile accident that left him in a coma for five weeks; he was minimally conscious for another month. While in rehab, Jason struggled to learn how to walk, talk, and eat again. Though he still struggles with his balance and his cognitive skills, he has come so far. \r\n\r\nIt amazes me to think how he went from the verge of independence: graduating from college… To total dependence…To a young man determined to find his old "self." He is my inspiration for life.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Minden USA 2007-08-31T13:58:10-06:00 Nicole 374 D 287 Nevada She is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is my inspiration, my teacher, my mentor and my friend. She opened my eyes to the world not only because she taught World History, but also because she popped my "small-town-bubble" which closed me off from the world. After meeting her, I finally realized what a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating world we live in. She has inspired me to pursue some sort of degree in History as well as to travel the world one day. Also, she believes in me, which has helped me with my own self confidence issues. She truly is the kindest person I have ever met.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, she is incredibly positive and dedicated. Her motto is, "Carpe Diem," a phrase that I didn't know of or understand until she said it one day. She truly seizes the day by genuinely enjoying life. Last year, she traveled the country with her husband and son, living each day fully, and finding adventure around every corner. Always, she stresses quality over quantity, which means it's better to have a few, valuable, refreshing activities rather then a ton of weighty, time-consuming activities that seem to suck sanity out of people (including myself at times). She is very enlightened and wise, and she has the amazing trait of calmness in chaos. Even when the world around her is going crazy, she can calmly continue her day, taking each task one at a time.\r\n \r\nShe taught me some of her skills during my own times of chaos. She taught me to accept the fact that I'm not perfect and to know when it's OK to cut corners (such as a very stressful time). She taught me to the value of little things in life, such as a shiny penny, a smile, a piece of chocolate, and sticky-tack. She taught me the importance of living life the fullest, or we’ll miss the really valuable stuff, like life experiences (currently unavailable in book form). She taught me how to become more positive by making a “positive book” filled with happy quotes and joyous memories. She taught me the value of friendship by being my friend.\r\n\r\nBasically, her inspiring actions and her “Philosophy Sermons” have been indispensable in my life. I really look up to her, she is my hero. And she has and always will be an inspiration to all she meets.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Fremont USA 2007-12-19T08:51:14-07:00 Dennis 444 D 301 CA My dad is without a doubt my hero. He has always worked extremely hard to give my sister and me the things that he didn't have as a child. My dad is the most selfless person I know - always doing for others and never asking for anything in return. He and my mom put my sister and me through 16 years of private school, solely on a government worker's salary since my mom stayed home. \r\n\r\nMy dad was the first in his family to graduate from college and I was the second. \r\n\r\nIn 1998, my dad was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, or CLL. I was devastated. He went through so much to fight the cancer - chemo, radiation and finally a bone marrow transplant. He was a fighter and never complained once about the pain he was in. He was always worried about what would happen to “his girls” if he didn't make it. He was strong every single day and I told him he just couldn’t give up yet; I wasn't ready to let him go. He had so many things in life to do; especially meet his future grandchildren. \r\n\r\nI am so deeply happy to say that in 2007 he got to meet his first grandchild, a little girl. I had told him that life would be worth sticking around for! He thankfully is in remission and while he has had other complications from the cancer, he is now doing well. \r\n\r\nHe has inspired me to be an advocate for people battling cancer. His experience also helped me to realize the importance of raising awareness for the National Marrow Donor Program. Not only that, he has inspired me to be a better person and to appreciate every single day, because life truly is a gift.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Cardwell USA 2007-12-21T03:18:35-07:00 Scarlett 446 H 302 Missouri My hero is my daughter, Scarlett, who at age 4 suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident. Scarlett, now 11, never lets anything stop her from living her dreams. She has always wanted to dance and be treated like any other dancer. For years, she has attended dance classes, practiced at home, and sought advice on dancing in a wheelchair. \r\n\r\nThis Christmas, her determination and endurance won her a dancing role in the Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet. There was no need for stage lights that afternoon; Scarlett's smiling face was light enough for the entire stage. Her ability to float across the stage in her wheelchair, her arms defining every move, gave such inspiration to the audience. \r\n\r\nMy daughter…my hero…the ballerina…the child…the gift.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Largo USA 2008-01-06T18:14:56-07:00 Titus 464 C 308 Florida My husband Titus is my hero and my inspiration. He had a tumultuous childhood, and after becoming homeless at 17, went on to graduate high school and become successful in every job he holds. \r\n\r\nTitus is now in school to become a firefighter/paramedic. He hopes to soon have the knowledge that will enable him to save lives other than his own. In addition, he knows this career will help him create a foundation on which we can build a stable future for both our future children and ourselves. \r\n\r\nHis love, selflessness and ability to understand others continues to amaze me, and I grow more and more in love with him each day.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Garden City USA 2008-01-24T13:25:14-07:00 Dayna 481 S 311 NY Dayna was born with a rare disease called schizencephaly. This disease has restricted her from walking and talking since she was a baby. Dayna is now 16 and has surpassed her disability beyond anyone's imagination. Her perseverance and character have inspired me as a leader in my school community. For Dayna, there are no limits or boundaries that she can't cross. She has participated in school plays and is very involved in a high school leadership group. In this group, Dayna not only teaches tolerance and hope, she represents it. Even though she cannot talk, she constantly has a voice in her surrounding community. She is a true inspiration to her peers, the school faculty, and members of the community. There is absolutely nothing this young woman wouldn't do for me, her other friends, or anyone who asked for her help. Dayna is my hero because she represents strength and shows me that dreams do come true. \r\n\r\nMany people have never met their hero in person. How lucky am I, for my hero is my best friend!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-01-29T06:15:46-07:00 Darius 485 313 Georgia Darius is my hero. He created a 90-minute documentary film to raise awareness of and money toward a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Darius has DMD, the most aggressive type of Muscular Dystrophy, from which his brother died at age 19. Since then, Darius has searched for a way to let other people know about the disease. Three years ago, he landed on a creative plan to do just that. He and a friend were watching MTV's “Pimp My Ride,” in which old cars are re-vamped. Hoping that MTV might want to re-vamp Darius's old and unreliable wheelchair, the boys decided to take a cross-country trip to Los Angeles, to knock on MTV's door and pose their idea in person. Darius realized they could film the trip, and use it to educate people about both DMD and accessibility challenges facing the disabled. Darius and a group of friends spent months organizing the trip and raising money for it, and then set out to film “Darius Goes West.” The film documents their travels across the U.S. – Darius's first trip outside his hometown – and the accessibility challenges they encountered. It has won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, and has raised thousands of dollars toward a cure for DMD. Darius, now considered an emerging leader in the field of disability rights, travels extensively to speak about the film, DMD, and accessibility. When you ask him what he thinks about all of this, he says, “I can't believe we were able to do this. I've learned that I can get things done. I can make the world better.” \r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Granite Falls USA 2008-02-19T16:31:52-07:00 Calvin 505 S 321 NC Calvin is one of my co-workers and he has arthritis. What impresses me most, however, is that Calvin does not let his arthritis prevent him from doing what he loves. He’s always playing with his kids or supporting them in their endeavors. Although he works a normal job with average pay, he is determined to never let his kids or his wife down.\r\n\r\nCalvin is also a scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop and continues to be the best leader even during an arthritis flare-up. As a scoutmaster he never leaves any boy behind; he would do anything for the boys even though they only meet once or twice a week. He treats each boy as his own; even if it is his first time meeting them. He is the picture of a leader. He provides for the boys in his scout group in any way they need him. \r\n\r\nFor his role as a father, a husband and a scoutmaster, he has my respect as well as the respect of many others; that is why he is my hero.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Glen Dale US 2008-02-22T05:09:34-07:00 Camryn 508 B 323 WV Camryn is 6-years-old and was impacted by her brother Cooper’s amputation of both feet at 23 months old. She wanted to help children like Cooper. Camryn decided to draw a picture, which was later put on a t-shirt and sold to profit Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Cooper was treated at one of these hospitals for free. Camryn raised over $10,000.00 with her t-shirt sales. I believe this is quite an amazing story for a 6-year-old child and quite an inspiration for everyone. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Berkeley USA 2008-02-29T18:01:28-07:00 Catherine 522 C 324 CA Catherine overcame a rare form of cancer, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg from the hip down. While she endured her battle with cancer and coped with her losses, she was also completing a second book on apartheid to achieve academic tenure, raising a toddler, fighting a convoluted health care system and losing her father to bone cancer. \r\n\r\nThese days, she walks a mile to work everyday with an uncomfortable prosthesis; but you can’t take the smile from her face. She inspires her students at the Univeisty of California at Berkeley while openly and honestly challenging them on what diversity and adversity really mean. She is my hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Baltimore USA 2008-04-04T14:46:47-06:00 Lou 549 S. 326 Maryland His heart is made of gold. He goes above and beyond to ensure that he is understood. As a talented artist, he communicates his passion for telling a story through images. He seeks the truth and holds himself accountable to assure the accuracy of the story. He is an amazing person, he would give you the shirt off his back and do anything for you. He is an exception human being and I am a better person for knowing him. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Longmont USA 2008-04-10T15:04:12-06:00 Tara 556 D. 330 Colorado At the age of 25, she had a massive stroke. The doctors had told her family that she may not ever walk again. The stroke left her brain 80% destroyed. \r\nTwo years later she is able to walk. She has worked very hard to regain what the stroke had taken away. She is a hero in my eyes. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 College Station USA 2008-04-13T06:48:44-06:00 Janice 558 A. 332 Texas Mrs. Attaway teaches pre-algebra and algebra at a local middle school in my town and has taught thousands of students. Sure, she teaches the material that is required by law and makes sure that her students understand that material, but she does so much more than that. First of all, hardly anyone understands math so she teaches the material in a different way, understandable to every child. If they still don't get it, she will go all out to make sure that they truly understand and absorb the material and are able to pass the next test by providing extra tutorial sessions, sometimes even at night if necessary. Second, she is one of three National Junior Honor Society Sponsors. Not only does she help the kids in the organization to help others and build character, but she does it herself. She doesn’t just teach because it’s her job. With Mrs. Attaway, helping students and others succeed is her daily life. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Vienna Austria 2008-04-27T02:42:50-06:00 Ludwig von Beethoven 567 334 Beethoven was one of the most phenomenal composers of all time. His hearing started to deteriorate through his twenties, and he ended up going deaf. But still, he wrote and composed some of the most fantastic pieces of music of all time. He is my hero-he never gave up! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-05-28T09:19:33-06:00 Ashley 591 343 Colorado Ashley is my hero. She was shocked and moved by the extreme poverty she saw during a trip to Africa when she was eleven years old. Determined to help the African people, Ashley pursued numerous avenues but found only dead ends and frustration. Five years later, she has raised the money, completed the paperwork, and recruited the board members necessary to form her own non-profit group. AfricAid raises money to provide scholarships for girls in Tanzania to attend a local school. Ashley's group also collects much-needed school supplies to send to schools across Africa. “I am excited to have finally found a way to help African people,” says Ashley. “They have inspired me and shown me the persevering, unbreakable nature of the human spirit.”\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Denver USA 2008-05-28T09:22:06-06:00 Estephania and Esperanza 592 344 Colorado These sisters are my heroes because they created Project Literacy, a neighborhood tutoring program where middle school students are helping elementary age kids with reading. After learning that their own middle school, ranked nearly last in Denver and the state in all areas on the CSAP (standardized test), the girls wanted to help. With the support of the non-profit group YouthBiz, Estephania and Esperanza conceived of their tutoring program, wrote a grant, and were awarded $5,000 for Project Literacy. The girls then created program brochures, met with teachers and principals, and recruited tutors. Dozens of elementary school kids enrolled in the program have made measurable progress in reading. “It feels so good to help others and watch them grow,” says Esperanza. Her sister adds, “Given the chance, we can do anything, even if we're ‘just’ kids.”\r\n\r\nThis story is courtesy of www.barronprize.org \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Colorado Springs USA 2008-05-28T09:27:02-06:00 Tenise 595 347 Colorado Tenise is my hero for all that she did with her role as the president of L.I.F.E. (Love is Finding Everyone), a Colorado Springs teen service group. As the group's leader, Tenise organized dances and step shows to fund an impressive number of community service projects. She rallied L.I.F.E.'s members to provide Christmas packages to over 250 students and families in need, spearheaded a local AIDS Awareness and Education program, organized fundraising for a woman in need of surgery, and created Easter baskets for children in the hospital. “I have learned that this world can sometimes be very cruel,” says Tenise. “But it's the handful of people that care and act, as well as the feeling you get when you know that you have helped others, that makes living in this crazy world worthwhile.”\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Aurora USA 2008-06-04T15:07:11-06:00 Lisa 616 H. 356 Illinois My hero is the most passionate person I have ever met. She is the embodiment of "Do what you love, love what you do." She is a person of greatness...someone I can only hope to be like someday. Lisa is a record holding high school and college athlete and coach. Her story lies in her unbelievable selflessness and compassion. Her best friend in the world battled anorexia and Lisa held her hand all the way through her illness until the day her friend took her own life. Crippled with grief, she put her feelings aside and continued her work as an eating disorder specialist. She has been in the field for nearly a decade and that is how we met. I had given up. Giving up is not in Lisa’s vocabulary. Lisa's uncanny intuition and ability to get into the minds of those deeply hurting is why she was able to help me. She is the most genuinely heartfelt person alive. The death of her best friend could have broken her...but instead of hiding in grief, she uses that death to save others. Lisa deserves all of the recognition in the world. Today Lisa left her long time position at a mental health hospital to grow her own practice which will include using her horse in the experiential therapies that she is known for and is an avenue that she has really pioneered. She is a beautiful, amazing person. I love you Lis, my greatest hero, my earth angel. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Minneapolis USA 2008-06-11T08:59:43-06:00 Cameron 626 A. 360 Minnesota My son Cameron, now 13, was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer when he was 11. He has transformed his experience into an opportunity to help others. He is developing a magazine called Brain Candy! as a way to bridge young people living with brain cancer. \r\n\r\nHe writes a weekly blog and does regular video blogs on YouTube. He has touched so many people. He is not only a hero to me, his papa, a cancer survivor myself, but to countless others all over the world. Thanks for the opportunity to acknowledge this amazing person. I am grateful for having had the honor of walking this journey with him.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Pendleton USA 2008-06-12T11:16:20-06:00 Marc 628 M. 361 Oregon When I reflect on the word “hero” I think of my father, Marc. For over 30 years my dad has been an ordained minister serving as a senior pastor in several churches. \r\n \r\nHe has taught me about compassion and the need to serve others before myself. In everything that he does, he strives to be a blessing in others’ lives. Each Sunday, he greets every church member and visitor with a big hug and a smile. This practice is not limited to Sundays only. Each person he crosses paths with, he greets with a big smile and a “howdy”. His gestures of kindness are completely genuine and heartfelt. His occupation is far from work for him. He sees everyday as an opportunity to bring happiness to the lives of others. My dad is on call 24/7 and will never leave someone in need. He has sacrificed much in order to be a servant of those in his community.\r\n\r\nThrough tours that he leads all over the world, he teaches people about acceptance, peace, and staying true to your convictions. I am amazed at the reach that my dad’s vision and caring has (making a difference in the lives of people worldwide). \r\n\r\nIt is impossible for me to count the number of lives that my dad has touched. I can tell you, however, that he is a cornerstone for many and a friend to all. Because of the way he has lived his life, I am inspired to make changes in our world. I want to know that my life will have such a powerful impact on my community and world, as his has. While I don’t have all of the words to tell you what a difference he makes each day, I hope that this will give you a glimpse as to why he is a hero to me. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Chicago USA 2008-06-26T05:16:40-06:00 Jane 645 A. 371 IL Jane A. started the Hull House in Chicago in 1889 as a community center offering support to the children and adults in the neighborhood. She was a broad thinker and activist and helped bring a number of great facilities to her community including: night school for adults, kindergarten classes, clubs for older kids, a community kitchen, a coffee house, a library, a gymnasium, an art gallery, arts program, and community theater.\r\n\r\nShe was also an ardent advocate for labor rights, women, immigrants and children at a time when it was practically unknown. She truly embraced the diversity and richness of her urban community and actively worked to improve the quality of life and civic engagement of the people of Chicago. She is my hero because she had the chutzpah and vision and intuition to make our communities stronger by bringing them together. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:21:52-06:00 Ken 647 B. 373 My hero is my father, Ken B. Ken was born in 1931 in Pennsylvania. His father, Ken Sr., lost his job in the height of the depression as a furniture manufacturing manager, and the family returned to the old homestead in Templeton, Massachusetts. There he helped work the family farm, selling any extras they grew. At age 12 he was stricken with polio in his right leg and told he’d never walk again. That next summer he won the elementary school’s foot race for his grade. His family moved to Baltimore during the war so his father could build and design aircraft.\r\n\r\nKen enlisted in the army to fight in Korea, but was turned away due to his poor eyesight. His hopes dashed for a military career and the possibility of embassy work, he went to Washington College on Maryland’s upper eastern shore. While there he joined the lacrosse team and helped them to their first ever win over the Naval Academy. Ken’s 5’2” frame challenged him to keep up with his teammates and made him an easy target for good natured ribbing (“Hey Bourn,” his could would yell to him on the bench, “Get up out of that hole and get in there!:).\r\n\r\nKen went on to become a reading professor at Essex Community College and developed a 100% guaranteed method of how to read. To this day you can see his programs from the 80s on cable saying “oo as in moon…oo, oo, that’s yucky.”\r\n\r\nKen taught me the way to have a successful marriage is wrapped in two words: “Yes dear.”\r\n\r\nA glaucoma survivor and youth group leader at church, as well as an active volunteer for SCORE and other non-profits, Dad is my hero. Grace through Perseverance. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:39:11-06:00 My Grandmother 651 377 My grandmother (1912-1986) was a 1st and 2nd grade teacher. She lost her mother to influenza during the flu epidemic in 1919, and grew up as the “Cinderella” of the family: troubled dad and uncaring stepmom—not much love. Her aunts put her to vocational school when she was 14; it was a boarding school, she hated it withal her heart, because she was the only one who had to live there all year long as she had no home to go to during vacations. She became a teacher, but it was the great depression, and there were no jobs. She worked as a nanny for a few years, but never gave up the idea of teaching class. And she got a job as a teacher at a Lutheran school, where she spent all her professional years. She was such a great teacher that her students, when they grew up, came to visit her whenever they were in town, no matter how far they had moved since they were 7-8 years old.\r\n\r\nGrandma raised two daughters and 3 grandchildren, taught us the most important values, helped Jewish people escape from the Ghetto during world war II, walked 50 miles from the capital with a cart, to get some food for her family.\r\n\r\nAnd she did all this with a smile on her face. Always.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 United States 2008-06-26T07:17:51-06:00 Rachel 658 R. 384 California At 15 she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and has lived with that for most of her life. I believe she is in her sixties now. She became a doctor, then counseled the terminally ill, and now does presentations teaching doctors and lay people that the soul needs to be remembered. She's written several books, My Grandfather's Blessings and Kitchen Table Wisdom, both national best sellers.\r\n\r\nShe truly embodies the values of this Foundation. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Calhoun United States 2008-06-29T08:59:13-06:00 RG 659 P. 385 Georiga My father is my hero...not because he is my father but because he has battled cancer ever since 2002. He just completed his 50 year anniversary at the only job he has ever known. He is still battling cancer but I see him every day working and fighting to beat this cancer with every bit of his being. I am so amazed at how much he can take and still keep going. I want so much to be just like him ... and for that he is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Newport USA 2008-06-30T05:38:03-06:00 Nick 660 P. 386 Rhode Island On February 5th, 2003 my cousin Nick, who was 14 at the time, went with his ski club to have a fun afternoon snowboarding. What started out as a fun afternoon quickly turned into a tragic accident as Nick went off an icy jump, not wearing a helmet. He came down on his neck and immediately went unconscious. His friends formed a circle around him to barricade him from other passerbys and waited for emergency help to come. He was life-flighted to UMass Medical Hospital in Worcester, MA. He was in a coma for 25 days and had brain surgery. The doctors told my aunt and uncle as well as the rest of the family who stayed at the hospital day after day that Nick would most likely never walk, talk, swallow, or even breathe again on his own. \r\n\r\nOne day at a time they slowly removed tubes and monitors. He came out of the coma and was transferred to Fransiscan Hospital for Children in Brighton, MA. Here he did occupational, physical, and speech therapy every day. With daily family visits and LOTS OF humor intertwined into his daily routines he made significant progress. He graduated to eating baby food and yogurt instead of through a feeding tube and was slowly learning to get mobility back. He had a goal to run out of the hospital.\r\n\r\nAfter 75 days in the hospital Nick ran out. He had reached his goal. He still had some tremors in his right side (his natural strong side.) This meant he had to learn how to do everything left handed instead. \r\n\r\nHe went on to be tutored the rest of the school year, insisting that he'd graduate the 8th grade on time with his friends. And he did. \r\n\r\nHe persisted with his rehab and learning and calls himself "lucky" for experiencing what he has and coming out on the other side. Nick was awarded the Profile in Courage from Fransican Children's Hospital and since his visit he and his family have started the Prefontaine Foundation at the hospital. \r\n\r\nHe works for and visits the hospital often. He graduated high school last year and we all could not have been more proud. He today at the age of 19 has already accomplished so much more than the doctors ever expected after his accident. He just got his realtor's license, does professional speaking to business people, youth, and children alike on overcoming adversity, and slowing down to take time with decision making. He also writes a free monthly newsletter highlighting other heroes among us. Each month he features a new person who has dealt with and/or is dealing with a difficult situation and making only the best of it. Seeing all of these people with such strong convictions and the courage to overcome serves as an example of how everyone else should be living. \r\n\r\nNick is an extremely inspirational, strong, motivated, and talented young individual. Not only is Nick my cousin, but I also work with him on several real estate projects and speaking engagements. He's remarkable and I get see it every day first hand.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 2008-07-09T10:20:54-06:00 Travis 674 Pastrana 397 In the summer of 2006 I desperately needed help. I was racked with worry. I was entering my 19th year of teaching in public education and I knew this would be one of the most difficult classes I would encounter. This class was well behaved, but most of them were not very motivated, especially when it came to school. \r\n\r\nI needed a role model that the kids could relate to. I needed someone who showed a passion for life. That August Travis Pastrana made FMX (freestyle motocross) history when he pulled a perfect double back flip at Xgames 12 in Los Angeles, CA. After he landed it, the packed stadium went wild and so did he. The excitement that he shared with the fans was remarkable. He then ran down to his mom and told her that he loved her, thanked her for supporting him, and he promised he would never do it again! I knew I had my guy: Travis Pastrana. \r\n\r\nHe is considered one of the greatest action sports figures ever seen. I began researching his life and realized that not only was he very talented at everything he did, but he was a good guy with a great outlook on life. He is someone I would want my kids to look up to. \r\n\r\nSo, for the past two years I have taught Travis Pastrana 101. Travis has taught us a lot. Last May the 4th and 5th graders at Farwell Elementary were treated to an amazing day. Travis Pastrana came down from Davidsonville, Maryland for a visit. He gave an awesome motivational speech, answered questions, and signed autographs. He wanted to spend time with these kids because they were the reasons why he was here. The 4th and 5th grade kids at Farwell Elementary will never forget that day. Not only did they meet a hero, but they met a friend.\r\n\r\nHe asked me to pick out three or four kids that showed exceptional qualities. He presented these students with a special t-shirt, but one student got a shirt with "strings attached." This fourth grader's parents had recently gone through a very rough divorce. However, Jessica never let that be an excuse for anything. That year she read all seven Harry Potter books in two months, became everyone's friend and helper, had the highest GPA, and saved up enough money to buy a dirt bike. \r\n\r\nTravis invited her and I out to his home in Maryland this summer to teach her how to ride motocross. Jessica's mom joined us and it was a week of pure joy for this young lady. \r\nYou would expect a superstar of this magnitude to be surrounded by a king's mentality, but Travis is different. He surrounds himself with friends that are just that...true friends.\r\n\r\nEveryday Travis Pastrana gets up and is happy because he is doing what he loves. He challenged all of the kids to find that in life…find what makes them happy. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Washington United States 2008-07-19T07:40:38-06:00 Amanda 685 G. 405 New Jersey Ms. G. teaches everyone to love who they are and she has never judged anyone. She is a very talented teacher and mentor. Ms. G. is not afraid to do anything. She's always willing to defeat fear. \r\n\r\nShe's always there for anyone who needs to talk. And she's always willing to give another chance. She truly wants everyone to get along, and that is how she lives. She is my hero! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 St. Augustine USA 2008-07-23T06:03:39-06:00 Ashley 692 F 410 florida Ashley is a 17 year old, profoundly deaf, female, motocross racer. She has just turned pro this year and is currently undefeated. She has won numerous amateur championships. She rides only by the feel of the vibrations of her motorcycle over some of the roughest terrain ever. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Rockwall USA 2008-08-20T08:24:15-06:00 Nancy 729 B 426 TX Nancy B. is a hero because she helped inspire three miles of kindness! \r\n\r\nNancy has served public schools for 44 years in North Texas. As Director of Guidance for Rockwall, TX, she was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Rachel’s Challenge program at every level in Rockwall.\r\n\r\nHer passion for the kindness and compassion initiative led to the first K-12 program of its kind in the nation. She spear headed the first every Elementary School program last year and helped organized a year end celebration called “Rachel’s Rally.” Over 10,000 students, parents and community leaders were in attendance, to celebrate the many acts of kindness performed in the community. \r\n\r\nShe encouraged students, teachers, parents, and community leaders to accept Rachel Joy Scott’s challenge to “start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.” Through that challenge, she helped to inspire students and adults to perform kind and compassionate acts throughout their homes and communities in Rockwall, TX. At Rachel’s Rally, there were a total of 123,000 reported acts of kindness represented as chain links that measured a total of 3 miles. Way to go Nancy, that’s a lot of kindness!!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Orange USA 2008-10-01T19:22:46-06:00 Renee 792 B. 446 California Whether your life is going well, or facing challenges, almost inevitably along comes a person who turns your world upside down--but for the better. They inspire you to be the best you can be, and always try to be even better every day. They do this without even trying. They simply bring out the best in you. For me, that Person was Renee. I adore her, and am so thankful that I have her friendship and inspiration! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 USA 2008-10-15T07:02:09-06:00 Monte 811 R. 455 California My husband is my hero. We married in 1991. We had nothing but happiness and love for one another. After a few years of working different jobs, my husband decided we needed to do more to be successful and achieve our goals. In 1998, he decided to go to college, get a degree, and find a job that he enjoyed that could also support his family. \r\n\r\nIn 1999 we had our first child, a beautiful baby girl. What a tremendous blessing, but also one of the most difficult times we would experience. I was working two part-time jobs and trying to figure out how to be a mom for the first time. My husband was working full time and taking 20 units of college courses at the same time. For the six years that Monte was in college he tried to be the best father, the best husband, the best employee, and the best college student. I know it was terribly overwhelming for him at times. It was a difficult time for both of us. He showed great perseverance and carried the burden of these responsibilities for those six years. \r\n\r\nHe graduated from college in 2004! He has been blessed for his ambition, character, dedication, and sacrifice. We have been married now for seventeen years. My husband has a successful career, we have a beautiful, happy family with three amazing children (9, 6, and 5 months), we own a home, we have all of our needs met and then some, and I am able to stay home to be a mom. I will forever be grateful to my husband for his hard work and for the man that he is when no one is looking.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Apache Junction USA 2008-10-16T08:05:05-06:00 Walker 814 O. 456 Arizona He started skating about three or four years ago. He is now indeed "The Bomb."\r\n\r\nHe suffered a head injury but came right back up and got back on the board after he recovered,Of course with a helmet. And is now supported by original clothing and is the best skater I know.\r\nBut what I am trying to get to is that he never gave up, ever.\r\n\r\nHe is so chill. And the best brother anyone could ever have. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Los Angeles USA 2008-10-26T18:51:54-06:00 Glenn(10) & Kevin(7) 829 R 463 California Glenn and Kevin are my little cousins and also two of my heroes. They stick by me and say what's on their minds. They do small things and I know they care. And I care about them.\r\n\r\nEveryone else thinks they are just two kids that I'll get bored of hanging around with. But I don't. They are kids, and I want them to enjoy that, yet they are so much more than that. They are two boys who have got everything ahead of them. \r\n \r\nWhen I need motivation, I think of how Glenn's getting better and better at his electronics and Kev's well, just being himself in everything he does—no hindrances. They are living every day lives just like everyone else, but (and maybe only I see it this way) they shine while they do it. Those two are like the one sunflower that stands out in a dry field of tall grass, you know?\r\n \r\nSo, to everyone else, every day, they do what little homework they have and mess around until they have to fake sleep and actually fall asleep. To me though, every day, they are living how they want to and they have fun all the while. They are small, in the things they do and in size. \r\n \r\nThey're my little heroes...\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Tuscaloosa United States 2008-10-27T04:41:24-06:00 Kaitlin 842 W. 467 Alabama Kaitlin is my sister. She inspires me to be the best athlete I can be. She accepted a full ride athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama to be a gymnast. She worked hard every day to be one of the best gymnasts in the world. She was a gymnast from the time when she was 6 years old to just recently, when she retired after graduating from college with her bachelor's degree. She always tells me that I can be the best and all I have to is but in the time and effort. I love my sister very much and greatly appreciate everything she does for me. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2008-10-31T09:08:27-06:00 Brandyn 863 G. 473 My hero is my brother. Although he is no longer alive he is still my hero. He wasn’t my real brother, he was actually my foster brother but he treated me as if I was his “real” sister all the same. He passed away at the age of seventeen. At the time he was working a full time job and getting his GED at the same time. He was told that all he had to do to get out of foster care was save up two thousand dollars. But instead of leaving, he told me that he was going to stick around in the foster home as long as he could so he could look out for me, and make sure that I was okay, because at that time I was only 13. \r\n\r\nHe was always doing selfless acts like that. In fact, that is the reason he is no longer with us. Eight years ago, instead of coming straight home from work one night, he gave a co-worker a ride home because her ride didn’t show. He was on his way home from her house that night when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit his car head on. He lost his life doing good for someone else. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. He was always doing things for others and that is what makes him my hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Louisville USA 2008-11-19T08:56:27-07:00 Patrick Henry 879 H. 479 Kentucky Patrick is a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk. Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick's spine \r\nto correct scoliosis.\r\n\r\nDespite circumstances that seem overwhelming to you and me, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student. Patrick started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and also plays the trumpet and sings. He even participates in the University of Louisville School of Music Marching and Pep Bands\r\nwith help from his father (Patrick John Hughes), who tirelessly maneuvers his wheel chair through the formations with the other 220+ members of the Cardinal Marching Band. Patrick is usually a straight 'A' student, having received only 5 'B's' during his entire educational experience - up to and including his sophomore year of college.\r\n\r\nA virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpet player, Patrick has won or finished very high in numerous competitions, as well as winning awards acknowledging the circumstances he has overcome to achieve these heights. \r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.patrickhenryhughes.com 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 San Dimas USA 2008-11-22T16:39:16-07:00 Tam 883 L. 481 CA Tam is a refugee survivor who traveled across the ocean to get to safety. He first landed in Thailand, then Cambodia. Tam then later migrated to the USA. He worked hard as a bus boy and had only a bicycle as a means of transportation to and from both work and school. When Tam first arrived here he did not know how to speak English. He had to learn from the basics of the language. \r\n\r\nDespite all of these obstacles, Tam graduated from high school with High Honors and received a California Scholarship that allowed him to study at the university. He graduated in Computer Science and is now extremely successful. Tam is an extraordinary man, living the life he always dreamed of. \r\n\r\nTam is a true, full-hearted inspiration in faith and hope. He has shown me that all things are possible with focus, determination, and commitment. He is my HERO. And the love of my life forever. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Eagan United States 2008-11-25T12:14:47-07:00 Kathryn and David 884 S. 482 Minnesota These parents lost both their son, Andrew, and their daughter, Abby to cancer. In honor of their children, Kathryn and David have worked hard to establish a foundation to financially assist families of terminally ill children. \r\n\r\nThe foundation aims to provide enough income for one or both parents to stay home and care for their sick child during what could be their last months of life. Although their grief for their children is great, Kathryn and David have continued to put the time and effort into the foundation to keep spreading joy to families facing such heartbreaking challenges. The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation has helped 5 families so far, and is still giving. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-01-16T05:12:59-07:00 Kelli 912 497 My sister, Kelli, is my hero. She has overcome a lifetime of hardships including physical and emotional abuse, substance abuse and poverty. Today, she is a clean and sober single mother of five daughters. Though she works full time and takes phenomenal care of her 5 children, she still finds time on the holidays to take plates of food to less fortunate people she knows throughout the city. She opens her home to animals in need of care and has taught her children the same values that I admire in her: perseverance; kindness; sacrifice and the spirit of sharing.\r\n\r\nMany times during my life, I have lost my way and lost hope. It was always the thought of her that kept me going; her strength, her unconditional love and her complete selflessness have been my beacons throughout my life.\r\n\r\nNow, I am pregnant and look to her as a role model for motherhood. I can only hope and strive to be as wonderful a mother as she is and to instill the same values in my children that she has so successfully taught hers.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Pownal USA 2009-02-12T04:23:03-07:00 Henry 924 N. 506 Maine My hero is my 14 year old son. A year ago he sustained several devastating injuries including traumatic brain trauma. Today, he goes to school with his friends, works hard at lots of therapies and tutoring, and gives back the love that his adoring family constantly sends his way. He does not complain or feel sorry for himself. His spirit and his laughter are as strong as ever while he works hard to regain other parts of his wonderful being. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Wynantskill USA 2009-02-13T05:01:02-07:00 Mary 925 N 507 NY My mother is my hero. As a child growing up she lived in a house with her difficult father, who eventually died, leaving her to raise her younger sister while her mother went to work. \r\n\r\nAs a young mother in 1971 (children 4, 3 and 1) she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and given less than 6 months to live. With pure determination and the love and support of a strong husband she survived the ovarian cancer, and a later bought of breast cancer in the early 1980's. Mom, now 66, enjoys her three grandchildren and baby-sits them everyday for fun.\r\n\r\nMy mom is my Hero. Dad too.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Fort Washington USA 2009-03-09T22:43:50-06:00 Karen 940 515 PA. Karen is sick with an "incurable" form of cancer. Her now ex-husband lost all their money in day trading. One of her two adopted children has a learning disability that may never allow him to live alone. \r\n\r\nStill, instead of feeling sorry for herself, a victim, or helpless, Karen started her own business and is taking care of herself and her children. She fights off her daily fears and marches ahead. I love her and am inspired by her.\r\n\r\nKaren, you are my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Ogden USA 2009-03-25T04:19:19-06:00 Wanda 952 M. 520 Utah My mother has been there through thick and thin. She was a single mother of me and my big sister. Working hard and still showing us great values. Then she re-married and had my baby sister. It was really rough for the family to go through so much change. I wanted to run away from everything that was happening around me. \r\n\r\nBut I didn’t run away because I was able to talk to my mom about everything that was happening, and she always said to “Hang in there, life is worth your patience.” \r\n\r\nOne major thing that she has always encouraged me to do is to never give up on going to school. She says I need to keep going through the hard times, and she will be there as much as she can. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00