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 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 Supawan Inbunna supawan_inbunna@hotmail.com 1 2009-09-25T01:30:38-06:00 Ajarn Donald 2722 P 596 Our hero is Ajarn Donald (Ajarn is teacher in Thai and full name is Mr. Donald Patnaude). I said "our" hero because I am speaking on behalf of the more than 5,000 students aged 3-60 years old whom he has taught English to as an ESL (English as a second Language). He has taught English to more than 5,000 students in 3 Thai government schools, 4 private language centers and now he teaches English from his own home which he has opened as an English language center. He always gives special discounts to people who do not make a lot of money. He also volunteers a lot and always finds the time to help people. He has made a difference in our lives since January 12, 2001 when he started teaching English in the first of 4 private English centers. He currently teaches about 60 hours a week 7 days a week. 2009-12-22T15:47:38-07:00 1 Alex acensor@fastmail.fm 1 2009-11-14T09:09:21-07:00 Marshall 2794 R 629 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 Los Angeles USA 2006-08-28T07:13:58-06:00 Steven 27 S. 22 California Steven is not only my husband; he is also my hero. He grew up in Los Angeles. Steven was a kid who got into a lot of fights and sometimes into a lot of trouble. Yet, he graduated high school and became an auto body mechanic. Not feeling satisfied as an auto body mechanic, he taught himself to work as a Jaguar mechanic. Still, feeling as if he wanted more, he then studied at home, day and night to become a real estate agent. Steven is today, one of the hardest working agents in Los Angeles. He works seven days a week, 10 hours a day. Yet he finds the time to come home and play baseball with his son, and to bike ride with his daughter. Steven always walks his dog at night, and helps his wife out with the household chores. He does this day in and day out, and he rarely takes time for himself. Steven is the kind of man who will help an old lady across the street; pick up a stray dog off the road and find it a home; and give a helping hand to anyone who needs it. He has a strong work ethic and a soft heart. For these reasons, he is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Ocean Springs USA 2006-08-28T07:44:24-06:00 Charles 38 S. 33 Mississippi Chuck is my husband of 22 years. He came into my life when I was 16 and he was 17. My mother was dying of cancer and my father already was deceased. I was a lost person with no support. This man cared for me and married me and works so hard. He was working two jobs and going to college. We have three beautiful children and because of my traumatic childhood, I have emotional problems and he sticks with me. His work ethics are wonderful. He graduated with a degree and now is a golf course superintendent. Watching this man grow through the years in so many ways has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. He is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 North Tonawanda USA 2006-08-28T10:29:44-06:00 Phyllis 88 G. 83 New York Phyllis is in her late 70's and has raised five (now adult) children and has several children that adore her. Her family, neighbors and friends come first. Phyllis is an alderwoman in her city and deals daily with serious issues that face the city. She is constantly spearheading street and park cleanups while putting in new gardens and refurbishing old ones in order to make the area a nice place to live. She is not afraid of going toe-to-toe with large groups and always has her name in the paper for speaking the truth. She gets up early each morning, not walking but running. She inspires me daily by the obstacles she has overcome in her life and continues to do so daily. I should mention, too, that Phyllis does all of this with only one lung. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Lusaka Zambia 2006-08-28T11:04:40-06:00 Ida 107 C. 102 I would like to nominate my mother, Ida, for her love and hard work. When my dad passed on eight years ago, he left nothing. I was only in high school doing my 9th grade. Yet my mom has worked so hard to educate all of us out of a small salary. She didn’t give up on us even when we were so difficult to love and handle. The world may not hear of her but she is my hero and always will be. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Scranton USA 2006-08-28T11:05:51-06:00 Ashley 108 A. 103 Pennsylvania This dedication is in reference to your pass it on campaign. Each time I read your billboards I am inspired. I however am so inspired by a young woman I go to school with. This young woman, Ashley attends the same university as I do. She however attends this university by paying for it herself. When I see the hard work she puts into everything she does, it pushes me to go further. She is the first person in her family to attend college, and I am unable to comprehend how she is able to push herself so far when she seems to be doing it by herself. Whenever I feel as though I have worked myself to the bone, I remember Ashley, who works as a waitress and never complains. Each day she shows me what hard work is all about. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Ashtabula USA 2006-08-28T11:07:38-06:00 Sandi 109 L. 104 Ohio My hero is my grandmother, Sandi. She and my grandfather have owned their own bookstore for about 15 years and have never once given up on it. It is hard for her because she has to work every single day, except for Sundays because she goes to church. She is the hardest worker I have ever met in my whole life. Even when she had surgery on her foot, she still tried to work as much as possible. She's also very giving. Their bookstore doesn't bring in a lot of money but she always manages to give everyone in our family things they couldn't afford themselves. Just recently I found out that they are going to give up the bookstore, but I know that even though she won't be working in the bookstore, she'll find other ways to help people. I know that this will give her more time to help in church, which she loves more than anything. In my future I hope to make movies and I guarantee you that every one I make I will dedicate to her. As much as I love every single member of my family, no one can compare to her and everything she's accomplished in her life. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Pleasantville USA 2006-08-28T11:09:29-06:00 Austin 110 T. 105 Tennessee He was a quiet man, small in stature. No outstanding features or great accomplishments other than raising ten children, working three jobs at times to support them and giving them a Christian start. There was always plenty of love to go around though sometimes not enough money. I recall one time just before Christmas overhearing him talking about how presents would be bought. After much deliberation, it was decided. "We'll have to go to the Credit Union again." We didn't always have what we wanted, but we never did without. My Hero, my Dad. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Zirakpur India 2006-08-28T11:11:21-06:00 Ram Deo 111 M. 106 Punjab My father Ram is my hero in life. When his parents died at the age of 14, he chose to work while educating himself. Teaching became his profession and he carried on forward. He would work until late, often having one meal a day. His cycle was the only possession he had. Trees became his abode, under them he often slept....and yet he moved on. Dad said he last cried when his parents had passed away.\r\n\r\nAt the age of 20, dad came to Modinagar to join a company and worked on to become a Senior Manager. I, his eldest daughter, and a sub editor for a magazine, value him a lot. As do my sister, a lawyer, and brother, a bioinformatics student. Dad taught us a lot and has been there when we needed him. Even while going for a hip joint replacement operation, he kept on cheering us up. All the doctors were amazed at his courage after the operation because the two months after surgery were really painful for a patient.\r\n\r\nHe has retired from his job now but is still working for ten hours as a showroom in charge. Hats off to papa, I love you. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Fort Collins USA 2006-08-29T03:49:34-06:00 Micha 112 P. 107 Colorado I would like to nominate Micha because he is one of the most hard working, nicest people I know, and he has the worst luck of all time. He doesn't have a lot of money, but anytime a friend, or even a stranger is in need, he is there to help. He works a job he hates but is always in a good mood when he gets home. When it comes to inspiration in hard times, Micha is my hero. When even I get sad, I just remember that he has every right to be more down than me, but isn't. A real, everyday hero and mine. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Pacifica USA 2006-08-29T03:51:04-06:00 Amy 113 G. 108 California Amy and her family moved into the house beside mine when I was only in the fifth grade. They were avid surfers and socialites - a completely new class to my family who had lived in the neighborhood 17 years and knew maybe two neighbors by name. Amy was, and still is, a nurse and spent a good chunk of time in and out of the hospital. Just before New Year’s a few years ago, she had a new reason to go to the hospital; her oldest child was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.\r\n\r\nAt first this meant nothing to me but that the woman had a lot to deal with. The summer before my sophomore year, I began working for the surf camp owned by Amy and her husband. I finally got to see her at work. She took all the responsibility on her shoulders.\r\n\r\nAmy was working 90-hour weeks between the beach and the hospital. She had only a few hours of sleep before it all began again. And even then, responsibility and preparation for the next day came first.\r\n\r\nIt's inspiring to see her work so hard and still maintain her humanity. When I found something difficult, it is easy to just tell myself that 'Amy had done more.' I love getting up to work in the morning to see Amy and the other surf camp instructors in action. They all look up to her and I can see why. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Vienna Austria 2006-08-29T04:48:37-06:00 Annie 130 S. 125 My grandmother, Annie, is my hero. When I was a baby, she and my grandfather raised me because my mother and father could not care for me properly at the time. She would take me to school everyday, teach me lessons about life and always be honest with me. She loved me unconditionally when I was good or bad. I knew her life growing up was hard. Much of her immediate family died in World War II and she was in a concentration camp before coming to the United States. She worked as a maid and in factories in New York to make ends meet. She met my grandfather and they started a life together. They were never rich, but always were honest and hardworking. She never blamed anyone for her misfortune and always tried to look on the bright side and be positive. Those values I still try to use today in my life. She taught me to respect others and treat people and animals with love and kindness. I am so grateful to her I cannot even describe it. She passed away in January 2004, and my heart has been broken ever since. I feel she is here with me in spirit and guiding me so one day, I can only hope to become such a wonderful person as she was. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Kolkata India 2006-08-29T04:50:04-06:00 Mina 131 B. 126 My hero - it is my grandma. She got married to my grandpa and came to Dhanbad in Bihar. Starting a life on her own as a primary Bengali School teacher in Carmel Convent. She did her job excellently with full loyalty and commitment never missing a single day in school despite she had an ailing son at home. She continuously struggled trying to bring up the children. In front of her eyes, her 19-year-old son passed away after years of struggle. But when you look at her, the big smile is always present. She adopted a boy, for whom she sacrificed so she could arrange the fees of studying at an US College. She has great willpower. I have never seen her sitting idle; she is always working. And she has a best heart in the world which cries for everybody around her. I learnt to face the hardship, to be strong, to be motivated, to be honest, and to be loyal from her. She has seen the greatest pains and struggles in life, but everybody can see the bright smile always intact. To me, she is the most beautiful woman and has the most amazing personality. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Tanjay City Philippines 2006-08-29T04:56:07-06:00 Catherine 134 S. 129 She's my mom, my great mom. She sent me to school because she amazingly believes in education. Although she can't really afford it, she's insisting. She has a faith of an ocean. The troubles, conflicts, and finance obstacles may come, but never once does she give up. I love her because she sells her products just to lend my allowance. She wakes up early each morning to meet my father from work and prepare our breakfast. She makes our home a sweet home and when I'm with her I can't ask for any place but at her side. Above all, she's an inspiration. When things go wrong, she never gives up. She's my mom and she's my hero and I thank God for her life. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Boston USA 2006-08-29T08:53:58-06:00 Maida 213 A. 207 Massachusetts Fourteen years ago my mom brought my brother and me to the United States from our war torn country of Bosnia. She spoke no English, had no money and was a single mom. She also has a hearing disability which she knew would make it difficult for her to learn the language. However, she wanted to provide my brother and me with the best education and the best life we could ever have. When we first came to America, she worked incredibly hard at learning English and at her job. She instilled in my brother and me the value of education and provided us with every possible opportunity she could. In the face of war, a disability and a language barrier she persevered. I am in my second year of law school now and I know that without my mom's sacrifice none of this would ever be possible. She is a true hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 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 Little Rock USA 2007-05-01T19:24:38-06:00 Betty 301 B. 270 Arkansas My hero is my mom. By the time she was twenty six she had six kids. She stayed at home with us until the youngest was eight. She always made sure we were as safe and secure as she could. She was fourteen when she had her first child, and was a grandmother at thirty. Every one is always welcome in her house. Until this day she works a part time job and keeps her house neat and clean. She inspires me not to complain about housework or motherly duties. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Inuvil Sri Lanka 2007-05-01T22:27:13-06:00 Nalliah 303 K. 271 Jaffna My father(1926-89) is my hero. He taught me to love fellow humans; not to harm others; to enjoy life with a sense of humour everyday; to learn everyday from everything or everybody; to thank god for all we have; to help others; to realise the truth and happiness; to enjoy cooking, eating, studying, working as well as talking and sleeping. 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 Rochester USA 2007-07-07T09:25:21-06:00 Christopher & Andrew 349 L 282 New York My younger son, Andrew, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He and his older brother, Christopher, have become so involved in fighting this disease by making others aware and raising funds to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are my heroes because they make me so proud of them. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Huntsville USA 2007-08-04T15:27:39-06:00 Chris 365 H. 286 Alabama Chris was hit head on by a drunk driver at 7 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2005 on his way to work. He was instantly paralyzed from the neck down, was pronounced dead at the scene, revived and pronounced dead in the helicopter on the way to the hospital. Many more times he came very close to dying and had to be revived. Chris underwent 18 surgeries over the next few months. He could not breathe on his own, speak, swallow, feel, or move. Throughout it all he had faith and peace and hope. Chris has never been angry or depressed. He has come a long way in the last year and nine months. He received help from many doctors, therapists, friends, and above all his wife Brenda, who is his 24/7 caretaker and a hero herself. His days are full, with almost everything being done for him. He is able to move his arm and hands some. He now has a voice activated computer and will soon have a voice activated phone. Chris is a spokesman for MADD. He speaks to people who have been convicted of drunk driving. He makes an impression on these folks, just as he does on everyone who has the privilege of meeting him. \r\n\r\nWe go to his house to help Chris, yet we are the ones that are blessed. He is an inspiration and a hero. He appreciates every little thing anyone does for him and never, ever fails to say thank you. He is totally at peace, even after all he's been through and the tough times he still has. I am proud to know and be a friend of this incredible man.\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 Provo USA 2007-10-18T14:05:10-06:00 Jared 404 M 292 Utah My hero is my husband. While stationed in Iraq with the Marines during the 2003 invasion of Baghdad, he left his covered position and ran 400 yards, through enemy and friendly fire, to rescue an Iraqi civilian. Once he reached the man, he had to get both of them back to a safer area, so he picked the man up and carried him the 400 yards back to where his fellow Marines were. On their way back, a bullet grazed my husband’s spine, but he continued on until the he and the Iraqi were safe. This Iraqi citizen, an innocent man, lived to see another day because of the selfless and courageous actions of a heroic U.S. Marine, my husband! Nothing makes me more proud. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Deerfield USA 2007-11-03T06:30:26-06:00 George 416 H 296 Illinois \r\nMy Dad has been an English teacher for the past 50 years; he now mentors young teachers. I can't tell you how many times former students of his have told me that he was the greatest teacher they ever had.\r\n\r\nGrowing up, my mother didn’t work and there were nine kids in our family, so we certainly did not live in luxury. Despite those circumstances, however, he never let us feel like we needed more than we had.\r\n\r\nAs he approaches his 81st birthday, he still volunteers hours each week to educating and supporting both children and teachers. As a result of his continued dedication, his impact will last for many years into the future. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Churchville USA 2007-11-06T10:50:47-07:00 David 419 N 297 New York My grandfather, David, died in 1999; he lived only half a mile up the road from where I grew up in upstate New York. Every day, he would walk down to our house to bring my dad the newspaper. Along with the paper he would bring a small bag of treats for my two brothers and me. Sometimes it was candy, and sometimes it was pretzels or crackers. \r\n\r\nWestern NY is infamous for having severe winter weather; rain, sleet, or even 3-feet of snow. Even when he was 81, he still walked the half-mile every single day. As a child, I looked forward to the daily treats, but now that I’m older, I realize that he braved the harsh weather each day just to see us smile; I now appreciate that more than anything.\r\n\r\n My grandfather touched many lives, evidenced by the more than 1,500 people at his wake. A woman who had been confined to a hospital bed for 5 years came the wake with an aid to pay her respect. She told me that my grandfather would visit her twice a week at her home; to read to her, play bridge, or just converse. For 5 years he would visit twice a week--without fail. She rarely had other visitors. She told me that my grandfather was her only friend. But, she wasn't the only person to share her story with me. Others came throughout the two-day wake and told me how my grandfather touched their lives, too. Even hitchhiker who my grandfather had picked up two years before told me of my grandfather’s impact in his life; he was homeless in a New York winter and my grandfather gave him a place to stay and a warm meal. The man told me that no one had ever been so nice to him. He has since found a job working in a supermarket and earns enough to afford his own apartment. I was inspired, but not surprised to hear all of the touching stories.\r\n\r\nThe two-day wake really opened my eyes to my grandfather's selflessness. I have since tried to model my own life after his. He would help anyone, in any way he could. Whether it was buying groceries for an elderly woman, or bringing treats for his grandkids--wherever he went, smiles followed. My grandfather is far more than just my hero; he is my inspiration.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Berea United States 2007-11-30T13:59:37-07:00 John 424 K 298 Kentucky My husband, John, is my hero because he never stops giving. He does everything in his power to provide for our family without complaint. \r\n\r\nAs he faces his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan he carries a positive and uplifting attitude that enables us to look forward. Without him, our lives would be bleak. \r\n\r\nHe gives of himself and his resources to those around him in need, and to those who are under his command. He is a true asset to the military, and a hero to those around him.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 San Antonio United States 2007-12-07T04:21:08-07:00 Taylor 433 H 299 Texas This is a story about a little 7-year-old girl named Taylor. Though Taylor has had her own challenges growing up, these have not distracted her from pursuing her own vision to make a difference. Taylor has a vision give to others who have nothing.\r\n\r\nTaylor saves cans for recycling and has been able to donate her money earned to support children in Honduras, a family in Rwanda, Toys for Tots and two local children with autism. \r\n\r\nHer goal for this year is to raise more money through can collection and recycling to donate to an orphanage in Africa. \r\n\r\nI truly believe that there is no age limit for a person to be a hero and this little girl, Taylor, proves that. Taylor is a true hero. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Horseheads United States 2007-12-19T03:07:41-07:00 Victoria 443 W 300 New York There is a girl at my school named Victoria and she has Lyme Disease, which forces her to use a wheelchair most of the time. One day a while back, I heard Victoria talking to one of her teachers and through her conversation I realized that she is the kindest and most courageous person I’ve ever heard about. \r\n\r\nVictoria’s smile could light up a room and her kindness goes a long way. After meeting me only once, she now says “hi” to me every day in the hall. On a rainy day, I saw her sitting in the lunchroom when some kids returning from band ran up and needed the door to be opened. Out of that whole cafeteria of able-bodied kids, she was the only person who took the time to open the door for them. A few days later, I saw her helping a girl pick up her things that she had dropped. I’ve seen her demonstrate kindness to others on many occasions. \r\n\r\nNow, she has been out of school for a few weeks and I don't know where she disappeared to, but I hope she's ok. Regardless, she has changed me forever and showed me that little acts of kindness can go a long way. This girl has been through so much and has really been hit hard with this disease, yet she continues to work through it all and keep so positive. \r\n\r\nIf I could be half of the person that she is, I would be so happy.\r\n\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 New Braunfels USA 2007-12-21T04:12:16-07:00 Cliff & Shannon 447 F 303 Texas Cliff and Shannon have adopted three children, all siblings, from a troubled home. These children are all under the age of five and the oldest has autism. Cliff and Shannon love these children unconditionally and are raising them in an environment of security, love and understanding. \r\n\r\nWithout much money or high-paying jobs, Cliff and Shannon struggle mightily to provide for these children but they always love them completely. They constantly sacrifice for these children. \r\n\r\nCliff and Shannon do not ask for help or sympathy. They took these children in fully understanding how their lives would be changed forever. \r\n\r\nNow, thanks to Cliff and Shannon, Daniel, AJ and Mia have a chance to thrive and be happy. They are healthy children wrapped in a warm cocoon of love. I only wish that I had a few of the wonderful qualities that make Cliff and Shannon such selfless, loving people. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Las Vegas USA 2007-12-22T16:28:03-07:00 Jennifer 451 M 305 Nevada Jennifer started volunteering with AIDS service organiztions (ASO's) over 10 years ago. She has given her adult life to bettering the lives of those infected with or affected by AIDS. She is now the CEO of Aid for AIDS of Nevada, and is a hero to those in this city who need a hand up, not a hand out. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Ogden USA 2007-12-30T23:49:59-07:00 Ben 454 F 306 Utah Ben was my hero as he fought in WW2, a pilot in the Pacific Theater. Ben homesteaded in Wyoming and later built up several thriving businesses in Utah, along with his wife, Rita. Rita and Ben raised eight children who are all successful. Together they have helped many people throughout the years, both financially and spiritually. \r\n\r\nPerhaps the greatest challenge and chance for heroism has come in their late eighties, as Rita has Alzheimer's. Ben lovingly and faithfully cares for Rita in their home. They will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this May and Ben never complains, only says how much he loves Rita. Five of their grown daughters live within 20 miles and share the responsibility of coming each day to help with housekeeping and bathing. \r\n\r\nMay we all be as positive as Ben with our challenges in life and inspire those around us to do likewise.\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 Monroe USA 2008-01-16T04:38:06-07:00 Paul 469 B 309 NJ My hero is my Dad! I have always thought of him as such just because he is my Father. I admire him for living his life according to his own hopes and aspirations. At 75 years of age, he still embodies all the compassion and drive that he has possessed his entire life. \r\n\r\nPerhaps because I myself have matured I can see many of these traits more clearly now. My Dad is a believer in all that is good. We playfully call him our 'boy scout' as he gives willingly of his time, his money, his knowledge, and his love. “No” is not a word in his vocabulary. \r\n\r\nMaybe he learned to encompass these admirable traits as the youngest of four children. Maybe he learned to value these things as a young man drafted and sent overseas to fight in the Korean War. Or maybe it was when he returned home and met his bride of 51 years!! He may even have developed this capability in his years as a successful business owner. No matter where or how he has earned his wisdom, he remains my hero. \r\n\r\nI look up to my dad and pray that my own son can someday be half the man that my dad is.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Eagan USA 2008-01-17T04:43:17-07:00 Sona 471 M 310 MN In 1997, Sona’s dear friends had an extremely premature baby. Sona asked how she could help, and they asked her to help keep friends and family informed. Sona turned to her background in IT and web design and created a private, personal website for the family. The website kept everyone up-to-date, and allowed people to share their love, encouragement and support to the family facing this serious medical situation. Sadly, their baby lived just nine days. The parents, family and friends were so moved by their experience with this single website, however, that they supported and encouraged Sona to provide that same service to other families in need.\r\n\r\nThe powerful connections from that first experience led Sona to found CaringBridge, a non-profit organization that provides private, personalized websites to families facing serious medical conditions. For the first three years, Sona ran the organization out of her house. Now, over ten years later, CaringBridge is the first and largest service of its kind “dedicated to connecting families and friends to share information, love and support when facing a serious medical condition.” \r\n\r\nSona was and is adamant that the service remains free to families, so that the focus remains on simplifying communication and connecting families struggling with a serious health condition. \r\n\r\nSona has grown this business to serve millions of families each year. On top of her growing efforts in the non-profit world, Sona and her husband have raised three sons. Still, her passion for helping families in need stay connected and feel cared for and loved, is one that continues to grow. \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 USA 2008-01-29T06:18:07-07:00 Carly and Molly 486 314 Pennsylvania Carly and Molly are not your ordinary sisters. Though they are just 13 and 15 they founded Hives for Lives, a non-profit organization that sells honey and honey products, and donates all profits to the American Cancer Society. Carly and Molly, who grew up helping with their grandparents' beekeeping hobby, started Hives for Lives in 2004, as a way to honor their grandfather, who died that year of cancer. Determined to turn their grief into something positive, the sisters decided to harvest the honey from their family's bee hives, and sell it to raise money for cancer research. The girls added beeswax candles and lip balm to their product line, created a web site, and came up with a slogan – “Bee the cure we seek.” Assisted by a team of their peers (volunteer Bee Helpers), the girls harvest, filter, and jar the honey; mold the beeswax into honey bear candles and lip balms; and package and ship their products all over the country. When demand outgrew the capacity of their family's hives, the girls secured additional honey from other honey producers and honey donations from 4H clubs and other similar partners. Though it started with just two girls, Hives for Lives has truly become a community project. “It feels so good to accomplish your goals and help change the world in some way,” says Carly.\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-01-29T06:19:33-07:00 Austin 487 315 Arizona Austin is my hero. After he learned of Africa's fifteen million AIDS orphans through his family's sponsorship of two Ugandan children, he became determined to help on a larger scale. Austin spoke with the relief organization World Vision, and realized he could use his love of basketball to help address the problem. He decided to shoot free throws and ask people to sponsor him with donations. That first year, at the age of 10, Austin shot 2,057 free throws to benefit the 2,057 children that would be orphaned by AIDS during his school day. Every shot that went up represented a child. Austin raised $3,000 that day, and realized that by involving more kids, he could make an even bigger difference. He went out and recruited 1,000 kids to each shoot 1,000 free throws, and Hoops of Hope was born. Every December 1, on World AIDS day, thousands of kids across the U.S., Europe, and Australia shoot free throws to help Austin's cause. They have raised money to fund a school and an AIDS testing lab in Zambia, a country hit hard by the AIDS crisis. Austin is my hero because, as he says it best, “You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference. Just pick your passion and do something!”\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Stockdale USA 2008-01-31T07:14:11-07:00 Greg 488 L 316 TX My hero is my husband Greg. My husband works long, hard hours on the night shift just to give our sons and me a better life. He is a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local hospital and he goes above and beyond his job requirements to make sure that his patients are comfortable, happy, that they feel secure and safe, and he is never too busy to sit and talk with them or lift their spirits. He never calls off of work; he always says to me "No, my co-workers and patients are counting on me." \r\n\r\nHe never fails to come home and greet my sons and me with a smile and kisses. He is never too tired or busy to rub my back, read the boys a story, or to do a favor for someone else. Whenever I get down about money or the car not working right, he always hugs me and says, "Don't worry. Together, we can make it through anything!"\r\n\r\nMy husband is one of the best people I know and I want to be just like him!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Madison USA 2008-02-05T04:03:21-07:00 Erin 492 K 318 Mississippi Erin is the reigning ‘Outstanding Teen Madison County,’ and she is truly outstanding. Erin's platform issue is ‘Raising Teen Awareness Against Girls Bullying Girls.’ It is her goal to educate teens and parents of the horrors of girl bullies. She has a forum where girls and parents can discuss their issues and she is starting a support group. She always defends the underdog and has a kind, compassionate heart. She is my hero. 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 Seattle USA 2008-02-21T09:09:51-07:00 Rashmi 506 K. 322 Washington My daughter is an ESL teacher. She teaches adult refugees who have never spoken English in their lives. She narrated me this one instance which brought tears of joy to my eyes. \r\n\r\nThis is what she told me...this is her story in her own words.\r\n\r\n"About a year ago, I walked into my classroom to prepare for my lesson only to find one of my students already there, 30 minutes early. My student, Hawa, a Somali refugee, looked excited. She reached into the folds of her hijab and took out a folded piece of paper. On it were sentences written with a careful, painstaking precision; it was her handwriting. \r\n\r\nShe read me her note, speaking slowly and clearly: "Teacher, today I take the bus. Now I go to the supermarket for the food and my son stay home. He is happy. He help me with my homework. Now I read myself, I can do it." She handed me the note with a big smile. I thanked her and congratulated her on her progress, pointing out her wonderful use of some of our class vocabulary words from the past week in her note. On the inside, I was choked up and tried not to let it show. Hawa, like so many of my students at the Refugee Women's Alliance, arrived in the US without being able to read or write in any language, and had never spoken English."\r\n\r\nI too was choked up when she told me this story. She still continues to teach English to those who come to this country with a dream to survive, raise children and to give them a better life. I feel my daughter 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 Linden USA 2008-04-07T05:14:25-06:00 Monica 552 F. 327 Tennessee My hero is my mom. She had me when she was in her teenage years and though she could have had a much easier life if she had given me up, she chose to keep me. She was faced with the difficult issues of being a single parent while finishing high school and college. She is now a very successful registered nurse and assistant manager of a bone marrow transplant center. I have lived an excellent life and it is all thanks to her. She truly is my best friend and has given me everything I have ever needed. If I wanted or needed something she went without just so she could provide it for me. She would do anything for me and I know that. My mom believes in me and supports me, encouraging me to do whatever I dream of in life. She is always willing to help. This is why my mom is my hero and always will be. I love you mom. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Eastport USA 2008-04-10T14:56:52-06:00 Thomas 555 T. 329 New York My dad has been working for an agency that cares for a large portion of Long Island's mentally retarded community since 1980. When he started out he worked as a direct care counselor in the one and only group home the agency had. He lived next to the group home, cooked dinners, bathed those who could not bathe themselves, and helped with many other day to day tasks. He also took the people that lived in the home to their doctors' appointments and to fun activities such as the movies. Today the agency has and offers about 47 group homes, in-home care, a nursing home, day programs, and much more. Since his days as a direct care counselor, he has done all he can to make the agency no less than the kind of place that he would want his child to be at. \r\n\r\nCurrently, my dad is the Director of Programs and no longer works directly with the participants. He does, however, make major decisions that he believes would be in the best interest of all involved. This is not always easy, as it often means making life-changing decisions for another person. My dad has always loved his job, but he has made many sacrifices. He gets calls in the middle of the night when people are sick; he attends more funerals than anyone I know; he does enough paper work to make anyone crazy; travels long distances for meetings; and took many trips to Florida throughout the years to establish homes there. \r\n\r\nMost importantly he never complains, even when he is under a lot of stress. I do not know how he does it. When I ask him how he keeps himself together, he says that every job has its rough times, but it is the happiness he creates that keeps him going. My dad is strong, persistent, goal oriented, and patient. He is highly respected for his extreme dedication to what he knows is right. My dad is my hero because he not only does what is best for me, but he also does the best he can to provide outstanding care for those who struggle to care for themselves. \r\n\r\nMy father’s attitude has been nothing but an amazing inspiration to me. I strive to make a difference in the world the way my dad has. His ever positive, happy-go-lucky, hard-working, and logical attitude has helped innumerable families in more ways than he could ever know. Many of the families he serves probably do not fully understand the extreme pressure he endures for the well-being of their loved ones. To my dad that is not a big deal. He does not do any of it for the recognition. He genuinely loves his job, loves and respects the population he works for, and can take all the troubles because he knows those good times will come. He has a special place in the hearts of many families, and one of the most special places in mine. I have learned more from my father than I could ever explain, and I look at him as my motivating force, my friend, my advisor, and my guardian. For these and other innumerable reasons my dad is not only my hero, but a super hero of our very special community here on Long Island and elsewhere.\r\n 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 Lake Park USA 2008-04-29T09:07:47-06:00 Kelsie 570 B. 336 Georgia I was younger than her and I thought I could swim (but I really couldn't). I jumped in the lake behind my house and I was starting to drown. She suddenly jumped in the water to save me and she was only 5 and I was 4. That is why she is my hero—she saved my life without even thinking about it. Today she is in fifth grade and I am in fourth. She makes straight A's and she is in the gifted class. She is also in the junior beta club. She is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Overland Park USA 2008-04-30T16:17:50-06:00 Will 571 S. 337 Kansas My hero is my husband, Will. He suffers from FSH Muscular Dystrophy, and has recently been diagnosed with a grade 3 (cancer) brain tumor. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 4. My husband has been through a needle biopsy in his brain only to determine that his tumor is inoperable, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (ongoing). He has been hospitalized, and is bound to a wheelchair for getting around due to the loss of function on the left side of his body after the needle biopsy. He has missed very few days of work; still bathes our girls at night; helps around the house; and does it all with a positive attitude. We both know the "odds" of his condition are not good, but we don't care—I should say—he doesn't care. I'm sure he has bad days when he is absolutely terrified, but he doesn't show it to anyone. I love my husband's strength and the courage that he has shown since all of this began. He is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 United States 2008-05-13T16:03:24-06:00 Kelly 577 L. 341 Illinois My mom is my hero. Why? Because she has taught me all my life lessons. She has been through so much in these past few months, but although she was in a tough situation, she always made sure my siblings and I were okay. She always put herself last and let everyone else come first. She cares about people, and she never gives up. She pushes you to the best of your ability. She knows when you will give up and even though you want to, she pushes you to strive at your best! My mom is a person who commits to everything she does and she is a great role model for people, inspiring others not to give up! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Woodbridge USA 2008-05-22T07:54:12-06:00 Zurriane 584 B. 342 Virginia Zurriane has volunteered his time as a Martial Arts instructor for many years to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. For the past nine years he has also volunteered his time as a defense instructor for women and a resisting aggression defense instructor for children. He is also my martial arts instructor and has helped me and many other young people to improve our lives and futures. He is my hero. He owns the San Yama Bushi & Combination GoJu School of Self Defense in northern Virginia. We can talk with him about many things. His instruction, advice, and comments have been amazing and over the years he has given us a lot. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for twenty-two years. He has done so many other positive things in his life. He is a great man, person, and role model. He is a real person and real hero. 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 USA 2008-05-28T09:24:37-06:00 Michaella 594 346 Colorado Michaella is my hero. When she was just 14, Michaella helped create the Exceptional Rodeo for children with disabilities. She and her local 4-H Club raised over $2,000 to fund the rodeo, which included “bucking” broncos (made of hay and barrels), calf roping, and stick horse barrel racing. As a result of Michaella's accomplishments, thirty-five local children with physical and developmental disabilities were able to experience the thrill of rodeo. “Children can come out of the darkness with just one special thing you do for them,” explains Michaella. “Just that one thing can change that person's life forever.” Additionally, Michaella has created the Foal Adoption Program, placing unwanted horses with local 4-H kids.\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 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 Orange Park USA 2008-05-28T14:03:23-06:00 Ann 600 H. 352 Florida My Grandmother was, and still is, my hero. She gave me all the love and care she could. I love her, and miss her dearly. I love you Grammie. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Springfield USA 2008-05-28T18:37:25-06:00 Sarah 601 H. 353 Ohio Sarah is my aunt and she is my hero. Sarah is my hero because she is very giving and loving person. When I was 2 or 3 she took me in because my mother could not raise me. My whole family could have gone to a foster home but she took all of us in. She raised me, my 5 sisters and 2 brothers as her own. She now has a child of her own and is a single mother for my two sisters, my cousin, and me. She has done a lot for my family and I just hope someday I can do the same for her. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Hollywood USA 2008-05-31T10:31:22-06:00 Clint 605 M. 355 California My hero is my husband. He is a peace pilgrim. He has never missed a day of work in his life. He has only ever had three jobs. He loves me, even when I am unloveable. He considers my son to be his son and raised my son to be like him. He is the most moral, ethical, intelligent man I have ever known. I don't expect to ever meet anyone better than him. He inspires me to be a better person. 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 Rancho Cucamonga USA 2008-06-06T09:41:23-06:00 Henry 622 M. 359 California My hero is a man named Henry. He has always been the one I can run to in times of need. He has shown me that a father is someone who you can trust and rely on, not necessarily one who helped create you. My mom died unexpectedly when I barely turned 13, and my biological dad has never really been in the picture. So Henry became like a father to me, and is someone I have always been able to talk to. My love for him grew stronger every time I spoke with him and now he is the only one whom I can trust with life. I’m proud to call him my father, because without him, I wouldn’t be the girl I am today. He has taught me to never give up! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 2008-06-13T22:54:53-06:00 Rose 631 D. 363 My grandmother is my hero. She was a proud woman that spoke her mind and put on no false pretenses. She was incredibly strong and passionate about her home and the nature around it. You either loved her or hated her...and I loved her. She instilled in me the values of her times and I can't say how much that meant. Sadly she passed away, but I carry her in my heart every day. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Hutchinson USA 2008-06-26T04:28:23-06:00 Stanley 639 M. 365 KS Four days a week in Hutchinson, Kansas a miracle happens: 200-300 people eat a hot meal. The miracle worker is an unassuming woman named Stanley M. who operates the Christian Soup Ministry. For close to 20 years she’s never missed a scheduled day, never run out of food, never turned anyone away…and never accepted so much as a penny of government assistance.\r\n\r\nSome days there’s no group scheduled to cook (community groups typically provide meals for about 15 days each month). Some days there’s not enough food in the pantry to prepare a meal in the needed quantities. Those are the days when the miracles happen. A group of cross country cyclists rides up and offers to help. A couple over-orders from their wedding reception and makes a donation. A grocery donates 500 pounds of fresh produce that would otherwise be thrown away.\r\n\r\nRegardless of the thorny conditions she knows exist from the night before, Stanley leaves her house and shows up at the appointed time, believing…knowing that the Lord will provide. Faith is her value—and she does pass it on. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T04:42:30-06:00 Kathleen 640 366 California I’m the executive director of Napa Valley Community Housing, a non-profit that develops and manages housing for low and very-low income residents. These people are my heroes.\r\n\r\nMost of them are uneducated; many to not speak English and almost all of them make $9-$12 an hour. Yet, they work hard every day in restaurants, vineyards, and hotels to make a better life for their children.\r\n\r\nThey take classes we offer in job training, ESL and emergency preparedness (among others) to learn and improve themselves. They form tenant associations to govern themselves and solve problems as they arise. \r\n\r\nBy getting out of overcrowded and substandard housing and into affordable housing, these people have made the first step towards being productive and contributing members of our community.\r\n\r\nI am proud to say: They are my heroes.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T04:47:37-06:00 Gene 641 W. 367 Wyoming My hero is Gene W. Gene has started more than a dozen companies in his lifetime. He started out working in the laser industry when it was still in its infancy in the 1940s. In his early days in Silicon Valley he often associated with pioneers of the era like Dave Packard and Bell Hewlett. Dave Packard in particular, was a major influence on Gene. Mr. Packard was often known to say “I don’t care what you do; just make sure it is the right thing.” \r\n\r\nSince those days, Gene has been involved in starting dozens of companies, including Coherent, a laser company he founded which later went public. Gene has tried to retire many times, but each time the entrepreneurial bug comes back and he comes out of retirement. Gene just turned 80 in December 2007 and is busier than ever. He serves on the board for several high-tech start-ups and runs the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program for the state of Wyoming. I am very fortunate to have Gene on my board at Handel Information Technologies. Each time I have to make a difficult decision I think “is this the right thing to do?” Usually, this makes my decision easier because it allows me to at least eliminate some of the “wrong” choices. Thanks to Gene giving up retirement for good, another generation of high-tech entrepreneurs gets to benefit from his advice.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T04:53:12-06:00 George 642 R. 368 Pennsylvania My grandfather—George R.—is my hero. He was born blind and against all odds he attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his BS. His seeing-eye dog was the first dog to graduate with a blind student. He also attended Carnegie Tech (Now Carnegie Mellon University) and received his MS in Social Work. He became the first blind juvenile probation officer in Allegheny, PA. He just passed away this time last year. The things judges and colleagues said about him in the paper in his obituary still make me cry. Pap-Pap showed me that ambition and not letting people tell you that you can’t—means you can!! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T04:59:02-06:00 Georgia and Gentry 643 369 I have two daughters, Georgia, 13, and Gentry, 11. I can’t tell a story about someone being my hero without mentioning both of them. Just over a year ago I embarked on a campaign to win one of three vacancies on our city commission. Building social capital is my work, my passion, and my hope for our society’s future. Becoming an elected official was one way I knew to give back to my community while being a positive role model to my girls. \r\n\r\nThroughout the campaign they served as my youth co-chairs and worked just as hard going door to door, making phone calls, attending candidate forums and addressing postcards as the adults on my committee. In the end, I was successful in my bid and secured enough votes to become not only a commissioner, but the Vice Mayor. \r\n\r\nEveryday since then I’ve been reminded by their support, that ultimately they are my role models because through their civic engagement and belief in me I was elected to a position that allows me to fulfill my passion in some way. They taught me about servant leadership through their example: they worked hard for someone else’s dream.\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 2008-06-26T06:17:24-06:00 Katie 646 W. 372 One of my heroes, Katie W., was born with one arm and of Asian decent. She grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, and her parents neglected her and did not show her the love she deserved and needed. She was on the first girl’s basketball team that I coached. She joined us her 7th grade year and through her hard work and desire became a starter and played through her sophomore year. Between all the teasing she endured and her messed up family all she wanted to do was be normal. She would work on everything including trying to dribble the ball and shoot layups with a half of an arm. She played harder than anyone on the team. I am still coaching ten years later and no one has shown me more desire than Katie. \r\n\r\nIn her 8th grade year I coached her again and in a fierce game she made the winning shot with 2 seconds on the clock. This time, the opposing team wasn’t upset—they actually cheered. \r\n\r\nOne of the opposing teams’ parents came to me and thanked me for not cutting her in 7th or 8th grade because she said that Katie had inspired their whole team.\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 2008-06-26T06:27:21-06:00 Leina 648 R. 374 My mom is amazing to me. She taught me about strength, hard work, and discipline. She became a single parent when I was about 11. I’m the oldest of four children. She worked very hard to provide the best for all of us. She cleaned the Catholic school we went to, so that we could go to school there. She never complained about anything, she just did it. She taught us about sticking together and sticking up for each other. She has survived cancer, death of parents, two sons going to war, coming from war with strength, faith, and believing. She is my hero, because of her sense of being a strong woman even when the odds are against you. I’m so blessed to have her as my mom.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:31:13-06:00 Luella 649 H. 375 My mom, Luella H., who at 86 years young is today, the President of the local seniors’ organization and family matriarch. She loved learning and was my foremost teacher. She gave birth to 12 children in 16 years! She is a farmer’s wife and a church activist, yet still acquired her GED at 69. Her family tradition was that the “girls” went to school through 9th grade (the “boys” graduated from high school). The “girls” went to work at 15 because they would marry husbands who would take care of them. Mom taught us the value of hard work—often saying “Bloom where you are planted!” “Be observant of the world around you—make it better.” “Share your time and talent.” “Learn from others.” \r\n\r\nThankfully, mom is still with us, blooming in her own activities and modeling for four generations the value of an honest day’s work, deep faith, commitment and love of family and friends. Thanks, mom!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:33:57-06:00 My Best 650 Friend's Mom 376 My best friend’s mom is the person that exemplifies so many wonderful values such as courage, helping others, humility, love, and faith. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 8 years old. She had double mastectomies, chemo, radiation…lost her hair, was sick and all the things so many women go through. She went into remission, it came back in other areas and she underwent more surgeries, chemo and radiation. This continued until I was 19 when she lost the battle and passed away. \r\n\r\nThroughout the entire battle, she never complained, she continued her volunteer work at a store that raised money for people with disabilities. She continued to be the driver of the neighborhood kids to activities, continued to host parties, and to care for others when they were sick. (I had mono and my parents were out of town—she came to stay and care for me saying, “So what if you are contagious? Do you really think that could hurt me right now?”)\r\n\r\nNo one has ever exhibited the courage and dignity that she did through her whole life. She was the most loving and giving and selfless person I have had touch my life.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:42:31-06:00 Nancy 652 H. 378 One of my heroes in Nancy H. Nancy has been teaching at our local elementary school forever, she tells her students every year that she is 196 years old. Why she is a hero to me is because she is a friend and mentor to my daughter. She was my daughter’s 3rd and 4th grade teacher. She encouraged my daughter’s love of art, creativity, reading and writing. Nancy is not the most “organized” teacher and that is why my daughter loves her so…she is quirky and artsy and fun.\r\n\r\nMy daughter is in 8th grade and every year has gone back to the elementary school to help Nancy in some fashion. Sometimes it is one day a week, sometimes once a month, sometimes a few months will lapse them she goes for 3 days straight.\r\n\r\nNancy is my hero for giving my daughter that special attention, love, and encouragement; for showing and providing an opportunity for volunteering at a young age. I appreciate Nancy! Every child should be so lucky as to have a positive mentor. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:44:11-06:00 Phyllis 653 W. 379 This is about my baby sister, Phyllis W. \r\n\r\nThe youngest of nine children, she was the epitome of the baby in our family. Everyone looked out for her, especially me. We were the closest in age and also best friends. At the age of 35, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 4. She had two small children and was a single mom. I remember going to the oncologist for the first time with her. Her only question to the doctor was: “Let’s get going…what do I have to do? I have two kids I need to live for.” \r\n\r\nFor three years she fought a hard fight, through her chemo, then removal of a brain tumor, then to being in a wheel chair as the cancer moved into her spine. Throughout she was positive and wanted to be there for her children and my parents. Her fight was long and hard, but she lost this fight in July of 2000. To this day her children remember her as a courageous and strong person. I see her as loving all of us so much to that she was willing to go through all she did—to live her life for her children. My hero is my sister but also my niece Brittany and nephew Michael, who all are strong in the challenge of life.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:46:54-06:00 Ronald and Lydia 654 J. 380 My heroes are my grandparents: Ronald and Lydia J. They not only raised me but taught me that character and responsibility are more important than how much money you have, the college degrees you have earned or the job you hold. Your character is the foundation of who you are. As they say, “the true test of a man is his character.”\r\n\r\nI now try to instill this in my children. It is more important to have integrity and show kindness to others than to get perfect grades (although doing your best also demonstrates your character).\r\n\r\nMy grandmother only finished the eighth grade and my grandfather never graduated from high school but they had strong character and to me those lessons were worth far more than all the money in the world. By today’s standards they would not be deemed successful but they were very successful in what matters. They made sure they always provided for me and others even if they had to make tremendous personal sacrifices.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:49:57-06:00 Susan 655 B. 381 A mother. A wife. A friend. Generous beyond expectation and committed to all of the things important in her life.\r\n\r\nSusan B., together with her husband, Mike, raised three sons. All the while, she gave them the spiritual support and guidance they needed, loved them deeply and unconditionally, and found the time to share herself with others.\r\n\r\nIf anyone she knew had a need-however great or small—she would respond. Buying groceries, providing transportation, cleaning a home—whatever the need, she answered.\r\n\r\nShe found a special place to use her selfless energy: Friendship house, a mission arm of First Baptist church of Garland. Now twenty years or so later, she remains committed to helping others.\r\n\r\nShe is such a wonderful example of living a balanced life, full of love and devotion to God, family, and community.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:58:13-06:00 Vivian 657 R. 383 My hero, Vivian R., died last July of breast cancer. An older African American woman who never married or had any children, she devoted her life to helping others. I was fortunate enough to have known her for the past 30 years. Since she hired me as young 20 something year old working in the aging field. We came from different backgrounds and were as different as night and day, but we bonded from day one. Vivian taught me the beauty of silence, of listening, of acceptance and tolerance of others different than ourselves. She was a quiet leader who surrounded herself with others different than her. Her passion was human services, and helping others, especially the elderly. Vivian started me on the wonderful journey that I now call my career. She has taken me in for the past three decades. Her fight against breast cancer was not successful, but her spirit will always remain inside of me. 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 New Windsor USA 2008-06-30T15:38:16-06:00 Richard 662 F. 387 Maryland Rich F. was a volunteer fire fighter and Prince George's County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty on June 27, 2008. Rich was dedicated to his wife, their two small children, and to serving his community. He lived his life with purpose and service. He could always make you smile with his positive attitude. If you met him, you would consider him a friend immediately, as he would you. He'll be sorely missed. He is the definition of a true hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Ft. Stewart USA 2008-07-08T10:58:04-06:00 Matthew 667 391 Georgia He saves lives as a Combat Medic while protecting people. He is one of the smartest people I've met, and his heart is bigger than life. He has been deployed twice to Iraq, and has impacted people both times. He never thinks about himself, only others. By far, the world would be a better place with more people like him. He's my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-07-09T04:10:20-06:00 Henri 668 L. 392 Florida After surviving the concentration camps of World War II (a situation that could have destroyed one’s spirit) Henri came to America and served in our military. Through the G.I. Bill he received an education in the hospitality industry. With success in the hotel business he could have justifiably sat back and enjoyed life. Instead he founded Give Kids the World, an organization that grants wishes to families of children with life threatening illnesses that wish to come to the Orlando area’s famous theme parks. This led to building the Kids Village, a theme park/fantasy style village of villa's and handicapped accessible resort amenities like minature golf, swimming pool & water park as well as a carousel with a couple of animals capable of accommodating a wheelchair. The whole village: from the Ginger Bread house dinning hall, theatre and Ice Cream parlor to the volunteers and sponsors, provide a week-long escape at no cost to the wish families from around the world. A compassionate soul such as his doesn't stop, he also founded Dignity U Wear providing new clothes and underwear to children in shelters and in need. He also supports other causes and inspires others (like myself) to do more. If you want to be inspired research more about Henri and his Give Kids the World Village. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Elk Grove Village USA 2008-07-09T04:42:02-06:00 Kelly 669 K. 393 Illinois Kelly is a one of a kind person. With a heart that she opens to all, Kelly is counted on by many. But what really has set Kelly apart and made her my hero is her non-stop optimism and dedication. Kelly has dedicated her life to helping people, and to helping spread awareness for an array of causes.\r\n\r\nLet me start by giving you a brief history of Kelly's caring life. It really started from her birth. Kelly's family has been blessed with an uncle that is mentally retarded, Uncle Dennis. Dennis lives at a home that gives him a life designed for him. It allows him to work small jobs and have as independent a life as possible, while still having 24 hour care givers.\r\n\r\nBut as time went on, and Kelly's grandparents got older, and everyone’s families started to grow, driving to get Dennis for family functions became more and more difficult. But Kelly could always be counted on. Not only to pick Dennis up for holidays and parties, but also to take Dennis out to do some of his favorite things, go to the pumpkin patch or the local arcade. This continued even after Kelly had four kids of her own, and Dennis became an important part of their upbringing. \r\n\r\nYou see, from a young age Kelly instilled in her children the belief that all people are here for a reason, and there's always something to learn. This concept greatly helped her children to learn from Uncle Dennis. He was special, and they were taught by Kelly through seeing how people gaped and stared at Dennis, that it's not right to judge people. People are special and always have something to teach us.\r\n\r\nThese values were carried on by Kelly when her cousin Maureen had her first daughter, Kristen. Kristen was born mentally retarded and with many other complications. The doctors said she wouldn't live a week. But they were wrong.\r\n\r\nKristen ended up living nearly 5 years. And in that time, Kelly dedicated much time to helping Maureen and her husband Jim care for Kristen, and even helped to start, and run, a non-profit organization in Kristen's name after she passed. Kelly helped many to see that Kristen was a gift. She taught us all unconditional love and even though she required much care and attention, what she gave us, surpassed the effort it took to care for her.\r\n\r\nBut again, Kelly's dedication and caring doesn't stop there. Kelly continued to give to those less fortunate, caring for a boy with autism, working in a school helping kids who were handicapped, and on to her current endeavor.\r\n\r\nCurrently, Kelly runs a small business that again, is dedicated to helping people. Her business designs and makes jewelry that is used by non-profit organizations to spread awareness and memorialize those who have touched our lives. With accounts across America, Canada, and the world, Kelly's business has facilitated the spreading of awareness for many causes.\r\n\r\nAs you can see, Kelly is an extremely caring and giving person. She's an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, niece, grand daughter, wife, mother, and friend. Through all her giving, she never neglected her family and always was there with open arms and an open heart.\r\n\r\nThat is why Kelly, my mom, is my hero. And being her 20 year old son, I know that I would not be who I am or where I am without my mother. Her caring heart, her dedication, and her optimism that we can make life better for all. That is why my mom, Kelly K., is my hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 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 2008-07-11T09:01:28-06:00 My Friend 676 399 In my late 30's a friend of mine died of cancer. She fought for 6 years and suffered through numerous treatments. In my late forties I was told I had cancer. For two weeks I kept it to myself. I had decided not to fight it. I told no one. \r\n\r\nOne night while chatting with a friend on line I typed the words that made it real. At that same moment another friend arrived at my house the soul purpose of the visit was to find out what was wrong and why was I acting so withdrawn. He was thinking he had done something wrong! I could not say the words out loud so I had him read my post in the chat room. He looked at me put his arms around me and I cried my fear. \r\n\r\nHe then said "Well, you wanted to make a change in your life." I looked at him stunned and said, "Dying wasn't what I had in mind." He laughed and said "We will go on a diet together…you had wanted to lose weight.” I also had an excellent doctor who supported the idea and bought me a book “Living Without Fat.” So that is what we did the entire time I was going through treatment. He had me focus on life and my body and cooking and recipes. I became so positive about my life and the diet that I didn't have room for the cancer. Finally came the day when I was told that there was no sign of the tumor. \r\n\r\nWithout my friend I would have died. His love, his belief, was a life line. He is a hero. He listened, he cared, he loved, and he showed a commitment to me and all those in his life beyond anyone I have known.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 South Greenfield USA 2008-07-18T05:34:07-06:00 Deanna 682 M. 404 Missouri Deanna McLemore, my mother, has given selflessly to our small farm community for over 45 years. As a nurse she has touched the lives of most families in the county, either caring for their elderly parents, their children, or anyone in between. She has given up time on the weekends and in the evenings, always off the clock, to go see someone who needed her. \r\n\r\nShe has volunteered for Hospice, helping individuals and their families feel supported through their last brief times together. She has been a hero to many young people who have gone on to nursing school because of her influence on them. I became a social worker because of seeing her lifelong commitment to helping people. She is not just my hero but a hero to her community and makes it better just by being there.\r\n 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 Raleigh United States 2008-07-23T10:28:54-06:00 Frederick 693 W 411 NC Frederick is my father. At age 16 he lied about his age to join the Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was the engineer on the PBM amphibian plane. After the war he came home and he did what he could to get a job. With a standard of honesty and hard work my father worked until he retired at 68 years old. His grandchildren and I attended his high school graduation when he was 74. He's now 83 and plays golf twice s a week. He's never asked for anything and would do anything for his fellow man. For that... he's our family hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Norwalk USA 2008-08-02T08:38:16-06:00 Hope 705 W. 417 Connecticut Hope is a nurse currently working in Darfur with Doctors Without Borders assisting women and children in a clinic camp. Hope wears many hats as she works with cases of trauma/childbirth/rehabilitation; not to mention the general well being and survival of those she touches. She is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Sacramento USA 2008-08-14T13:12:44-06:00 Tashina 720 B 424 California She is my best friend. She is beautiful in every way. In the face of so much challenge, she has rose above to become an incredible woman, mother, and friend to all. She was born to teenage parents into a life that could have easily prepped her for doom. She is the oldest of five sisters and I hear that even in that impoverished, dangerous neighborhood, she completely walked the other way-toward the light. She excelled, was placed in gifted programs and began using art and writing as her solace to keep out of trouble. Her home life was an uphill battle and through it all. Her spirituality, which to this day she tightly holds on to, was her only glimmer of hope. Her mother stayed in an abusive marriage, her father addicted to illegal substances for her entire childhood, leading to abuse of all kids. Finally, and thankfully, her parents divorced. After that, she was left with grandparents while her mother regrouped. She did not see her father anymore, vowing to leave him be until his addiction was better managed. During her teen years, she still stayed out of trouble but it seemed that if she wanted anything to do with her family, in that neighborhood, she would have to find the courage to visit. \r\n\r\nShe refrained from a lot of behavior that other people were participating in and took her creativity and dreams for her life take precedence over her natural desire to rebel as a teen. Due to family circumstances, she could no longer have a place to live after junior year of high school and so she took her CHSPE and left to live on her own. She began college and worked full time with children. She continued to work full time for five years, and go to school at night, finally transferring into an online bachelor's program for management and being promoted to sales counselor in her company after nearly three years of steady growth there. \r\n\r\nAfter six years in a relationship with her then fiancé, she became accidentally pregnant and one again faced a challenge. At 22, she chose to keep her child, though the father left and chose to not be involved with her or the child. She went through her pregnancy without the support of him or his family. She was the most beautiful, excited pregnant woman I had ever seen. She lived in a beautiful home, with beautiful things and was doing excellent professionally, well enough to support her child and herself. Right before the birth, she moved into a brand new beautiful home, decorated the nursery to perfection and hired a doula to be with her during her planned water birth. She again, was the bravest woman I'd seen. All this at 22. If only she knew how scared we all were for her, and then with each new excited thing she would do or say, it would chip away the fear and instill a pure confidence in her every move. She was more competent, more fearless, more grateful for her life during that time, than I'd seen anyone. She was not searching to fix anything that maybe appeared slightly untraditional, she was just living her life, being a single mom, being the brilliant woman she is. She traveled during this time, she did yoga and cycling up until her due date. Still yet, never frowning, never missing a day of work, though her life had been turned upside down, her wedding cancelled, the love of her life, lost to his own plan, which did not include her or a baby. \r\n\r\nTime passed and she continued to flourish in school, work, and her personal life. She never lost her shine, never cried over what could have been. She has one of the most sincere joys for god, life and people I've ever seen. She dabbles in painting, photography, writing, she runs every day and she takes care of her son with out any help, all the while, working full time and accepting freelance writing jobs on the side. Now, she is 24. She has a perfect son. She is the most amazing single mother I have ever seen and the most beautiful thing about her is that she doesn’t even know how incredible she is. She has always been the over comer, the smart, beautiful, motivated one, and doesn't realize how hard it is to rise to her level with normal circumstances, let alone, adversity. This is my submission of one of my best friends in the world, someone I admire greatly, along with dozens of others, who is a true example of beauty, poise, and a hunger for happiness and passion in a world she finds so incredible and can’t understand why someone would find it so ordinary. Nothing about her is ordinary. She deserves more than I could ever give her. Please acknowledge this person who has helped so many, volunteered her time, money, love. She has worked at women's shelters, children's group homes, AIDS events, all in an effort to constantly volunteer her time and give back the blessings she herself, feels have been given to her. \r\n 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 New York USA 2008-08-23T02:12:35-06:00 David 733 L 429 New York My hero, David L., is 61 years old now. He has stuttered since he was a baby and many thought he was mentally retarded. An IQ test as child showed that he had an IQ of 140. He was the butt of everyone's jokes in high school. He never had the love of his father and lost a job just because he stuttered. He is my hero because despite this, he is a kind, loving man and a great dad. One of his goals in life is to be the dad that his dad never was. He works hard at everything he does, has a great career, and is an elite athlete with a loving family and friends. He is the best friend anyone can have. I, too, stutter and David who hardly knew me at the time, inspired and encouraged me to achieve success beyond my wildest dreams. He is also chairman of the American Institute for Stuttering and wants to ensure that no child endures what he did growing up. Although he has a heart condition with several stents in place, he is optimistic and joyful always and lives life to the fullest. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Pemberton USA 2008-08-26T12:00:05-06:00 Bobbie 736 D 430 New Jersey Bobbie D. graduated high school third in her class in 2004. Even though she could go anywhere, she went to Africa to help run a program known as Second Chance for Darfur's Kids. She is still only a college student yet instead of finding a way to pay for college textbooks, she finds ways to raise money for dictionaries to teach refugees in Egypt how to read and write. She is a true inspiration to not only her close family and friends, but to our school and our community. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Effort United States of America 2008-08-27T04:38:16-06:00 Debra 737 D 431 Pennsylvania Debra has not had an easy life. She has endured sickness, death, and occupational disappointments yet I have never heard her complain once. She supported a husband with an addiction for many years and stood by in the belief he would enter recovery, which he did. She raised two children emphasizing the values of patience and tolerance. She has devoted her life in helping those who are less fortunate. I have seen her remained calm when others around her were lashing out with emotions instead of using their heads. She is a wife, mother, referee, and most of all a friend who can be relied on for an honest answer. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Philadelphia United States of America 2008-08-29T10:01:04-06:00 Doris 743 G 433 Pennsylvania In the late 1970's, Carroll Park was a block of crime and dirty deeds in inner city Philadelphia, so bad that one could not pass through during the daytime. But one day, a group of residents decided to change that. They entered the park ready to change it for the better. With paintbrushes, rakes, brooms, and determination as their tools, this group transformed the park from a disgusting area to a beautiful spot to relax, complete with benches and clean sidewalks. Later, they put up two playgrounds so that the neighborhood children could play. Doris G. was a part of this group, and it was her passion to clean up the park, or "take it back," as she likes to say. She worked there every day, little by little making it even more beautiful with brightly colored benches, mowed grass, and trimmed bushes. 30 years later, Doris is still there, always working hard with a smile on her face to make the park remain a place that brings calm to adults, joy to children, and a break from hectic lives to all. Doris G. truly is the heart and soul of Carroll Park. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 St.Albans USA 2008-09-01T15:38:52-06:00 Anna 746 N 435 Vermont My grandmother is my hero. During World War II, she put off her education in order to serve as a nurse in the Navy. Later, she went on to get her Master's degree at Columbia University- something not many women were doing at the time. Instead of choosing a more lucrative career, she chose to come home to our rural Vermont community and serve as a Social Worker, helping the children of our county for the next 40 years. Many times she went above and beyond her job requirements, and today many of 'her kids' still come up to her to thank her for helping them. Some of them have become family, including another of my heros, my godfather. My grandma encouraged him to excel in school as a way of breaking free of the foster care system- and he made it! For my entire life, my grandma has shown me how to become the kind of adult we should all strive to be- someone with integrity, ethics, compassion, and who cares for others and helps them, no matter what their circumstance is. Someone who treats people equally, with a sense of humor and always with kindness. She has taught me so many lessons, and I am incredibly proud to be her granddaughter. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Moody United States 2008-09-10T15:58:51-06:00 John 757 H 439 AL This is my father. I am sure that all children think that their father is their hero but mine is extraordinary. When I was two years old, in 1963, my mother died of bone cancer. She left my father not only heartbroken but the father of five children. My extended family rallied together and made the decision that the children would live with various family members because my father was a traveling salesman—my father was grieving so deeply at the time he was not aware of their decision. \r\n\r\nAfter the funeral, my siblings and I were getting ready to leave with our extended family members to go with them to their homes in other states. When my father realized what was happening, he put his foot down and said that his five children were not going anywhere. He was our father and that was where we would stay: with him. And we did. \r\n\r\nTimes were so hard for him. Two of his children were not even in school yet and the other three were pre-teens trying to fit in with friends at school, much less learning how to deal with the loss of their mother. My father was dealing with hospital bills and a mother-in-law that blamed him for the death of her only child. My mother was given a "new" cancer drug, chemotherapy. The doctor was trying anything to save my mother and at the time my father was desperate to not lose her. Times were not easy for my dad. \r\n\r\nI do not remember the hard times though. Not only was I small but my father never let us know how bad the times were. I do not ever remember a time when my father did not provide for us. He eventually got a housekeeper that stayed with us so that he could go back to work. Every night he came home and took care of the five of us. He loved us unconditionally. When I hear these stories, not from my dad but other family members, I am so proud of my father. He could have given us to other family members and made his life easier. But he did not. He stood up for his family. I am what I am today, a mother of three beautiful sons, a very successful sales manager for a Fortune 500 company but more important than anything...I am my father’s daughter.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Cairo United States 2008-09-15T05:03:17-06:00 Daniel 762 G 440 Georgia My hero was the first born to a migrant share cropper and wife. His father passed away when he was six and he was left to help his mother with three younger sisters and one on the way. The youngest of the three died and when the baby was born, she died as well. Both died of starvation. He fought to live each day, helping his mother and sisters. Finally, when he turned 18 he joined the Army to support his family. He sent what he could of his checks back to his mother until she remarried and was able to better support herself. He had to drop out of school when his father died so he obtained his GED in the Army. He met my mother and they married and raised two boys, sending the oldest, me, to college and saw my younger brother work his way up the corporate ladder of a large company. We have both succeeded due to the endurance and love of our parents. After 55 years of marriage his wife, my mother, passed away. He still endures and has taken over all the things my mother used to do. His endurance and strength among the most difficult of situations has inspired me my entire life. I cannot think of a better hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Mount Vernon U.S. 2008-09-29T08:08:40-06:00 George 781 W. 444 Maryland George Washington even as a kid was a great leader. When he was only 12 years old he captained a ship of upset and angry crew members safely across the sea. He is my hero because he shows us that us teens can do more than what is expected of us. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Every City United States 2008-10-02T10:02:14-06:00 American Red Cross 795 449 Every State I spent the last 2 weeks serving on the disaster relief operation for Hurricane Ike. While this is not my first with the ARC, I stand in awe of the tireless dedication of many other volunteers. \r\n\r\nSome of these have spent a significant portion of their life serving their country in times of disaster. One such gentlemen was on his 157th national relief operation. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Myrtle Beach USA 2008-10-05T10:41:25-06:00 David 798 R. 450 South Carolina David is my daddy. Today is his 74th birthday. He is my hero. Daddy adopted me, my younger sister and my little brother, when I was 12 years old. There is something very special about a parent that will take on someone else’s children, shower them with love and raise them up as their own.\r\n\r\nMy dad’s first wife passed away with a brain tumor and he was left with their two young girls, ages six and three. Several years later, he met and married my mother.\r\n\r\nYou see, my father made two broken families whole again. Each parent sold their existing homes and moved us into "our" home. Each parent also adopted the others' children making all of our names the same. There was never any distinction between his and hers. It was ours. We were a real-life Brady Bunch where love and discipline were handed out equally and fairly. Four years later there was a new addition to this blended family. She was "our" baby sister and the final seam that glued our family together as one.\r\n\r\nIronically, my father was not shown a lot of individual love as a child. He grew up in the shadow of his then world famous but very absent father. His mother had other younger children at home and she was working the third shift in the nearby cotton mill. His father was a catcher for the New York Yankees and played in the 1947 World Series. Players were not paid the salaries that many of our athletes today receive.\r\n\r\nWell, Daddy and his brother, Charlie, knew their way around town (Lancaster, South Carolina) by the time they were 8 and 10 years old. They knew how to shoot pool and would often wander the late-night streets while Granny was at work.\r\n\r\nSomeone informed Granny as to what was going on and Granny decided the best thing to do would be to send daddy and Charlie to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home in Greenwood, South Carolina. It was there where my dad and uncle spent their childhood. I think daddy spent ten years there and Uncle Charlie eight or nine.\r\n\r\nBoth of those boys turned into fine young men. Both went onto college with sports scholarships and received their degrees. Daddy received a Masters Degree in Secondary Education and became a teacher, a coach, a mentor and later a high school principal.\r\n\r\nIt is only now that I have grown older and have a family of my own, that I can truly appreciate the amount of love and that was given to each of us children. I appreciate and respect the steps my mother and father took to make our family whole again, those many years ago.\r\n\r\nAs the saying goes, “Any man can be a father, but it takes a really special man to be a ‘daddy.’”\r\n\r\nLast October, my daddy suffered a stroke. After much hard work and determination, he has since regained most of his mobility, but he has lost the gift of speech. My dad loved to tell stories of his childhood. He so enjoyed running into former students and faculty. He loved to catch up on old times. He is such a caring man that even after all of his struggles this past year he can still say, "I love you." I can't ask for anything greater than for him to be able to say those three little words to me. \r\n\r\nDaddy is my hero and will always hold my heart. My family has been blessed to have been given such a good, kind and gentle man.\r\n\r\nI thank you for the opportunity to share a little of the hero, that made the biggest impact that shaped my life.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Weathersfield USA 2008-10-05T21:59:04-06:00 RAY 800 K. 451 Ohio On May 20, 2007, off-duty volunteer fire captain Ray K. acted selflessly and heroically to save the life of a resident in a burning home. Ray learned of a residential explosion only a few blocks from his own home. He went to the address and learned that an individual was injured inside the home. With the assistance of a police officer and another individual, Ray entered the burning home. With little regard for his own personal safety, he crawled on his hands and knees, located the injured occupant and helped pull the person outside to safety. City fire officials said Ray’s actions probably saved the occupant’s life. The Captain’s heroic and courageous actions in responding to a citizen in need bring great credit to himself, his family and the State of Ohio.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Little Rock USA 2008-10-13T05:49:34-06:00 Wally 808 G. 452 Arkansas Wally is one of my personal heroes because he helps people--me specifically--know where to look to find true happiness and how to have peace in the home. He's constantly creating things to educate people about how to have healthy families. I've watched him change at least a hundred lives and heard how he's helped train others to do the same. He's amazing. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Haleyville USA 2008-10-13T07:25:11-06:00 Jason 809 L. 453 Alabama My daddy is my hero. I think he is the best dad in the world. An example of this would be the first time I rode a bike: Crash Boom Bang! I had a very bad wreck! He hustled to me into the house at a very high speed and totally took care of me. He picked me up and dusted me off. My dad is the best!!!\r\n 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 Altamonte Springs U.S.A. 2008-10-16T10:54:15-06:00 Lou 816 A. 457 Florida I have worked with Lou for 11 years. Even though he is over 15 years younger than me, I consider him to be my mentor. He is wise beyond his years. He has taught me and my co-workers positive values for living that have made our lives richer in so many ways.\r\n\r\nBasic values, like:\r\nHow to treat people\r\nHow to dig inside deep and pull out that desire to do a good job\r\nHow to live life with purity\r\nHow to understand and except failure and overcome it\r\nHow to be ready for adversity and deal with it\r\nHow to find the confidence that comes from hard work, and so much more.\r\n\r\nI will always remember him as a very special human being, long after we no longer work together. I now have a son that works with our company, and I feel especially lucky, knowing that those same values are influencing him and his family as well.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Reno United States 2008-10-16T13:25:19-06:00 Ken 817 C. 458 Nevada Ken has taught me a lot. He has taught me to have a positive attitude, to never give up, and to work for everything. Kevin is the Principle at my middle school. He has encouraged us to Watch the Foundation for a Better Life videos everyday in advisory. He also has made my life easier from the first day I started at his school. Ken is my Hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Gatlinburg USA 2008-10-24T01:05:10-06:00 Joyce 826 M. 461 Tennessee When I was twelve, mom became a single parent and raised my sister and I completely by herself. As the daughter of an Appalachian brick mason (and one of seven children), my mother was no stranger to tough and meager times. How she managed to keep us in stylish clothes, Nike’s and well fed on a modest income of near minimum wage is astonishing. For as little money as we had I never felt poor in any way. \r\n\r\nThe degree of unconditional love she gave my sister and I every single day became the building blocks for who I am today. She helped us to always remember the important things in life such as treating people (and yourself) with respect, remembering our maker, honesty, hard working and most importantly, how to love. She has the iron will of a true hero!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Fairview United States 2008-10-27T04:38:49-06:00 Monte 840 R. 466 Texas Monte R. is my dad and he has made a huge difference in the first 13 years of my life. He has helped me throughout life and through hard ships. He has never given up on me and has always done what is best for me. If I were to pick anybody to be my hero and help in the future it would most likely be my dad. There is always room for a little more kindness to be given, and every time, my dad fills it up completely. 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 San Marcos United States 2008-10-27T04:50:32-06:00 Ashley 851 L. 470 Texas My hero is my sister, Ashley. From the moment I was born she has set a good example for me and has shown me how to do the right thing. She cares about my family and others a lot and is great at showing compassion and reaching out to those in need. She has followed through with her goals and now attends college in San Marcos. I plan to go to college too, just like her.\r\n\r\nAshley stands up for what she believes in which inspires me, and she has a strong dedication to everything she puts her mind to. I can always depend on my sister to be there for me no matter what, and others can too. She is my sister but we get along like best friends and hardly ever fight—one of the many reasons I love her! We help each other out all the time and forgive each others mistakes. She is a good listener and gives good advice when I need it, but she is also always up to learn and know something new. \r\n\r\nAshley always shows love and loyalty to me and our family. She is patient with me and everyone else and she perseveres through anything that comes up. Her respect for others is amazing and she has a great deal of responsibility which helps to build her self-esteem. She shares a lot and has soul and strength to get through everything. She sets the right example for me and others, which I admire. My sister is my best friend and my hero. She is an amazing person and I hope to be just like her.\r\n 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 Kansas City United States 2008-11-08T13:25:42-07:00 Amanda 871 R. 474 Missouri I have a mental illness and Amanda R. is my social worker here in Kansas City, Missouri. Although for the most part I'm okay, I have certainly put Amanda through the ringer for the four years she's been my social worker. I've definitely confused her, and in my mind I'm sure I had her going crazy. There were days where I would leave 10 or 11 messages on her voice mail that she would discover when she came in the office the next day. Much of my behavior was due to me not taking my medication, and/or drinking.\r\n\r\nThrough it all, though, Amanda has been a real source of inspiration for me. In the last six months I have come to realize that she has never wavered in her support for me as a client and never threw my case away, even though there were moments when I had hoped she would so I can prove to myself that I was not worth being worked on. I am learning to be stable and am starting to become a great part of society. I am finally at a place where I want to do good things and thrive. I have managed to stay on medication (although I'm not always perfect). I don't drink now even though I want to. I keep my calls to her office phone to a minimum unless I am feeling too frustrated to deal with issues. \r\n\r\nI want everyone to know my story because Amanda R. is the hero in my life. Had she given up on me like others in the past have done, I likely would have hurt myself. Amanda has always been the biggest source of support in my life. She always makes time to listen to me and others. Again: thank you for saving my life Amanda.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 McMinnville USA 2008-11-13T12:56:44-07:00 Daniel 876 M 476 OR My dad is my hero. He’s my hero because every day he goes to work and works hard just to come home to his unappreciative kids and their worn out mother. He handles everything just fine and I want to thank him for putting up with my sister and my issues and all the acting up and everything else you can imagine! Thank you Dad! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Frankfurt Germany 2008-11-18T06:47:20-07:00 Anne 878 Frank 478 Anne Frank, 1929–45, German diarist, b. Frankfurt as Anneliese Marie Frank. In order to escape Nazi persecution, her family emigrated (1933) to Amsterdam, where her father Otto became a business owner. After the Nazis occupied the Netherlands, her family (along with several other Jews) hid for just over two years (1942–44) in a “secret annex” that was part of her father's office and warehouse building. During those years, Anne kept a diary characterized by poignancy, insight, humor, touching naiveté, and sometimes tart observation. The family was betrayed to the Germans in 1944, and at 15 Anne died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.\r\n\r\nAnne's diary was discovered by one of the family's helpers and after the war was given to her father, the only immediate family member to survive the Holocaust. Edited by him, The Diary of a Young Girl (1947) became an international bestseller and has been translated into English (1952) and 66 other languages. It was also adapted into a play (1955) and a film (1959). A critical edition was published in 1986, and a complete edition, containing almost a third more material, appeared in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of her death. Anne Frank also wrote stories, fables, and essays, which were published in 1959. The Franks' Amsterdam hiding place is now a museum, there is a foundation established by her father, and institutions devoted to her exist in New York, Berlin, London, and other cities.\r\n\r\nStory courtesy of www.encyclopedia.com. 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 Loiza Puerto Rico 2008-12-04T08:28:04-07:00 Ramon 887 R. 484 Ramon Ramos is a retired National Basketball Association player originally from Puerto Rican. He studied in Puerto Rico at Colegio San Jose and in the United States at Seton Hall where he is now a basketball legend. \r\n\r\nRamos began to play in 1985 for the Indios de Canovanas franchise. At first he sat the bench but eventually he became one of the key players. In 1987, Ramos played in Puerto Rico's national youth (under 21) team that won the gold medal at the Centrobasket Under 21 competition, by beating the team from Cuba, 94-78 in Caguas. Ramos then came to the US and played for his college team at Seton Hall. He helped get his team to the final four's championship game during his last season there in 1989. \r\n\r\nAfter college, Ramos was then signed by the Portland Trail Blazers, who predicted a great future for the Puerto Rican player. As he was new to the NBA his coaches had him sit the bench and observe the game’s style rather than immediately starting him. Sadly, Ramos never got the chance to play.\r\n\r\nIn mid December of 1989, Ramos' car skidded off the free-way as he was driving home. Ramos was injured badly, and he was in a coma for over a year. While he never played a minute in a regular season game, he made an impression on his teammates and on Portland fans that lasted long after that life-threatening automobile accident. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound forward from Seton Hall came to fall camp with a work ethic, affable personality, infectious smile and against-all-odds drive to make it in the NBA made him a fan favorite. While he waged a battle for survival, his NBA Finals-bound Blazers teammates dedicated their season to him. His locker remained in place, complete with his game uniform, that season and for several seasons to follow.\r\n\r\nRamos slowly emerged out of the coma about a year after the accident. Ramos has difficulty walking and doing every day things, and he requires constant supervision by his parents. \r\n\r\nHis family and friends are now working on creating a foundation in his name to help Hispanic students achieve their goals thru higher education, following Ramon Ramos example. Ramon was an excellent student, with an 3.9 average which earned him the title "Scholar Athlete of the year 1989" in The Big East Conference.\r\n\r\nI'll end by quoting Coach PJ Carlesimo in his intro speech to Ramon's Induction into Seton Hall University Hall of Fame: "...most students come to a University to better themselves, a rare few end up bettering the University...Ramon Ramos was one of those few."\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 New York City USA 2008-12-08T15:54:11-07:00 Larry 890 S. 486 New York Larry is a resident in Greenwich Village and he spends almost all of his day collecting money for various causes and organizations; for example, The Fight Against AIDS. He does all of this despite his mild mental retardation.\r\n\r\nLarry has raised over $10,000 for local charities over the years. Larry is very persistent. When he goes to the doctor for a check-up, he is asking him to donate money to his latest cause. When he is in a restaurant, he asks the owner, waiters, waitresses, and even other customers.\r\n\r\nOn top of that, he is always outside (when the weather permits it) on the steps of an apartment building asking anyone and everyone who passes by. Larry is my hero because he never gives up.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Hiram USA 2008-12-21T09:44:43-07:00 Joseph 901 S. 490 GA My husband Joseph Shipp Jr. was my hero. He died at age 32 in a hit and run accident that left me on my own with our three wonderful boys. He was always there for me and the boys. \r\n\r\nHe cared for others by helping them get their cars fixed, so they would have transportation. He was a man of great faith an shared that with everyone he met - young or old. He has been greatly missed by all of us, but he will always be our hero. We love you!! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 West Brooklyn USA 2008-12-23T14:23:20-07:00 Margina 902 S. 491 Illinois My mother is my hero as well as my best friend. She cheers me on when no one else is there. She also encourages me when I feel like giving up. She is a fabulous person and she always helps me learn new things.\r\n\r\nShes my best friend because she doesn't stay inside and watch TV, instead she comes outside and plays sports with me! If I had three words to describe my mom they would be outgoing, caring, and loving. That's why my hero is my mom! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Seattle USA 2009-01-01T18:46:11-07:00 Roberta 905 S. 492 Washington This is a story about my Aunt Bobby. She was the most loved person I ever knew. As a boy I remember visiting her and her husband Bob, son Randy and daughter Patty at their Gross Pointe home in Michigan. I arrived one summer after school had let out. I found a family filled with love and a home that ran smoothly though it still had the usual family drama. The big difference in this home? There was no sadness. \r\n\r\nJokes and silly fun made this light-hearted home a dream from what I knew back east. I learned that Bobby had started the first Boy Scout troop in Michigan, and was involved with Girl Scout and Brownies clubs. She and her husband Bob were chosen to be the God Parents by every family on their street. At the time I thought that was pretty cool. As the weeks went on I learned how to read and I learned how to love through her firm way of coaxing me to learn. I was a very sad child from a very sad home in a very sad city. Bobby is my hero because she knew how to live and she knew how to love and she knew how important it was to be fair even when it did not give her the advantage. My Aunt Bobby knew that winning was not always good and she knew that losing was not always bad. \r\n\r\nThere was something about her and her husband Bob I have never seen before in any person then or even today. It was a kind of class, a kind of knowing that they had that made them glow with cheer and confidence. There was a kind of mystery about them like they knew something that they held dear that they knew was special. \r\n\r\nI think it was love. The kind of love that is refined and yet easy, natural, and filled with life, joy and humor. I tell my friends today that they do not make folks like that any more. Bobby S. was my aunt and my hero because she knew right from wrong and she practiced the Golden Rule to the letter. She always said you could not go too far wrong if you stuck with the Golden Rule. I have ever since. And though my life does not have the same sparkle or glee that their family did, I still got to see it and experience the love of people whom I knew for certain loved me. That is why Bobby and her husband Bob are my heroes.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Jinja Uganda 2009-01-08T04:29:02-07:00 Fred 909 M 495 In Uganda, AIDS orphans and abused children take the streets of cities, hoping to find enough to eat by begging, stealing and searching the garbage dumps. Fred is a college student in Jinja who likes to play tennis and listen to music...and to save street kids in his spare time. \r\n\r\nOnce a month, he gives over 100 kids a bath, shaves their head to keep them more clean, hands out whatever used clothing and blankets he has, and provides a hot meal. He wins their trust and heals their wounds. And when he can, he helps them return to family, find a foster home or move to a rural orphanage. At a time when others his age are partying and dating, Fred tends to the kids that sleep outside the door of his small room, covered with cardboard for protection from other gangs of kids. He's braved personal danger to protect these kids and they adore him. \r\n\r\nFred is an amazing young man who has made a positive difference to thousands of children...a perfect Hero.\r\n 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 Birmingham United States 2009-01-22T05:15:31-07:00 Phoenix and Talia 913 D. 498 Alabama On October 15, 2003, I received a call from my wife that she was getting ready to have an emergency C-section. She had gone in for a normal prenatal check up and was told that the baby was breech and they needed to take him. I immediately left work facing a 2 1/2 hour drive in which time I had no idea how mother or baby were doing.\r\n \r\nI arrived at the hospital just as my wife was being wheeled out of surgery and was told that she would be fine, but that there were some problems with our son. His heart was beating at about twice the normal rate for an infant and it looked as though there might be a small hole in it as well. They weren't sure if he would even last the night. \r\n\r\nThe first time that I was able to see or touch my son was through an incubator. While only two weeks early, he was on the small side. We talked to the doctors and because we were in a small town, they didn't feel they had the correct facilities to meet his needs. We were advised that he would be taken to a larger facility about 3 hours away that had an excellent neonatal unit.\r\n \r\nMarcy, my wife, was still in quite a bit of pain, but was able to see our son for just a few moments the next morning before he was taken to the helicopter to be transported. She was to stay in the hospital for a few more days for a full recovery, but urged me to go with the baby. I spent the next few days traveling back and forth between hospitals before she was released that Saturday - the baby had been born on Tuesday.\r\n \r\nIn the neonatal ICU, we were advised that our son did indeed have a small hole in is heart as well as an irregular heartbeat. We spent 10 days in the ICU and during that time, he was defibrillated four times in an effort to lower and regulate his heartbeat. Finally, we were allowed to take him home, but not without medication to regulate his heartbeat. He was on medication for the first year of his life. We were advised that this medication was known to cause developmental delays in young children but our only other option would have been open heart surgery. \r\n \r\nThe medication did indeed cause delays. Our son didn't walk or really talk until he was 18 months old. He is somewhat smaller than other kids his age. But Phoenix has never let this stop him. He is now five years old, but through our efforts, the efforts of developmental specialists, and his on tenacity, he is now on the same developmental level as the other kids his age. He is intelligent, happy, and full of energy. He will be starting school in the fall and is already reading. Phoenix never lets anything stop him. If he can't do something, he'll keep trying until he can, never giving up. He is named for the mythical Phoenix that rises from the ashes and we believe his name fits him completely. It's because of his spirit and determination that he is one of my heroes. \r\n \r\nMy other hero is my daughter. Talia was five when Phoenix was born and has never complained about the amount of attention that we had to give him. She is incredible! Instead of being the “typical” big sister and complaining about her “little pest” of a brother, she has always been there to help not only Phoenix, but her mother and I as well. If Phoenix couldn't do something that he wanted to, Talia would be right there patiently helping and teaching him. She is always there to help her mother and me as well. We are blessed everyday by her caring spirit and nature. As she has grown older, she has, if anything, become more of a helpmate to us, as we now have a new infant girl in our lives. Talia loves and cherishes both of her siblings and never complains about having to help, doing it without asking and with a smile on her face. Between my son and daughter, I've learned how to live a good life with determination, caring, and perseverance. This is why they are my heroes.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 San Carlos USA 2009-01-25T15:33:56-07:00 Naomi 915 D. 500 CA My hero is a girl I know at work. She started there about 6 months ago after being out of work for over a year. She has some developmental and learning differences that make it hard for her to do math and cash registers, so she couldn't get hired in a lot of places, particularly in retail. But she's told me that everyday during that year with the exception of maybe 10 days, she was out looking for work, filling out applications. \r\n\r\nMany times she would fill out applications in the same stores three to four times because when she went back to check with them they would say they had lost it, or when she interviewed with them they would say they had hired someone else, but she would go by the store again later that same week and see the 'help wanted' sign still in the window, so again, she would go in and fill out another application. Finally she was hired by our company, and she's one of the kindest, most compassionate girls I've ever met. \r\n\r\nShe never misses work, she's always helpful to the customers (they love her) and she tries to help her co-workers whenever they need her, though they don't always do the same for her. She may be different in the way she learns, but she is a HERO in the way she acts, trusts, and believes in herself and others. I'm proud to call her a friend.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-02-03T05:13:51-07:00 Ryan 917 502 My hero is my husband Ryan. He is my best friend. \r\n\r\nWe have been together for over 8 years and we also have been apart for a long time because we lived on two different continents before we got married. Ryan is the most wonderful person I have ever met. He is always very committed to what he does – at work and at home. \r\n\r\nPeople like to be around Ryan because of his amazing personality. He is very caring and generous. He is incredibly kind and patient. He respects me and makes me believe in myself. He is a bundle of positive energy. I feel peaceful, comfortable and safe when he is around. \r\n\r\nRyan gave me strength when I faced a long lasting treatment due to health issues, he has been on my side giving hope and support. I can learn a lot from him. I wish I could give back at least some of what he gave me. I want to become a better person, because Ryan shows me every day what a good person is. He makes me so incredibly happy. I appreciate every day we spend together. I am so lucky.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Yardley USA 2009-02-04T04:41:31-07:00 Vince 918 D. 503 Pennsylvania My hero is my father. My mother left my father when my two brothers and I were very little. My father single handedly raised all three of us and put us through four years of college. Today, we are all successful career oriented individuals who have him to thank. He has provided me with the courage to face anything without fear of failure and reminded me that you can succeed against all odds. My father is my hero and I wouldn't be where I am today without him. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Chennai INDIA 2009-02-05T18:06:22-07:00 Mom 920 504 TN My mom is my hero. There are many people who inspire me but my mom seems to have all the qualities of all those people wrapped into one.\r\n\r\nI was born into a middle class family. My dad and mom worked six days a week close to ten hours every day. My mom woke up at 5am every morning to make breakfast for my dad before he left for work.\r\n\r\nThen my brother and I would wake up and cry that we needed a different breakfast than what my mom had made for our dad. So she would cook our breakfast and then pack our lunches for us to take for school. Once we left she did the laundry, cleaned the house, did the dishes, etc.. Then she would go to work. \r\n\r\nJust to get to work she had to walk two miles to the bus station and then take the bus for an hour. We would come back from school and wait for my mom to get home. She would get home around seven in the evening. I would usually start to whine for dinner, and after a quick fifteen minute rest she would cook dinner for us. After that she would be exhausted and fall sleep just before 10 pm. \r\n\r\nThe sad part is that I never realized how hard and long my mom worked for us. I took her for granted. She has been doing this same routine for more than 20 years, even on the days she was sick. She rarely ate dinner with us because she would wait until we ate to make sure we had enough. One day I packed my bags and I left to USA for my studies. Now I cook on my own and do my own chores it’s hard. Now I realize how hard it was for my mom.\r\n\r\nI have always loved her, but now I respect her for all that she has done for me. She hardly complained about our total lack of appreciation. My mom never quit on us…she worked hard and saved money for our college.\r\n\r\nMy mom is my hero and I will always love her. It has been three years since I last saw her and I cannot wait to get back to her. Thank you mom, for everything. Now it’s time for you to take some rest and let me take care of you. \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 Greatbend United States 2009-02-20T14:17:01-07:00 Sarah 931 R 509 Kansas My hero is my girlfriend, Sarah. She is an overall great person she always tries to do the right thing. She always tries to keep the peace between people. She works as a Certified Nurse's Assistant and truly and deeply cares about the residents. \r\n\r\nSarah is always very forgiving and is always in a good mood. She's just an all together good person and I love her. Sarah is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-03-01T15:35:09-07:00 Nurses 936 512 My hero is every nurse who works 12 hours straight… \r\nExposing themselves to illness and emotional stress…\r\nSometimes on weekends and holidays…\r\nSometimes through the night… \r\nOften putting their own needs and even some of the needs of their families aside…\r\nTo care for the sick who are sometimes confused, scared, frustrated, sad, angry, and not at their best… \r\nAnd still put their hearts into their work…\r\nMakes an effort to get to know the patients as unique individuals…\r\nShows respect even when the patients lifestyles and values are different from their own…\r\nStrives to give the best care, sometimes in an unsupportive healthcare system…\r\nAnd at the end of the day, sometimes cries for their patients…\r\n\r\nAnd throughout it all finds the greatest satisfaction in a simple thank you now and then.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Los Angeles USA 2009-03-07T10:22:02-07:00 Sonny 939 H. 514 California After clicking nearly all of the values below, I realized how much my former boss, mentor, and friend is a hero to not just myself, but everyone he interacts with. Sonny puts together academic programs at a huge California university campus. \r\n\r\nSonny’s favorite program is in July, and he especially loves the teens who attend on scholarships. He literally will not sleep until he gets everything done. The counselors joked that he was Superman because we never saw him sleep or eat, and when we did, it was a huge deal. Sonny never put himself before any of the campers, counselors or his coworkers. He was a friend, a mentor, and even a father figure to the kids who attended camp. \r\n\r\nNobody ever wanted to disappoint Sonny, and you could go to him with any problem and he would help you with it. Sonny showed everyone respect and was one of the first people in my life to really, really look beyond first impressions and outside appearances. Not only did Sonny do his best to get everything done, and treat the campers like his own kids during the program, he was a fun guy. He was never too busy or serious to joke around with us, and often hung out with the counselors, playing Frisbee and going swimming. \r\n\r\nI could write about Sonny's amazing attributes for days, but I would never be able to express the way he's changed my life. He is my hero, he is a man who taught me how to be more of myself and be proud of that. He is an amazing boss and an even more amazing human being. I am honored to have met and worked with him.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Irvine United States 2009-03-11T17:27:45-06:00 Melissa 941 C. 516 California My hero is my history teacher. She has been an inspiration to so many people. She lives on a pretty meager teacher’s salary yet donates over half of it to charity foundations. She hasn't done anything particularly extraordinary that I know of. But she doesn't have to. Her values and her character make me want to be exactly like her. \r\n\r\nIsn't that what the true meaning of a hero is though? Someone who you aspire to be? A role model? Well, although I don't have a moving story about the fantastic deeds she'd accomplished, I think that just being an extraordinary human being inside is enough to be ranked a hero. Don't you?\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Wateertown USA 2009-04-11T10:53:34-06:00 Brayton 962 I 525 NY My hero is my massage therapist and friend Brayton. He runs his own business and there are times when he has a lot of clients and there are days where he only has a few clients. But he keeps his business going because he loves his job and likes to make people feel better if they are in pain. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Northwood USA 2009-06-01T04:31:53-06:00 Chyann 981 C 540 NH Chyann is a very hard working student. She has overcome extreme environmental obstacles to be a part of our school. She works hard everyday to meet the challenges she faces both academically and socially. She never gives up. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Mooresville United States 2009-06-30T11:15:51-06:00 Electrical Lineman 1001 551 NC In the winter of 2007, the mid western United States was ravaged by monstrous ice storms. In the days and weeks leading up to the holiday season; teams of electrical lineman left there homes and families to restore power to the people affected by the storms. For weeks at a time, working 100 plus hours each, putting aside their "Merry Christmas," so others may have one, these men sacrificed their own dreams of spending the holidays with their own families to see to it that Santa's way would be lit. 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 Marla marlabennington@yahoo.com 1 2010-01-22T08:21:25-07:00 Chloe 2890 B 678 My daughter, Chloe, is a beautiful little 6 year old with Down Syndrome. I am amazed EVERYDAY when I look at her. She has defied all stereotypes and diagnoses that we have ever assumed with her Syndrome. Her hard work, determination, commitment, ambition, and so many other adjectives that I could use to describe her, have helped me help her become the beautiful human being she is today. On a daily basis she makes new strides. She continually and pleasantly surprises her teachers! She is fully integrated into a state-of-the-art, all inclusive, elementary school program. I thank God everyday for thinking I am worthy of raising such a gift. 2010-01-22T08:21:25-07:00