1 Stojan T. stojantrajkovski@gmail.com 1 2009-08-18T11:50:24-06:00 Nicholas 2683 T 569 My beautiful boy Nicholas was born at 32 weeks. A normal pregnancy is 40. Even though he was not that early he only weighed 2 pounds 4 ounces. Other than being little he was perfect. Then 10 days later tragedy hit. He had Necrotizing Enterocolitis which is a gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel(intestine)or part of the bowel. They had to remove the intestine that was dead because they could infect the healthy intestines. Needless to say this lead to numerous complications and 12 surgeries all together over the next almost 12 months. Through all of this pain and misery my Nicholas always lit up when he would her my wife's voice. He liked my voice also, but not like hers. I nick-named her "Sunshine" because to him she was like sunshine. She brightened his day and life. He taught us that no matter what happens we will always have each other for strength and support. He showed us how to love unconditionally. Even when our decisions to do more surgery lead to more pain for him, he still gave my wife and myself his whole heart. He showed us how to work hard at overcoming misfortunes. He taught us to never give up no matter how high the odds are stacked against you. He showed us that if we let others help it did not make us weak, it actually showed us how strong we could be. He showed us how to have hope in the darkest hours. He taught us to be humble and thankful for what we have, and not to dwell on how HE got dealt a bad hand in life. He showed us you can trust a complete stranger with the life of your precious son. He showed us to learn from failure, and not to just be angry because this surgery did not fix him. He showed us the greatest love that exists. What he showed the rest of the world was opportunity and optimism. The opportunity was in the fact that the transplant he needed to have in order to live had only been performed a handful of times on an infant, and had only been successful once. But at least the procedure existed. The optimism was in the fact that he could be the second baby to survive this transplant. Unfortunately Nicholas is now an angel, but maybe the next baby with severe NEC will be helped by what the doctors learned from him. There are still very bad days for my wife and myself when we think about Nicholas. However, there are also great days when we remember his smile, or the way he would get so excited to see us his whole body would be jumping. The two best memories for me were his smile and the way he would blow bubbles from his mouth to get my attention. I guess my point is that in the worst of situations there is always hope. You may have to work hard to find it, but it is there. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 USA 2006-08-28T06:35:13-06:00 Sherman 14 P. 9 Florida I would like to nominate my dad as a hero. He lives across the country from me and my husband, but is never more than a phone call or email away. My husband and I live in beautiful Colorado where the mountains have become our backyard and playground. From time to time I find myself faced with having to do something that makes my stomach queasy, my head spin and my knees knock. But I do it, thanks to my father. He managed to instill a sense of adventure and can-do attitude into his kids when we were very young.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite memories (there are many!) as a child is of my Dad and his reaction to taking care of me and my twin brothers one afternoon. My Mom was at work and my dad had a few days off and was playing Mr. Mom. It was fun having him home all day and I remember him encouraging me to go out and ride my new bike with my brothers.\r\n\r\nI was riding along up and down the street. I still remember smiling to myself at how fast I could actually go without being in a car. I don't know what distracted me, but the next thing I know I'm skidding along underneath my bike. I scraped my knee pretty bad and was crying for all to hear. My Dad gently took me in the house, propped me up in his chair and proceeded to inspect and clean up the scrape. I remember crying and saying it hurts make it stop hurting!\r\n\r\nMy Dad had not always been left to care for all three of us at the same time without my mom around, so it was starting to make me a little nervous. He said, “I'll be right back, I know how to fix this.” I remember feeling like he wasn't going to have the same finesse as my mom and it was just going to hurt even more with whatever he walks in with for my aching knee.\r\n\r\nHe returned with a big bowl of ice cream! I remember the tears stopping in a split second and I started giggling. I said, “Do you think its ok before dinner?” He replied, “I think its ok this time.” I proceeded to dive into one of the biggest bowls of ice cream I had seen and was lost in thought. About half way through the bowl, my Dad returned and said "How's your knee?" I said with a big smile, "Much better!"\r\n\r\nI think about this story a lot. I remember my Dad always just trying to make a situation better by thinking outside the box. He still does this to this day. Although I've gotten much better at biking and manage to get out with my mountain bike to some kooky places with my husband, I still take a fall once in a while and I always think back to that day with my Dad. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Preston England 2006-08-29T10:55:39-06:00 Robert 256 W. 250 Mr. W. was my P.E. teacher and basketball coach. When he arrived at my school, I was going into year 9 and heavily lacking direction. I was part of a big social group which involved a lot of mischief and I was easily lead into situations that would get me into a lot of trouble. one day, when we were in a fitness suit for practical session, Mr. W. left the room and the majority of the boys went into the store room and started stealing small pieces of equipment. I, for some reason, for the first time did not. Upon his arrival, Mr. W. looked in the storeroom and knew that the room had been entered. He insisted that we all line up at the door so he could search us on our way to the next class. I was sixth in line. As the boys left the room, Mr. W. found various items on the boys and made a note of their names and explained their parents would contacted along with the police. When I arrived at the front, Mr. W. simply said, "On you go, Mike. I trust you". Those seven words changed my life. I now coach children age ranging from 4 to 19 years old, I’m on my final year of a degree course and have played basketball, rugby and football and a good standard. Without those seven words I don’t know where I would be. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Lightning Ridge Australia 2007-03-28T17:47:45-06:00 Sam 276 R. 256 New South Wales Sam R. is a wonderful person. I have only known her for 5 years and she has matured in many ways. Sam grew up on a farm, and for the first 6 years of her life, she was home schooled. Now, at a prestigious private school, Sam still loves the freedom she experiences when she is at home. Being an animal lover, Sam aims to become a vet. 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 Monte Sereno 2007-05-21T12:10:14-06:00 Ethel 317 M 275 California Ethel is my aunt by marriage; she is my husband’s aunt. \r\n\r\nShe has always treated me as someone special, and her kind and loving words have meant the world to me…Those words are what keep me going. \r\n\r\nI never have to do anything to hear her kind words, she just often tells me that I am her most favorite person in the whole world. \r\n\r\nShe is over 80 years old, and has the heart of an angel. \r\n\r\nWhen my world is falling apart, I know she will not judge me--She gives me hope to carry on. \r\n\r\nI can tell her anything. \r\n\r\nShe is intelligent and I admire the woman she is. \r\n\r\nMy love for this woman amazes me. I have never had anyone love me so unconditionally. \r\n\r\nMy world will always be different because I have been loved by her! \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Lubbock USA 2007-08-02T14:47:08-06:00 Don 362 G 285 TX Don G., my hero, was a college instructor when I was a freshman in college. Although he did not know me before I was in his speech class, he learned a bit about my interest in radio broadcasting and offered me an opportunity to start, build and eventually manage our college radio station. He gave me the break in life,; the confidence, support and inspiration that has driven me throughout my career in media. The inspiration he gave me has given me the motivation to 'pass it forward' to those young people whom I have encountered. His action to me has, in turn, affected generations to come. \r\n\r\nTwenty-five years later I was moved to call to thank him. When he answered his phone I said, "I don't know if you remember me..." With that he interrupted, and spoke my name. I was so moved that he remembered me--that freshman student, from so many years ago. It re-inspired me to 'pass it on'.\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 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 San Antonio USA 2008-03-28T02:55:31-06:00 Javier 543 O. 325 Texas Javier is my inspiration. Whenever I feel down it seems like I get a text message or a phone call that just brightens my day. He is always cheerful and happy and willing to help others through their time of need, even when he is having a rough time. He never has an unkind word to say to anyone and he just plain makes me smile all the time. Best of all - he likes me for me and not for who he thinks I should be. That is the measure of a true friend. 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 Mesa USA 2008-04-28T05:35:23-06:00 My Mother 568 335 Arizona My mother is my hero. She saved me from dying when I was 8 years old. She pushed me out of the way of a speeding car and died saving me. She was only 28 years old. Out of respect and honor for my mom I went to college and got my masters degree in real estate. Now I'm 28 years old, and I feel the need to pass on my story to children who may have lost their mothers in an accident to tell them they can still do something with their life, even though it is hard now. Stay in school—I know how hard it is but don’t ever give up!! 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 Canada 2008-06-13T18:35:42-06:00 Bob 630 B. 362 As a young boy, I was quite lonely. Although I had a wonderful mother and a great 'big' sister, I didn't have a dad. My true father died when I was two.\r\n\r\nHowever, a wonderful person came into my life when I was about 5 or 6. He was a young guy of about 19 and he worked in the hardware store where my mother worked. \r\n\r\nBob befriended me and took me out into the hills of north Calgary where he taught me to appreciate nature. He also helped me learn how to fish and hunt small animals. He was the inspiration that led me to enjoy a life focusing on the outdoors and nature. He was my absolute hero and, even after he left Calgary to pursue a variety of careers, he sent me letters that kindled my appreciation and desire for adventure and the outdoors.\r\n\r\nWhere he is now, I have no idea but I hope that someday I will find him and be able to talk about life with him. \r\n\r\nHe was a most wonderful, loving hero to a very lonely little boy. 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 2008-06-26T05:03:53-06:00 Halbert 644 T. 370 What started as a job offer in the medical examiner/coroner’s office turned into a life changing event for a single mother of four children.\r\n\r\nDr. T. was a leading national pathologist who worked on many notorious forensic cases with the likes of Henry Lu and Michael Boden. But what he was most was a very compassionate human being. The father of three children, one who had a severe disability, and one whom he adopted after meeting him sitting on a curb one day outside a store. This was just one of the many acts of compassion I had come to learn.\r\n\r\nDr. T. knew that I was going through a difficult time, as were my four children. The part-time job he offered to supplement my income turned into funding for tuition for me to complete my education, sneakers for my kids when there was no extra money, food for the holidays, a Christmas tree that showed up on my front porch and air conditioners during the sweltering summer heat. Just to name a few.\r\n\r\nI remember hearing him say “someday you will have all the education you need to make a difference” I wish he were here today to show him how right he was.\r\n\r\nBecause of his belief in me, I have been able to turn his generosity into actions by working with community projects for both child abuse and domestic violence. \r\n\r\nWhat I have come to learn since his passing is that his generosity was far more reaching than just this single mom, but rather over dozens of individuals whom he’d come into contact with.\r\n\r\nThank you Hal! You are why I am here today. Thank you for helping me heal and grow.\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 2008-06-26T06:58:13-06:00 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 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 San Antonio USA 2008-07-08T05:56:11-06:00 Earl 666 R. 390 Texas My hero is a person who always puts others before himself. He is always faithful to anything he undertakes and always willing to lend a helping hand. His word is his bond. He always goes above and beyond the call of duty. He works in Human Resources. He gives 110 percent to the project. He is always going the extra mile to help someone else. He sacrifices personal rest to provide service to the employees—he gives commitment a new meaning to me. He has touched so many lives and always provides a listening ear. He is so loyal to the people that he serves. It is such an honor for me to know and be acquainted with a man who represents such dedication. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 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 Washington United States 2008-07-19T07:40:38-06:00 Amanda 685 G. 405 New Jersey Ms. G. teaches everyone to love who they are and she has never judged anyone. She is a very talented teacher and mentor. Ms. G. is not afraid to do anything. She's always willing to defeat fear. \r\n\r\nShe's always there for anyone who needs to talk. And she's always willing to give another chance. She truly wants everyone to get along, and that is how she lives. She is my hero! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 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 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 Carrollton United States of America 2008-10-25T16:34:02-06:00 A.J. 827 V. 462 Texas He has been my best friend since fourth grade and has always stuck up for me. He makes me laugh when I am in the worst mood. He makes the unpopular kids at school feel like they are really important. I wish I could strive to be more like A.J. because he has really made a difference in many people's lives, including mine. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Allen United States 2008-10-27T04:38:06-06:00 Cheryl 835 R. 465 TX Cheryl is my mother. She has always been there for me, supporting me in everything I do. She is just a great and loving mom. One day i want to be like her. I love my mom. 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 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 USA 2008-11-14T18:09:47-07:00 Colin 877 F. 477 I have never have met Colin at all or even talked to him but I heard about his story. Colin died in a car accident on January 20th, 2006. After his death people started to come forward with stories about how he quietly performed small acts of courage which saved their lives, the lives of friends, and the lives of their siblings. He never sought recognition. He never did these things to be popular. He did hard things because they were right, not because he wanted to be a hero. Really, I just want to do what he did and live my life the way he lived his. 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 Barrie Canada 2009-01-06T05:48:30-07:00 Erica 908 A. 494 ON My hero is my older sister Erica. She has always been there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and she is like a second mother to me. If there is ever something that I can't tell my Mom, I go to Erica because I know that I can trust and confide in her with my secrets and she'll always give me the right advice to help me make a good choice. I love her so much and she’s a great person to be around she always makes me laugh but she knows when to be serious.\r\n\r\nMy sister is my hero and she always will be.\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 Hancock United States 2009-03-22T02:27:04-06:00 Cassidy 949 M. 517 Maine My hero's name is Cassidy, but I rarely call her that. I call her Marty because she has eyes like Marty Feldman, but only when she puts stress on them to make me laugh. She will do anything to make someone laugh and make the people around her happy. She is absolutely hilarious. I can go to her crying my eyes out and by the time she's done with me I am literally rolling on the floor laughing. \r\n\r\nMarty is also an excellent friend that is very trustworthy. Not only does she make you laugh to feel better, she lets you explain your sadness while making you feel safe while telling her. She will never tell a soul what someone has told her, and she most likely won't even bring it up again. She's like a teddy bear or a diary. Marty lives in the moment and makes the best of life. She understands the power of a smile and the power of friendship. I don't know (and hope I never have to) what I would do without her.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Ogden USA 2009-03-25T04:19:19-06:00 Wanda 952 M. 520 Utah My mother has been there through thick and thin. She was a single mother of me and my big sister. Working hard and still showing us great values. Then she re-married and had my baby sister. It was really rough for the family to go through so much change. I wanted to run away from everything that was happening around me. \r\n\r\nBut I didn’t run away because I was able to talk to my mom about everything that was happening, and she always said to “Hang in there, life is worth your patience.” \r\n\r\nOne major thing that she has always encouraged me to do is to never give up on going to school. She says I need to keep going through the hard times, and she will be there as much as she can. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Buffalo USA 2009-04-01T11:26:29-06:00 Elizabeth 958 G. 523 New York My grandmother, Elizabeth, is my hero. She has taught me to never give up on my dreams or myself and has always been there for me when times have been tough. \r\n\r\nAs my husband and I continue our journey to try once again to become parents, I am inspired and motivated by the dedication she had in this same process. My grandmother finally became a mother after five miscarriages. She inspires me and gives me hope each day. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Honolulu United States 2009-06-18T13:39:14-06:00 Tamy Sue 990 546 Hawaii My cat, Tamy Sue, is my hero. I rescued her from an animal shelter ten and a half years ago, but in reality, she rescued me. I was very ill when I adopted Tamy Sue, and she has been there for me through thick and thin when no friends could be found. When she first came into my life I was in chronic pain every single day of my life, but after having Tamy Sue for a while, my pain began to go away and all of my illnesses improved ten-fold. Few humans can give the unconditional love and forgiveness that animals can. She is always forgiving, and never stays mad at me for more than five minutes at a time. I wish I could be more like my cat. She saved my life. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00