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 Kendra B. bell.kendra@yahoo.com 1 2009-08-25T16:08:21-06:00 Tyra 2688 W 572 In 2006, after about 3 years of taking care of my son Chance as a single mother, his father finally stepped back into his life. At first it was very difficult to let go and trust that he would be a steady presence in my son's life. Since our separation he had remarried and I was unsure of how my interaction with his new wife would go. For some women, this situation could be difficult, but in the 3 years that have passed I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my son's step-mother, Tyra. She's like a sister-mom. I am incredibly thankful for her presence in Chance's life. She is an excellent mother. Her presence has allowed me to do things to better myself, through both work and school, because she goes out of her way all the time and is committed to Chance's well-being, health and education. Tyra is loving, accepting and has been exceptionally nice to me. I'm so blessed by her presence in our lives. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Brule USA 2009-07-24T03:47:21-06:00 Mabel 1021 B. 561 Nebraska Mabel was my Grandma. I truly think she was really an Angel though. She was almost non-human in the ways she dealt with people. Here are some of the extraordinary examples from her life that have had a profound effect on mine: 1. When my father was a child, some gas splashed on his legs at the gas station and right then a man threw a cigarette butt. My dad, who was 8 yrs old, caught fire on his legs. My grandmother grabbed him and put out the fire with her bare hands - she just used her hands and placed them over his legs which did put out the fire but left her hands severely burned. 2. One day we went to the library. Grandma slipped on the cement steps outside and fell. She was about 83 at the time. I could tell she was in a great deal of pain but she just laid there quietly trembling and said "Don't worry about me, I'm just fine, I'm going to lay here for a minute and then I'm going to get up so we can go on with our day. Your coloring book is over there in my purse if you want to color for a minute while I get my breath back." She wasn't even crying. I called 911 and eventually at the hospital they told us she had fractured her hip - that it had shattered like chalk. 3. Little things: Both of Grandma's ankles were severely swollen and black - she had some kind of very painful disorder that made them that way. Dad always told me before we'd go to her house "Now don't make Grandma get up and walk - you know that every step she takes hurts her." Despite my refusing any goodies or any of the several offers of hospitality she would make when we were there, she always popped right out of that seat to greet us and then would walk constantly getting us this and that. She never, ever complained. Dad said it made her feel good to take care of others. 4. No matter who she dealt with, Grandma always had her very subtle, thoughtful ways to make that person feel like royalty. Whether it was remembering the mailman's birthday or complimenting the store clerk on a new hairdo, Grandma always went out of her way to genuinely make people feel special and cared about. 5. Although some people did her wrong - she NEVER spoke poorly of a person. She never ever said a negative thing about another person. Even when she had every reason to. 6. Grandma had money - apparently lots (before our family lost it later). I never knew this. From the way Grandma lived,I always thought she was poor. I was astonished years later to find that she was actually a millionaire at one point. Even though Grandpa bought her jewelry and a fur coat she never wore any of it because all her friends were either middle class or poor and she didn't want to make them feel bad because they didn't have such nice things. She never did wear that coat. 7. I can't remember Grandma ever doing one thing for herself - she literally lived to serve others. Everything she did was for someone else and it made her happy. She was eternally kind and gracious - the kind of thing you never see anymore. She was such an amazingly selfless person that I could never hope to be half the person she was but I am always trying. I always think that if more people were blessed to have such a positive role model in their lives perhaps they'd strive to be better people too. She was not a celebrity or any wealthy socialite. She was just a farmer/builder's wife in a very small town in rural Nebraska. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Leah beachbaby93@gmail.com 1 2009-09-07T06:56:23-06:00 Timothy 2698 H 577 Growing up, we often imagine a hero wearing a cape, moving faster than a speeding bullet, or climbing walls with the ease of a spider. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that a hero can be a person you see everyday in the most normal of circumstances. I did not realize until after I'd grown out of childhood that my hero was one of those everyday people: an ordinary man who performed extraordinary feats. Dad was a firefighter for as long as I can remember. He began as a paramedic/volunteer firefighter after coming home from the Vietnam War. He rapidly achieved the position of District Chief, acquiring his own station and crew, spending many hours at the station and on call according to what the position of Chief called for. Sometimes family outings and dinners were interrupted by the call for help, but as busy as Dad was, and as many times as outings were interrupted, he never regretted his choice of career. When I was a teen, Dad gave me the opportunity to discover the reason he chose firefighting over all other possibilities. On the rides along, he took every possible opportunity to teach me what he thought I should know. At a car crash, he helped me realize that without a seat belt, the driver would certainly have been worse off. At a house fire, he showed me the total destruction a blocked flue and lack of preparation can cause to a home. He showed me that even with an interrupted dinner outing, you still show up, you still do what you can, because that person hit by the car will someday thank you for saving his life. The rides along were few, but even without those, Dad still helped me realize what it means to make a difference in the life of someone else. Dad may be considered a hero by the little boy pulled from the swimming pool and given the breath that allowed him to continue living as his parents hoped. The call was not Dad's, was not even in his district, but he heard the call for help and was right around the corner, not hesitating, only caring. Allen, another little boy, may also have considered Dad and his crew heroes had Allen lived; but Dad and his crew can be considered heroes for leading a rescue thought impossible ans giving Allen a chance even though he had been under ice cold water 90 minutes waiting to be found. The feats he performed and the lives he saved also made a difference to him, helped him keep going even with the chance of failure, showing us that a hero is also a human. The man hit by the car credited Dad for saving his life. Dad often told us of helping the boy pulled from the swimming pool, his demeanor showing the confidence of a job well done. He also could not fight back the emotion on hearing the news of Allen losing the fight for life six weeks after being pulled from the water. I knew then that Dad would not give up caring, whether he was still employed as a firefighter, or elsewhere. Heroes sometimes do fall, or retire, as I saw when Dad was forced into retirement due to health issues many years into his career. He never gave up caring, later spending more than a year in Alabama as a Coast Guard Reservist on Katrina cleanup, telling us of the devastation and destruction. Over time, I have realized just the kind of hero Dad is, what he has taught me. He has taught me what it means to care about those I do not know, to help those that need it, and to never give up even with the chance of failure. These are lessons we should all have a hero to teach us. 2009-12-22T10:29:44-07:00 1 Rick P. rick@bringingbacktheamericandream.com 1 2009-09-11T16:20:00-06:00 Melanie 2705 582 Melanie... the REAL American Dream This story is dedicated to my awesome little sister Melanie! (aka Herbie. That’s what I call her) Melanie is the kindest, sweetest, gentlest, person I know and has a heart the size of Texas. I was about 10 years old when Melanie was born. My Dad came home from the Hospital and told us kids that we had a new baby sister and that she was extra special because she was born with Downs Syndrome. I have to admit that I didn’t fully understand what that meant and I certainly had no idea what an amazing blessing she would be in my life. Today, like most Fridays, I drove 30 miles south to pick up Melanie and go visit our Mother who resides at an Alzheimer’s care facility in my home town. Mom is in a wonderful facility filled with about 20 of the sweetest little old ladies on earth. Entering this care facility with Melanie is like walking into a Jr. High School with Miley Cyrus. These sweet women can barley remember the last sentence they uttered but every one of them remembers Melanie! They each shout her name and give her a hug as we work our way in to see our mother. The greatest thing about Melanie is that she never has a bad day, NEVER! Her sweet, sweet spirit and her amazingly simple and content outlook on life make her a joy to be around. Melanie is my greatest example of living the American Dream. She makes the most out of every single day, she has lived the full measure of her potential, she literally loves everyone, and she is so grateful for what she does have that she never gives a second thought to what she doesn’t have. I LOVE YOU HERBIE! Until tomorrow… Be Happy! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Bruce crests417@aol.com 1 2009-10-02T17:57:20-06:00 Dr John 2727 L 599 My father is an example of the "American Dream." With $105 in his pocket, he immigrated from South Korea during the Korean War to the USA. He won a scholarship during the 1950's to East Tennessee University when segregation was predominant. My father also did not speak English which made it harder for him to succeed. My father instilled in us boys that you can do Anything, if you put your mind to it. My father is also a God-fearing man. He is now in his late 70's early 80's and still continues to work. I Love You Dad! 2009-12-22T16:09:12-07:00 1 John jc3usmc@yahoo.com 1 2009-10-14T09:35:44-06:00 John 2732 C 604 John is a shinning light in my life and the lives of others. I see him every day interact with special people in our department. Specifically John works with Jason, one of the other employees in our office. Jason is a very special young ambitious person and John has taken him under his wing to mentor him and guide him in the right directions of life. Jason and John are both such sweet people and are definitely contributing members of our team without which we would be lost. Thanks John!! Good luck Jason. 2009-12-22T16:17:47-07:00 1 Carolyn Gara cgara2009@yahoo.com 1 2009-11-06T16:38:41-07:00 Laura 2776 A 623 Heroes are people who want to see you do well. Laura went out of her way to encourage people she knew to go to college. She held our hands and told us how proud she was and cheered us on when times got tough. Laura graduates tomorrow and we will follow the road that she provides the light for. 2009-11-06T16:38:41-07:00 1 Kimberly Mullens kimberlymullens@ymail.com 1 2009-11-16T21:41:56-07:00 Peggy 2797 M 632 My grandma, Peggy, is my hero. She died in 2006, but she was a great person. She got married when she was 13 and she never went past the 6th grade. She got pregnant and had my dad when she was 14. She was self-taught, she was a very good cook, she was a very good painter, she paid the bills, and raised three great children. She had a wonderful garden and could make any flower grow to be beautiful. I can tell that she was a great mom, because of the way my dad turned out. She was the kind of person who thought about everyone else before herself; she always did things for others. When I was little, I thought that she never got angry because I never saw her ever raise her voice at anyone. She was the nicest person I've ever known. When she got sick in 2005, I realized that there was no person on earth who was invincible. Her memory inspires me to be a better person each day, and to get a good education. 2010-01-18T10:01:04-07:00 1 USA 2006-08-28T06:48:14-06:00 Martin 21 T. 16 California Forty years ago at the age of six I had spent a great deal of time in a box in the closet and endured many years of abuse at home. I came to my first grade class sucking my thumb and staying behind when the class would go out to play. I was filthy and neglected. At one point I was kept out of school for an extended period of time while in Martin’s class with diapers wrapped around my face. When I was 30, I learned my face had been crushed even though I had no memory other than the fact my mom would tell my teacher I had some disease no one knew about and I remembered it wasn't true.\r\n\r\nMy teacher, Martin, called daily and even came to my house and my mother refused to let him in. Forty years ago family business was family business, not like today. My teacher was reported to the principal and weathered a great deal to continue to pursue my well-being.\r\n\r\nEven though I had to grow up in this environment, I believe in my heart, my teacher gave me hope and helped carry me into adulthood a whole, happy, loving human being. He helped me to see there were good loving people who did not want anything from you. I model myself after him today. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 USA 2006-08-28T06:50:46-06:00 Ellen 22 E. 17 Massachusetts My sister Ellen is my hero. We came from a somewhat poor family with three boys and my sister. My father died when we were pretty young. After my father died, my sister took care of my mother and us. She had just gotten married and she would have my mother stay at her house most weekends because she knew she was lonely. When my mother died years later, she took care of her brothers. She always had family gatherings and helped me and my brothers in numerous ways. She taught us how to love and care, never through preaching but always by example. She personally saved my life when I was going through hard times with drugs and living an irresponsible lifestyle. No matter how many times my brothers and I went to her, she was there for us, and believe me, we went a lot.\r\n\r\nShe has taught third grade for 30 years now and she always treated and spoke of her students as if they were her own children. Many of the children she taught come back to see her regularly because she made such a difference in their lives. The number of people and the lives she has touched can't be measured. She has never looked for rewards and accolades. She understands that life is about caring and loving and she is truly a ray of sunshine in this world. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Providence USA 2006-08-28T07:05:12-06:00 Judge Kathleen 25 V. 20 Rhode Island Judge Kathleen V. is more than just a judge overseeing a drug court for juveniles with substance abuse issues. She inspires confidence in kids who have little in the way of family support - she is cheerleader to those who succeed - she is genuine in her concern and commitment to helping kids live a healthy and drug free life. She is in many ways a teacher - showing kids that someone believes in them - even when the world has turned on them. She never gives up on a kid. And in return, she sees amazing success in the lives she touches. She goes beyond the call of duty because she cares so much. She is an inspiration to all of us who see her work, and consider ourselves blessed just to know her. She touches all of our lives without effort. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Lynwood USA 2006-08-28T07:23:31-06:00 Keith 29 S. 24 Washington My father is my greatest hero. Although he is missing fingers from his left hand, is riddled with a liver disease, Hepatitis C and a Vietnam shrapnel wound that's eating his leg, he is constantly smiling, laughing, and doing things for friends and family members. He spends hours helping others even when his health is ailing, often for free. He lives with and takes care of his parents - cooking dinners every night and helping out when their health fails them, or when a chore needs to be done.\r\n\r\nMy father is such an inspiration to me. He is the best parent and example I could have ever asked for. He is unassuming and kind to everyone he meets. He stops to talk to strangers any time he's out running errands; often lifting a hand to help them with their groceries, getting the door for them, or simply striking up a friendly conversation.\r\n\r\nI have seen life from a new perspective through my father. If he can do it, I can too. I cherish every day I can spend with him. He is such an enlightening inspiration to me. Through him I have learned the true meaning of happiness, laughter, kindness, and a gentle smile. He is such a great man, and I love him so very much. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Hope Valley USA 2006-08-28T10:39:57-06:00 Martha 94 D. 89 Rhode Islan Mrs. D’s teaching (biology/physiology) style for her classes is very challenging. By this I mean it was my hardest class and I never learned so much in just one class. Mrs. D. always showed love and support to all of her students. She would give the shirt off of her back for one of us. She has little inside jokes with most of her students and little nicknames, which provide a feeling of friendship. Not many teachers are capable of doing this. Mrs. D. has some kind of friendship with every student and she never has a favorite. She cares about all of us and we are all equal in her eyes. Everyone loves her and it makes me laugh to watch her day by day because she is so oblivious to the notion of everyone admiring her.\r\n\r\nMartha D. is the goofiest, smartest, most elegant, modest, and most beautiful woman I have ever met. If I could be the smallest fraction of the person she is, I would be forever blessed with happiness. She is everything I dream of being and she will be forever known in my memory as my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Ocoee USA 2006-08-29T05:26:44-06:00 Stephan 145 H. 140 Florida Stephan passed away on April 15, 2004. He was not only the best grandfather ever; he was the most educated person I ever met. He changed my life so many ways; I could never thank him enough. He always had the answer. He was not only book smart, he was life smart. My grandfather retired from the United States Air Force and was in WWII. He was the most amazing man and will never be forgotten. He gave everything to everyone. He loved his family and was the rock core of our universe. He built me a library with over 600 books, shelves and all. He organized them and made a catalog system. He was so amazing. He knew everything. He would make bets that we could not find him to be wrong. He always won! He was and always will be my hero. Not only for America, but for me! 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Chula Vista USA 2006-08-29T06:16:40-06:00 Fernando 177 V. 171 California In the 20-plus years, I have been working with special education students, I never met anyone quite like Fernando V.\r\n\r\nWhen I met him, I was introduced not to a quadriplegic eight year old. Instead I met a breath of fresh air. “What a personality,” I thought. “We're going to have fun.” And we have. Lots of it. He said he wanted to paint. I know I must have laughed out loud at that point, but painting it is. He will paint for hours on end, enjoying the magic of color.\r\n\r\nFernando has become a dear friend. His lovely personality is so infectious. A person always leaves him feeling "up" and a little happier. Happier about themselves. But what Fernando gives in return is tenfold.\r\n\r\nFernando to me is an angel straight from heaven. He is an edification of love. Every time I leave him I take his love with me. I feel so blessed knowing him...he's my inspiration, he's my teacher and what a wonder blessing knowing him has been. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Clover USA 2006-08-29T06:27:21-06:00 Ronald 183 B. 177 South Carolina Ron, wow, what a great person. Growing up in the Young Men's Christian Association, I had someone to look up to always. Becoming a volunteer of the YMCA, I had someone to look up to always. Becoming an employee of the YMCA, I still had someone to look up to - Ron. Growing into a man who makes decisions everyday would be so much more difficult without the guidance of Ron. I am still an employee of the YMCA and my hero is still my boss. Ron is the image beside the definition of "hero" in the dictionary. But the best thing about him is that he isn’t only my hero, he is every child's hero who now realizes that they can become something better. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Christy USA 2006-08-29T10:35:30-06:00 Fu 248 L. 242 C. Fu - this man is a true hero. I've watched him everyday, as he gets up early to go to his difficult and dangerous job and then comes homes with burns and bruises to make dinner for his kids. His kids aren't the easiest kids to handle. He has a selfish, hot-tempered 17-year-old son and a lazy, very messy 13-year-old girl. He is like everyone else. He may not be perfect but he can sure handle the teens well. They still have their faults but through him, they've grown up to be very healthy with good morals and wisdom. How do I know all of this? Because Fu is my father. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Peoria USA 2006-08-29T10:37:09-06:00 Kallie 249 S. 243 Arizona Kallie is a high school student. She is an amazingly positive and influential young person. She always encourages others and offers comfort, advice, or just a smile to others. She is an excellent student, taking AP courses. She is on the school newspaper as well as the school's closed-circuit morning news. She leads with a moralistic, positive example, one that other students always look up to, including myself. This is why I nominate Kallie, a fellow student, as a hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Wildwood USA 2006-08-29T10:45:04-06:00 My parents 251 245 Missouri They have been married for 27 years. They have raised two beautiful daughters, me being one of course. They never let the harsh realities of the world be brought into their home; yet educated us in what "is out there in the big bad world." My mom was one of seven kids, and had to work hard for everything. My grandparents put her and all her siblings through school, including college. My dad had polio as a young child, but never let it interfere with a favorite pastime of his when he got older - boxing. My parents have taught me that I can be whoever I want to be, as long as I put in the hard work. Even if it might be scary, I'll be rewarded. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Westerville USA 2006-08-29T10:46:23-06:00 Erin 252 F. 246 Ohio Erin is an amazing teacher who goes the extra mile for her students. She is also and amazing wife and friend. She is always looking for the good things in life and encouraging me and others to good things with our life. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Topeka USA 2006-08-29T10:50:01-06:00 Danielle 253 C. 247 Indiana My heroine is my 9-year-old niece, Danielle. Recently she moved to Indiana to live with her mother for the school year. In the last three months that I have spent time with her, she has taught me more about life than she can imagine. I thought this kid could use some help in life with learning values and help with schoolwork. So I've taken some extra time to help her out. She has taught me about how some of the simple things in life are the best.\r\n\r\nShe has also taught me no matter how hard you try, take a break and come back to it, and don't give up. It's okay to take a break once in a while. I'm a workaholic and I push myself to do my best. She's just a kid. She still knows how to have fun and life isn't always work. It's okay to act young once in a while, no matter what your age. Dance around, listen to music, be merry, soak up the moment, because it may not be here tomorrow!\r\n\r\nBig things come in small packages from what I understand and my niece is really something else. I'm very proud of her on how much she has changed while she has been here and what she has taught me in life. She is a true hero even if she doesn't realize it. She's being her sweet cordial self. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Huntington USA 2006-08-29T10:52:43-06:00 Clara 254 T.-C. 248 West Virginia Known as Mrs. T.C. to her many fans, she is the epitome of a teacher. I have worked with her for the last seven years and seen her go above and beyond for many children. Going to their homes, sometimes providing safe space for them to live in during a crisis, supporting them in outside activities, and keeping in touch for literally years later. She has been honored by the Red Cross, carried the Olympic Torch, been praised by the local newspaper and other organizations for her work with children and in the African American Community. It wasn't until the last year though that the depth of her character has shown through during her own personal crisis. For some people a diagnosis of cancer can mean a screeching halt to all other areas of their life. For Mrs. T.C. it has been one more opportunity to reach out and teach those around her. She came to school and talked with the children about what it meant to have cancer; had a party to celebrate life; started a foundation to share scarves and hats with others who are going through treatment; and walked in the walk for cancer. Mrs. T.C. teaches as much out of the classroom as she does when she is in the classroom. She is a true American Hero. 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 Lancaster USA 2007-04-26T10:12:43-06:00 My Parents & Family 298 269 Pennsylvania My parents and family because they helped me to be a better person and to always do what I love best. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 Fairfield USA 2007-05-13T18:59:15-06:00 Ken 310 G 273 Connecticut My dad is my hero, not just because he's my dad, but because I’m fairly certain that he's a hero to everyone he's met. \r\n\r\nThe other night he took me out to ice cream and we sat by the water talking. When I went to school the next day, I mentioned how my dad had taken me out. My friends were so “weirded out” by this. One of them said "what do you talk about with your dad?" As if it wasn't normal to be able to carry on a conversation with my father. I suddenly realized how lucky I was to have a healthy and rich relationship with my dad. I think that he sets an example for all parents: Just because you might be from different generations doesn’t mean you can't talk. \r\n\r\nBeing a doctor, my dad obviously helps people, but he is one of the most special doctors I have met. Today at lunch, on the way home from a family trip, he spotted a lady in a restaurant. He said to us "she looks so familiar." A few minutes later, he said, "I think she might have been one of my patients. No, she was my lab technician from my old job (nearly 10 years ago). She was the nicest woman ever." Though I teased him about remembering a random lady, I knew that people like him make real relationships. After ten years, he can remember people and appreciate them.\r\n\r\nFor the strong relationship we have, and the lasting relationships he builds with others, I feel lucky to have him as my dad. \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 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 Lempster United States 2007-07-20T07:27:22-06:00 Nancy (Mom) 357 R 284 New Hampshire At the time of my birth it was found that I had or should I say have a condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta and my mother was told I would not live beyond the age of three years. Well, looking back on my life now, at the age of forty-nine, I have to say that I got much of my strength from my mother. She was always there for me growing up and continues to be here for me, even today. Whenever I awoke from an operation she was there at my bedside with a gentle touch and a warm smile that would light up the entire hospital. It was through her that I gained the courage to fight for my life and if there was one person I would like to be most like it would be her. Her strength, her spirit, her love and her understanding are all traits that I feel all humanity could benefit from and the world is a better place having her in it. I love you Mom! 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 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 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 USA 2008-01-25T18:33:39-07:00 Debra 482 H 312 Ohio My mom always wins the honor of hero for me. She's a three-time cancer survivor, including breast cancer in 1999. Through it all, though, I've never once heard her complain about what she's had to go through. When the rest of our family was upset, I can remember her response: "Don't worry. It ain't but a thing." She has a quiet kind of courage and grace that I've never seen in another person, and I can only hope that I inherited a tiny bit of the grace she's shown. 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 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 Glen Dale US 2008-02-22T05:09:34-07:00 Camryn 508 B 323 WV Camryn is 6-years-old and was impacted by her brother Cooper’s amputation of both feet at 23 months old. She wanted to help children like Cooper. Camryn decided to draw a picture, which was later put on a t-shirt and sold to profit Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Cooper was treated at one of these hospitals for free. Camryn raised over $10,000.00 with her t-shirt sales. I believe this is quite an amazing story for a 6-year-old child and quite an inspiration for everyone. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 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 Pasadena USA 2008-05-05T05:58:38-06:00 Scott 573 E. 338 California Scott truly is "passing it on." He volunteers in prisons, providing workshops for prisoners ready to be released back into society. He has given 15,000 pairs of glasses to needy children and is doing a huge 7,000 person event in Utah, in which the proceeds will be distributed to the local churches to provide food and clothing to the needy. He is inspiring. Because of his influence, I am now volunteering and plan to help children learn how to read. \r\n 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 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 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 San Diego USA 2008-06-05T15:46:53-06:00 Will 619 M. 357 California More than anything else, Will gives me hope. He looks for the good and upholds it in others. He serves, he walks his talk. He uplifts people. He takes meaningful action to make the world and the people in it better. He's real and speaks the truth. He has character. He's a good man. He provides meaningful, heart-full information to his readers. He loves his wife and family. He's living his vision, a legacy of love. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Knoxville USA 2008-06-05T16:08:26-06:00 Jim 621 R. 358 Tennessee Jim coached a TOPSoccer for kids with special needs. He also started the Prom For The Stars, an annual dance for young adults with disabilities.\r\n\r\nThe Saturday soccer games included snacks and a banquet at the end of the year with special trophies. He found sponsors to help with the Prom and many of the dresses and tuxedos for the young women and men were donated by individuals and businesses in the area. The Prom had grown so large it had to be held at a downtown exhibition ballroom and for many of the people involved it is the highlight of their year.\r\n\r\nJim passed away early in May of a heart attack. He will be forever remembered and loved.\r\n\r\nWhen asked why he did what he did, he replied simply, "It needed to be done." Jim lived the FBL mission.\r\n 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 Minneapolis USA 2008-06-11T08:59:43-06:00 Cameron 626 A. 360 Minnesota My son Cameron, now 13, was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer when he was 11. He has transformed his experience into an opportunity to help others. He is developing a magazine called Brain Candy! as a way to bridge young people living with brain cancer. \r\n\r\nHe writes a weekly blog and does regular video blogs on YouTube. He has touched so many people. He is not only a hero to me, his papa, a cancer survivor myself, but to countless others all over the world. Thanks for the opportunity to acknowledge this amazing person. I am grateful for having had the honor of walking this journey with him.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Pendleton USA 2008-06-12T11:16:20-06:00 Marc 628 M. 361 Oregon When I reflect on the word “hero” I think of my father, Marc. For over 30 years my dad has been an ordained minister serving as a senior pastor in several churches. \r\n \r\nHe has taught me about compassion and the need to serve others before myself. In everything that he does, he strives to be a blessing in others’ lives. Each Sunday, he greets every church member and visitor with a big hug and a smile. This practice is not limited to Sundays only. Each person he crosses paths with, he greets with a big smile and a “howdy”. His gestures of kindness are completely genuine and heartfelt. His occupation is far from work for him. He sees everyday as an opportunity to bring happiness to the lives of others. My dad is on call 24/7 and will never leave someone in need. He has sacrificed much in order to be a servant of those in his community.\r\n\r\nThrough tours that he leads all over the world, he teaches people about acceptance, peace, and staying true to your convictions. I am amazed at the reach that my dad’s vision and caring has (making a difference in the lives of people worldwide). \r\n\r\nIt is impossible for me to count the number of lives that my dad has touched. I can tell you, however, that he is a cornerstone for many and a friend to all. Because of the way he has lived his life, I am inspired to make changes in our world. I want to know that my life will have such a powerful impact on my community and world, as his has. While I don’t have all of the words to tell you what a difference he makes each day, I hope that this will give you a glimpse as to why he is a hero to me. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 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 2008-06-26T06:17:24-06:00 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 2008-06-26T06:27:21-06:00 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 2008-06-26T06:42:31-06:00 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 Colorado Springs USA 2008-06-26T06:52:15-06:00 Ursula 656 G. 382 Colorado Ursula G., 90, my childhood dance teacher. Ursula taught modern dance at Colorado College in Colorado Springs for 40 years.\r\n\r\nI took dance starting at the age of 4. I was a pigeon-toed kid and my feet were corrected in my toddler years. The doctor suggested dance to continue my progress and improve my balance. Ursula was so positive with me as she was all her students. She made me believe in my ability to carry myself with elegance and grace, to embrace the body I have and that I am a wonderful dancer. I played a bear in a recital 30 years ago and she still calls me her “dancing bear” whenever I see her. \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 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 Kerrville USA 2008-07-06T14:15:55-06:00 Oscar 664 N. 388 Texas My father was the most admirable man I have ever known. He never criticized anything or anyone, never raised his voice, always inspired and uplifted. He saw the positive in everybody and everything.\r\n\r\nWhen I got into trouble as a kid, he would sit me down and talk to me to hear my version of the story and then we would discuss if the choices were favorable or not and what the consequences of my actions could have on others. Those talks inspired me to grow, and I now share them with my son and many others. \r\n\r\nTo this day, when faced with adversity, I always try to think of those chats, and what Daddy would have done.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Madisonville USA 2008-07-08T05:42:14-06:00 Marcus 665 M. 389 Tennessee Marcus was a co-worker of mine for many years and I've never seen anyone so devoted to their job. I've often caught myself just watching him interact with customers. He's never met a stranger, and is an overall genuine and good person. He taught me that being cool doesn't mean playing the “tough guy,” and basically that you get what you give to the world. He's the best person I've ever known....an amazing father, a devoted husband, and yet so humble.\r\n\r\nI'm one of those people who grew up with an absent father living at home. Even when the man was there, he wasn't there for me. But Marcus was always there like the big brother I always wished for. For the first time in my life, I had someone I could look up to. He gave me the gift of optimism. Whenever I was having a bad day, he'd say "Smile, Lindsey! It ain't that bad!" Even now, I find myself smiling and my spirits are higher than ever. I never knew how affection-starved I was until somebody showed me. \r\n\r\nHe's been my mentor, my hero, and my best friend. He makes me want to be a better human being. It's amazing how just one person believing in you can change your entire life. \r\n\r\nEven though we're no longer working together, and circumstances prevent us seeing much of each other, he will always be one of the most important people in my life. I hope he knows how wonderful he truly is.\r\n 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 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 West Covina USA 2008-07-09T05:05:11-06:00 Andrew 671 M. 394 California My hero doesn't have superman's strength or the ability to fly. He has a different kind of strength: the strength to beat all odds, the ability to soar with courage. His name is Andrew. He was a premature baby and was told that he would not make it. He had heart surgery at the age of 13 and now has a clean heart. Literally. He has never once showed defeat. He has only ever shown strength and courage. He inspires me everyday, he shows me the kindness he has towards everyone, teaches me to be strong and to never let anyone tell me that I wont make it. He has a huge heart—bigger than most could ever imagine possible. He is definitely my hero. \r\n\r\nWould you guess he has Down Syndrome? No? Well neither would the rest of the world. Andrew just graduated in June 2008 and will be 18 this fall. I know he is going to do great things. So watch out world—Andrew is coming!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Monon USA 2008-07-09T05:14:30-06:00 Shawn 672 C. 395 Indiana I met Shawn a few years ago. She is my hero as she is everything I've ever wanted to be. Perfect, no...and doesn't claim to be. She's been challenged with life threatening illness more than once. She is a true miracle. Shawn has more inner strength than anyone I have ever known. She's helped me learn and taught me to grow from my mistakes. She gives me hope when I have none. She believes in me and helps me to believe in myself. Shawn is an amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and true friend. I only wish I could share what my friend, my hero means to me. 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 Littleton USA 2008-07-18T05:14:00-06:00 Rachel Joy Scott 681 403 Colorado She changed the world by being nice to others and believing in them. But most of all she is my big sister in JC. She was not afraid to live her faith to the fullest. I am so proud of her.... 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 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 Monroe United States 2008-07-19T16:01:06-06:00 Erin 688 B 407 Michigan Erin B. has taught me that you don't have to be fake or selfish to be popular with your peers. She has come into my life and taught me how to be a better friend and a better person. She brightens every room she walks into, and makes a new friend with everyone she greets with a "Hello." 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Chesterfield USA 2008-07-26T16:32:00-06:00 Richard 700 O. 415 Missouri Richard and his wife (Myra) have been teachers in some way all their lives. They have helped in ways we only wish people would really take time and effort to do. Without expectation of any return, they have touched so many lives, old and young, by their constant giving of themselves and making people feel good about themselves. They also open opportunities for many, many people everyday. They are both truly a blessing in my life, and I know in many other lives now and yet to come. For that reason, they are my heroes. 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 Finksburg U.S.A. 2008-08-28T02:59:23-06:00 Patricia 739 S 432 Maryland My mother-in-law is my hero. She is the type of person who always sees the best in people. She never has a bad word to say about anyone. She has the patience of a saint and she always makes time for her family and friends. When I came into the family she welcomed me with open arms and never asked questions. She allowed me to share with her what I felt comfortable sharing and when I felt comfortable sharing. She never judged me and has never treated me any different no matter what she has learned about my past.\r\nMy mother died when I was very young and I really didn't have anyone to take the time to teach me some important things. I have had to learn through trial and error and now I watch her and have learned the pieces missing to make a task easier. I tell my husband all the time how lucky he is to have such a wonderful mother. I also let him know that I aspire to be more like his mother.\r\n She has raised four children now has five grand-children. She has been married to my father-in-law for over 50 years. She retired from Unilever, and now volunteers at the Carroll County Hospital. I love her and I hope that I can be more like her one day.\r\n 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 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 Fernandina Beach United States 2008-10-01T08:19:14-06:00 Jim and Marti 789 D. 445 Florida As a new parent, I hope to inspire my child the way my own parents (Jim and Marti) have continued to inspire, advocate, and support my dreams. Over the past thirty-years, my parents have stood by my side and motivated me to become the women I am today. 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 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 Littleton United States of America 2008-10-14T03:16:04-06:00 Rachel 810 S. 454 Colorado My hero is Rachel Scott. She was killed in the Columbine shooting, the first one killed. \r\n\r\nBefore she died, she always made sure to included everyone and anybody in whatever she did. She helped numerous kids before they hurt themselves. \r\n\r\nBecause of her example, I am in the program Rachel's Challenge. Compassion, pass it on. 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 Mexicali Mexico 2008-10-16T18:58:13-06:00 Anonymous Hero 818 459 Baja California I don't know my hero by name or even remember his face. He's one of those unnamed and unsung people who do a good deed not for the recognition but because it's the right thing to do. \r\n\r\nI was 16 years old, going through possibly one of the hardest times of my young life, sitting in the passenger seat of my mother's car in the middle of the summer at an intersection in Mexico while visiting family. All of sudden a car on the right cross-street burst into flames from the engine overheating. I sat there and stared mesmerized by the flames, and out of nowhere, I see this man running across the intersection from the other side of the street just when the lights turned green carrying a fire extinguisher. \r\n\r\nI'll never forget that man, even though I never saw his face, as he ran across the street amidst the cars starting to go, including ours. I'll never forget how I stared as he threw the hood open and extinguished the fire before it got out hand - the whole time the driver of the car sitting still in shock behind the wheel. He'll never know how I think about that single moment all the time, and it reminds me that there's kindness in this world.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Spring Creek USA 2008-10-18T19:06:02-06:00 Daniel 821 D 460 Nevada My hero is my husband. He is an amazing man, especially to me. We have been married 33 years and his example of showing love is unsurpassed. He is always kind, courteous, patient, and giving. He is very courageous when confronted with difficult situations. He helps guide people to improve their lives and inspires them to improve their character. He attends college part-time and helps students by being a good friend and takes time whenever they need help academically or when they need someone to talk to. He serves his family and his community unselfishly. \r\n\r\nI am very proud of my husband and I know that without a doubt that my life is better because of him. I am continually changed and challenged because of his example. I was in a serious car accident that nearly took my life about a year ago and he took such great and careful care of me while I was recovering. He had to do everything for me plus take care of his job, college classes, etc. for six months until I could begin to get back to functioning normally.\r\n\r\nHe gives and gives, and I always know it is with LOVE.\r\n 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 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 Allen United States 2008-10-27T04:42:33-06:00 Bobby 845 B. 468 Texas Bobby is my baseball team’s coach. He has shared his life stories and influenced me in every way he can. He has encouraged me to take a better path than he took in some areas, and he has always tried to make my life better for me. He has the character of a true leader and the heart for the perfect friend. This is why Bobby is my hero. 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 2008-11-13T05:36:31-07:00 Mr. 875 Whatley 475 I was a nine-year-old fourth grader and that fight on the school bus was just the latest in about four years of them. However, with one exception, it was my last. Mr. Whatley saw to that.\r\n\r\nMr. Whatley was the Principal of a new elementary school in a new (1954) subdivision in an old North Georgia county seat. Textiles and paper were the big wage industries, but children still were allowed a “cotton picking excuse” when the family crop came in. The kids I went to school with had Fathers who were WWII veterans, mostly, and Mothers who didn’t work. Just about everyone I knew had been born and raised in or near the town. I was one of the few exceptions.\r\n\r\nMy dad had been a construction electrician, so we moved a lot. The new school was the fifth one for me. Kindergarten in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was in a tough neighborhood. One day, I came home crying because several older kids had jumped me. My Dad’s response was some version of: “If you come in here crying again because you got beat up, I’ll really give you something to cry about.” At four years of age I had to take on every kid close to my size so that I could walk down the street without getting hit by a rock. At the first grade school in Florida, I was prepared to deal with being the new kid and quickly developed a reputation as the boy who would not back down, ever. And so it went.\r\n\r\nAt nine, I didn’t go looking for fights, nor was I a bully. It’s just that provocations came easily and my violent response was even faster. The place or the opponent’s size did not matter at all. A morning school bus was as good a place as any for a fight and I must have felt justified. Mr. Whatley did not agree.\r\n\r\nHe had an “any man” sort of look and the glasses and skinny arms didn’t help.\r\nHowever, he was The Principal and an assured leader, so the summons to his office that day certainly was not going to lead to anything pleasant (they paddled in those days). I did not get what was expected, and that man changed my life that day. \r\n\r\nMr. Whatley talked to me for a long time, but the words are lost in time. Whatever he said, I walked out of that office understanding that while standing up for yourself and being proud and brave are fine, a quick temper was something to get rid of and personal fights rarely accomplished anything. It just was not a proper way to behave.\r\n\r\nYears later I went to visit a then retired Mr. Whatley wearing my Army officer’s dress uniform adorned with the medals recently awarded during my combat service as a Cobra helicopter pilot. He did not remember our “conversation”, but accepted my thanks with his natural grace and dignity. I absolutely believed what he taught me and still do today. It was a lesson I worked to instill in my own son when the time came. Mr. Whatley is now gone, but never forgotten.\r\n 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 Los Angeles USA 2008-12-01T04:56:08-07:00 Prem 885 R 483 California My hero's name is Prem. He has created the Prem Rawat Foundation to show solidarity with people in need and suffering from lack of water, food or natural disasters. At the same time he spreads good values and appreciation for life by traveling around the world to deliver very inspiring talks. That's how I came to know Prem. I met him in 1973 when he was just 15. At such a young age he had already left India to spread his teachings about peace: how real peace has to start inside the individual if we want to see it established firmly in any society as societies are made up of individuals. \r\n\r\nPrem still continues doing this amazing job, traveling around the world and reminding people of what they already know. Everybody in this world wants to feel good and at peace. And when they are, caring about others is automatic and not part of a set of rules or codes.\r\n\r\nI have the honor of being a witness to the great job Mr. Rawat continues to do. I also wanted to congratulate this fantastic Foundation for also reminding people of the simple facts of life we forget constantly: Every moment in this life is precious. \r\n 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 Jeannette United States 2008-12-05T13:26:06-07:00 Lacy 889 C. 485 Pennsylvania My fiancée Lacy is my hero. She is determined and confident, no matter what anyone says. She is strong, both emotionally and physically. Lacy is a very persistent individual, and does not let any thing anyone says get her down. She is strong willed and always does what is right. Lacy is an honest to God angel. She is protective of those she cares about, even if she doesn't know them that well. I nominate my future Mrs., she is a true hero. Every angel should strive to be like Lacy. I love her so much; this world needs more heroes like Lacy. 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 Walnut United States 2008-12-13T14:48:59-07:00 Crystal 897 R. 488 California Throughout the course of the two years in high school which I have completed, there have been numerous occasions in which I was depressed because I felt like I had nobody who cared for me. During these times I have turned to three individuals for guidance and comfort. Their names are Crystal, Cherisse, and Kristine. They have made an impact on my life and I will never be able to repay them.\r\n\r\nI am not like most teenagers. I do not wear the latest fashion and I do not know what is in vogue at the current moment. I do not watch television and feel rather uncomfortable going out or being in the presence of other people, especially around males. For this reason, I have been called many terrible names that have really affected the way I look at myself. The only reason why I do not hate high school is because of Crystal, Cherisse, and Kristine. These three have made me realize how lucky I am to live where I live.\r\n\r\nI consider Crystal my big sister. She has always been there for me anytime I needed someone. I met her in marching band, because she played the saxophone, the same instrument as me. During times in which I thought I was worthless, I turned to her and she made me feel important. On my birthday, she came into my first period and handed me a bag with several little gifts inside of it. I never received gifts from other students on my birthday, but she remembered. I know she constantly prays for me and I appreciate all of her acts of kindness. She probably saved my life.\r\n\r\nThrough Crystal I was able to meet Cherisse. Cherisse is the kindest person you’ll ever meet. She always has a smile on and is always willing to give you a hug when you ask for one. I remember there was one day when my self-esteem was really low, and as I entered the band room, I saw her and she smiled. That smile made my day and I actually felt like someone cared. Not once has she ever maltreated me and I am grateful that she joined the saxophone section for her senior year. It gave me one more person to talk to.\r\n\r\nLastly, Crystal’s other friend, Kristine, has made a tremendous impact on my life. No one has ever made me laugh so hard. She has such a joking and fun personality that anytime I’m gloomy, I think of her and what she has done to make me laugh. I will never forget the time when I gave unclear instructions and accidentally made her take a picture with the wrong club, a club that we had no affiliation with whatsoever. Out of the one hundred and fifty members of the marching band, she is the most energetic and always gets everyone up on their feet. She puts a smile on everyone’s face.\r\n\r\nThese three young ladies have changed me for the better. They love me for who I am and they have always been there for me, so this is a token of my appreciation. I will always remember them and they have left and special mark in my heart. Thank you once again. \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 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 2009-01-15T08:24:16-07:00 My Dad 911 496 My hero is my dad. He passed away two years ago and yet it still feels just like yesterday he was here. He died of cirrhosis of the liver. It was hard watching him slowly fading away. He’d been to the hospital before but always came out. Until this day I had always thought of this as a dream. A dream, I’d soon wake up from.\r\n\r\nHis passing at such a young age made me want to live my life. Make friends with whom ever I could or mend friendships that had torn apart. My dad was the type of man who got along with anyone. He wasn’t shy, but he wasn’t cocky. He knew how to get a crowd to laugh. Everyone says I look like him and that I’ve got his personality. When I think about it sometimes, I believe I do. I’m always doing my best to make others laugh or happy. I hate being in some kind of fight. I’m always just aiming for happiness. \r\n\r\nMy dad is my faith and my hope at the beginning and end of everyday. He didn’t get to do so many things he wanted to. His life had still so much more to offer. So, I’ve decided to move forward. I’m living my life to its fullest the way my dad probably wanted to. I’m setting goals and accomplishing them. It’s thanks to my dad that I realized why my life is worth living and I can’t wait till I see him again one day and can tell him all about it.\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 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 Layton USA 2009-03-03T20:38:03-07:00 Jude 938 M. 513 Utah Not a week goes by that we do not hear how Jude inspires others to have a good attitude now matter what circumstance they are in. She lives by taking a chemotherapy everyday called cellcept. Less than one tenth of one percent of the nation suffers from her disease—pulmonary fibrosis, an autoimmune disease. It is rare for it to enter the lungs. In 2007 they considered listing her for transplant. They are considering this again now so they do not miss an opportunity. \r\n\r\nThis winter Jude has been plagued by viruses due to her suppressed immune system from chemo yet she keeps on going, volunteering locally, taking care of her daughter and home, spoiling the teachers in the area, helping at church advertising activities (she has a marketing degree) and at Christmas she returned her big gift she chose to buy 250 dollars in toys for “Sub for Santa” providing gifts for the needy. Now it is a project she has already started working towards for next year. \r\n\r\nShe also was a costume designer for her daughter's school production and designed a beautiful costume for a girl in the class who had been less than kind to Jade, her daughter. Jade, after hearing her mom comment how beautiful the dark clouds approaching were, said "That's mom, always seeing the best in every situation." \r\n\r\nNow Jude is starting a regular get-together for teachers and overworked moms nearby. She is having a chocolate dessert bar, a spa basket prize for the winner and making dinner for everyone. She does all of this while wearing oxygen. She sees the bad days as an opportunity to learn and spends time watching HGTV and the Discovery Channel. \r\n\r\nJude is wildly creative and designs her own greeting cards. She is a fierce negotiator and helped her dad get a good deal on a purchase. She won disability for her Mom years ago without a lawyer. She insisted on taking gifts and food to her mother on her own birthday. Most kids in the neighborhood know and love her. If Jade is not home they stay to have a chat and a snack. She takes them all snowboarding and insists she will ski again soon. \r\n\r\nJude smiled hugely on her recent 40th birthday, so happy to have reached that milestone, her family and friends toasted to her life. They sang "hey Jude you don't make it bad, you take a sad song and make it better" to her, the popular Beatles tune slightly altered. She is still beautiful, a former beauty queen, inside and out, and she is our hero.\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 Fort Washington USA 2009-03-09T22:43:50-06:00 Karen 940 515 PA. Karen is sick with an "incurable" form of cancer. Her now ex-husband lost all their money in day trading. One of her two adopted children has a learning disability that may never allow him to live alone. \r\n\r\nStill, instead of feeling sorry for herself, a victim, or helpless, Karen started her own business and is taking care of herself and her children. She fights off her daily fears and marches ahead. I love her and am inspired by her.\r\n\r\nKaren, you are my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 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 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 Philadelphia USA 2009-03-26T02:19:19-06:00 Ryan and Cindy 953 K. 521 Pennsylvania In 2002, Ryan Kerr was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer. His mother, Cindy Kerr, began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face. He loved it and she began making pillowcases for other children with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. \r\n\r\nRyan was a most remarkable young man. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12, his life was forever transformed. Over six years he fought through 5 recurrences of his cancer, 30 months of chemotherapy, 15 surgeries (including the amputation of his right leg), over 150 days of physical therapy and two broken bones in his healthy foot. Despite all of that, Ryan never let it slow him down! \r\n\r\nRyan loved adventures – big and small. He loved to go new places, to do new things and to launch off anything with a drop –a half pipe, a ski jump or a railing. Skiing with him was both a joy and sheer terror. He was constantly darting in and out of the woods, flying off the nearest bump and speeding down the hill with an incredible grace and aggressiveness. He always wanted to challenge himself with something new – rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling - you name it, he wanted to do it. \r\n\r\nRyan’s courage is nearly legend. His friends were constantly amazed by his adventures and how he would finish chemo one day and ski the next. Few people will ever understand how difficult it was for Ryan to just put on his leg and go through a normal day of school. He was always exhausted and was in pain much of the time. But he would never show it so that he could be with his friends and be in school where he loved to do his photography, hang with his friends and be a part of class discussions. \r\n\r\nAs a student, he was so curious, so engaging and so kind that he stole his teachers’ hearts. He missed countless days of school yet somehow still managed to keep up with his school work and graduate from high school. Ryan never wanted to be known at the school as the cancer kid or even as an inspiration. He wanted to just be Ryan, fitting in with all the other students, no special treatment – except, of course, he loved the perks of the elevator key and the great parking spot! \r\n\r\nHe was a young man with a wisdom and maturity that so far exceeded his age that he surprised each person he met. Ryan saw beauty in everyone and everything. He learned to be a deeply compassionate, thoughtful young man with a wicked wit, a winning smile and the world’s best hugs. Most of all, he lived his life with such joy and courage that he inspired thousands of people in our community and around the country. We are very sad to lose one of the best friends we will ever know, but are thankful for his memory, his inspiration and the light he brought to the world. \r\n\r\nIn 2008, Ryan lost his very brave battle with cancer but the pillowcase project - now a not-for- profit called ConKerr Cancer – A Case For Smiles - has grown in amazing ways. In just three years, Cindy and tens of thousands of volunteers have provided over 73,000 pillowcases to sick children in 87 hospitals across North America and in South Africa. School groups, sewing circles, church groups and fabric stores have all pitched in and are making pillowcases for the kids. \r\n\r\nConKerr Cancer has had a profound effect on the families we have already reached, and we are deeply committed to providing even more pillowcases – and smiles! – to sick children everywhere. ConKerr Cancer is dedicated to Ryan and the thousands of children like Ryan who bring such courage and light to the world, despite their life changing illness. ConKerr Cancer is our way to keep their light alive.\r\n\r\nStory courtesy of www.conkerrcancer.org.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2009-03-26T11:19:28-06:00 Great Grandma Condie 954 522 My hero is my great grandma Condie. To her life was always about the people. It was never about what she could get out of it, but about how she could help others and bring sunshine into someone's day. It never mattered who it was, she was always willing to help and visit with a person if only to make them feel important. Even when she was in the nursing home she would still get herself across the hall to talk to a friend who didn't receive any visitors. 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 Chelsea c_harts30@yahoo.com 1 2009-11-22T18:45:32-07:00 Diane 2810 H 638 My grandmother, Diane, is the strongest and most beautiful woman to ever walk the face of the Earth. Everyone in the family referred to her as Maw Diane; she was a beautiful lady inside and out, and never had an enemy. On October 23rd, her 55th birthday, my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In just 4 weeks, the cancer had spread to her liver, brain, and lungs. By week 6 she passed away. She never shed a tear of front of anyone in the family, other than my mom. She always reassured me that she would be okay because she was going to be with God, and told me to have faith and be strong. In the short decade I had with my grandma, she taught me more about myself than anyone I have ever met. She told me that to be pretty on the outside, I must first be pretty on the inside. 2010-01-18T10:16:41-07:00