1 Devon kermiedafrog745@aol.com 2009-08-06T22:27:47-06:00 Jordan 2674 E 565 My hero is my friend Jordan. He passed away on June 24, 2008 at the age of 14. He was struck in the head by a tree limb while helping his dad cut down a tree. Jordan was a great person. He was involved in basketball, football, wrestling, student council, and was a lance corporal in our state's Young Marines. If you were having a bad day he was the first person to ask what was wrong and would keep asking until you told him. While it would make you mad at first, you realized that you felt better after telling him and he knew just what to say to make you feel better. Even though he and I weren't close friends, many days he would wait for me after school and walk downstairs with me so I wouldn't have to go alone. If he ever did have a bad day, He didn't show it. He always had a smile on his face. Jordan inspired us all by overcoming a learning disability. He was determined to read as well as the rest of the kids in our grade and would practice by reading his family passages from the Bible. He had a very strong faith in God. When Jordan was young, he went through a very traumatic experience that I can't share. He never let this dampen his energetic spirit and love of life. To me, Jordan is the kind of person that I strive to be. He overcame challenges in his 14 years that many people will never have to in their life. His smile, positive attitude, and love for life will be forever remembered and loved by everyone who knew him. "God never promised us tomorrow so live life to the fullest."~ Jordan E. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Eric L. elong1064@hotmail.com 1 2009-08-11T18:50:26-06:00 Jim 2677 M 567 My hero is my neighbor, friend, and schoolmate, Jim, who took a personal tragedy in his life and used it to help others. A little more than 25 years ago Jim was nearly killed in an alcohol-related crash near Muncy, PA that resulted in the death of one of his best friends. Jim himself clinically died twice at the scene and was not expected to live through the night. Miraculously, he recovered from his life-threatening injuries. Today, he is married with two children and operates a non-profit organization, Road Radio USA, producing a multi-media show in which he warns elementary, junior and senior high school students about the dangers of underage drinking. He has made a monumental impact on many young lives and may have saved a few by admitting to and showing them his mistakes. He is determined to make a difference in the lives of young people by encouraging them to make the right choices and has overcome a traumatic brain injury to do so. He inspires me and others every day and for using this painful experience to help others, I firmly believe he deserves the title of Hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Stojan T. stojantrajkovski@gmail.com 1 2009-08-18T11:50:24-06:00 Nicholas 2683 T 569 My beautiful boy Nicholas was born at 32 weeks. A normal pregnancy is 40. Even though he was not that early he only weighed 2 pounds 4 ounces. Other than being little he was perfect. Then 10 days later tragedy hit. He had Necrotizing Enterocolitis which is a gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel(intestine)or part of the bowel. They had to remove the intestine that was dead because they could infect the healthy intestines. Needless to say this lead to numerous complications and 12 surgeries all together over the next almost 12 months. Through all of this pain and misery my Nicholas always lit up when he would her my wife's voice. He liked my voice also, but not like hers. I nick-named her "Sunshine" because to him she was like sunshine. She brightened his day and life. He taught us that no matter what happens we will always have each other for strength and support. He showed us how to love unconditionally. Even when our decisions to do more surgery lead to more pain for him, he still gave my wife and myself his whole heart. He showed us how to work hard at overcoming misfortunes. He taught us to never give up no matter how high the odds are stacked against you. He showed us that if we let others help it did not make us weak, it actually showed us how strong we could be. He showed us how to have hope in the darkest hours. He taught us to be humble and thankful for what we have, and not to dwell on how HE got dealt a bad hand in life. He showed us you can trust a complete stranger with the life of your precious son. He showed us to learn from failure, and not to just be angry because this surgery did not fix him. He showed us the greatest love that exists. What he showed the rest of the world was opportunity and optimism. The opportunity was in the fact that the transplant he needed to have in order to live had only been performed a handful of times on an infant, and had only been successful once. But at least the procedure existed. The optimism was in the fact that he could be the second baby to survive this transplant. Unfortunately Nicholas is now an angel, but maybe the next baby with severe NEC will be helped by what the doctors learned from him. There are still very bad days for my wife and myself when we think about Nicholas. However, there are also great days when we remember his smile, or the way he would get so excited to see us his whole body would be jumping. The two best memories for me were his smile and the way he would blow bubbles from his mouth to get my attention. I guess my point is that in the worst of situations there is always hope. You may have to work hard to find it, but it is there. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 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 j.c. flfortner@yahoo.com 1 2009-09-29T09:38:04-06:00 Allison 2723 H 597 In 1987 Allison was hit by a car suffering a traumatic brain injury. She has since recovered but has a physical disability and trouble with her speech. Allison volunteers two days per week at our local homeless shelter she also volunteers at the local veterans hospital doing bingo with our veterans. Allison is an inspiration to me. She doesn't let anything hold her back. I met Allison in July of 2006 and have seen her strong will in action, achieving everything she sets out to do. After her brain injury, she went on to graduate high school and now has a college degree. She has shown me that no matter what happens, you can do anything you set your mind to. 2009-12-22T15:50:57-07:00 1 North Tonawanda USA 2006-08-28T10:29:44-06:00 Phyllis 88 G. 83 New York Phyllis is in her late 70's and has raised five (now adult) children and has several children that adore her. Her family, neighbors and friends come first. Phyllis is an alderwoman in her city and deals daily with serious issues that face the city. She is constantly spearheading street and park cleanups while putting in new gardens and refurbishing old ones in order to make the area a nice place to live. She is not afraid of going toe-to-toe with large groups and always has her name in the paper for speaking the truth. She gets up early each morning, not walking but running. She inspires me daily by the obstacles she has overcome in her life and continues to do so daily. I should mention, too, that Phyllis does all of this with only one lung. 2009-09-12T00:00:17-06:00 1 Sydney Australia 2007-03-28T17:54:45-06:00 Jessie 277 S. 257 NSW Jessie S. I can't really describe her in a paragraph. She is one of the most influential and wonderful people in my life. Jessie is kind, thoughtful and an all-around pleasure to be with. She has an awesome character and strives to do well in every aspect of what she does. She is always cheerful and full of life. Jessie is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Baumholder, Germany (stationed in Army) U.S.A. 2007-06-12T02:57:46-06:00 Carter 333 S 277 From 2 states- CA & KY My Darling Son is My Hero\r\nA Poem to him, a soldier....\r\n\r\nTo live so boldly, to dare and overcome\r\nDaily dealings take a path that surprises...saddens\r\nLeaving God to make sense of the total sum\r\n \r\nTo rise to necessity, giving yourself for us\r\nYelling commands follow down mazes of mayhem\r\nNo hindsight needed, beyond the sandy chaos\r\n \r\nTo take the moment, and make it count for all\r\nBreathlessly regrouping, searching, finding...capture\r\nCountless suffering desires from the battle torn streets...call \r\n\r\nTo guide and maneuver, to believe in your own\r\nGiving all that's required, then more, for the mission\r\nMaking the most of possibilities for all to go home\r\n \r\nTo finish there, and turn your heart to hear the sound\r\nYour mother's call, son? Can you now come home?\r\nTo the rolling Kentucky hills, to the quiet of a small town\r\n \r\nTo comfort you in love, to hold you in my arms\r\nSleeping in silence, waking to a clean slate, clear sky blue day\r\nNo rumble of artiliary, just suburban homes, and farms\r\n \r\nTo the country you've protected, our flag flying high\r\nJust being the All-American, enjoying your life's script\r\nAnd from your growing years, to San Diego we'll fly.\r\n \r\nTo you we call, come to all that is your homeland\r\nLand that is gentle green, filled with southern style ways, & from\r\nLand, rocky, with crashing waves, calling the boy to come back as a Man. \r\n \r\n \r\nI LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, ALWAYS, Mom\r\n \r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Spring USA 2007-06-15T12:55:38-06:00 Jody 336 H 278 Texas I began singing as young as I can remember. And as soon as I could, I enrolled with the best music teacher in town. When I started with her, we could immediately tell our political and religious differences.\r\n\r\nThrough her teaching me, however, we have discovered that we have more in common than we could have ever imagined. We are both determined, passionate, and willing to do anything to achieve our goals.\r\n\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Greenwood United States 2007-06-25T14:29:54-06:00 Isaias 343 G 280 Indiana My hero is my brother, Isaias. Right now, he is studying at the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Sociology and International Relations. In his free time, Isaias is always going to George Washington Community School and the Christamore House, teaching inner-city kids about leadership, and he is always telling them to stay in school and off the streets. He encourages them that if they stay in school, they WILL get into college. By volunteering and getting good grades, they CAN have a future. If they do these things, they can get scholarships and they can achieve the dream that they and their parents have: to go to college, and to have a better life. When Isaias is at home, he tells me to keep up my good grades and start thinking about my future. If Isaias weren’t here by my side, I don’t know if I would have become the person I am now. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Troy United States 2007-07-01T06:54:18-06:00 Jason 346 W 281 Pennsylvania My son, Jason, was severely injured in an automobile accident that left him in a coma for five weeks; he was minimally conscious for another month. While in rehab, Jason struggled to learn how to walk, talk, and eat again. Though he still struggles with his balance and his cognitive skills, he has come so far. \r\n\r\nIt amazes me to think how he went from the verge of independence: graduating from college… To total dependence…To a young man determined to find his old "self." He is my inspiration for life.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Rochester USA 2007-07-07T09:25:21-06:00 Christopher & Andrew 349 L 282 New York My younger son, Andrew, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He and his older brother, Christopher, have become so involved in fighting this disease by making others aware and raising funds to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are my heroes because they make me so proud of them. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 Churchville USA 2007-11-06T10:50:47-07:00 David 419 N 297 New York My grandfather, David, died in 1999; he lived only half a mile up the road from where I grew up in upstate New York. Every day, he would walk down to our house to bring my dad the newspaper. Along with the paper he would bring a small bag of treats for my two brothers and me. Sometimes it was candy, and sometimes it was pretzels or crackers. \r\n\r\nWestern NY is infamous for having severe winter weather; rain, sleet, or even 3-feet of snow. Even when he was 81, he still walked the half-mile every single day. As a child, I looked forward to the daily treats, but now that I’m older, I realize that he braved the harsh weather each day just to see us smile; I now appreciate that more than anything.\r\n\r\n My grandfather touched many lives, evidenced by the more than 1,500 people at his wake. A woman who had been confined to a hospital bed for 5 years came the wake with an aid to pay her respect. She told me that my grandfather would visit her twice a week at her home; to read to her, play bridge, or just converse. For 5 years he would visit twice a week--without fail. She rarely had other visitors. She told me that my grandfather was her only friend. But, she wasn't the only person to share her story with me. Others came throughout the two-day wake and told me how my grandfather touched their lives, too. Even hitchhiker who my grandfather had picked up two years before told me of my grandfather’s impact in his life; he was homeless in a New York winter and my grandfather gave him a place to stay and a warm meal. The man told me that no one had ever been so nice to him. He has since found a job working in a supermarket and earns enough to afford his own apartment. I was inspired, but not surprised to hear all of the touching stories.\r\n\r\nThe two-day wake really opened my eyes to my grandfather's selflessness. I have since tried to model my own life after his. He would help anyone, in any way he could. Whether it was buying groceries for an elderly woman, or bringing treats for his grandkids--wherever he went, smiles followed. My grandfather is far more than just my hero; he is my inspiration.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 San Antonio United States 2007-12-07T04:21:08-07:00 Taylor 433 H 299 Texas This is a story about a little 7-year-old girl named Taylor. Though Taylor has had her own challenges growing up, these have not distracted her from pursuing her own vision to make a difference. Taylor has a vision give to others who have nothing.\r\n\r\nTaylor saves cans for recycling and has been able to donate her money earned to support children in Honduras, a family in Rwanda, Toys for Tots and two local children with autism. \r\n\r\nHer goal for this year is to raise more money through can collection and recycling to donate to an orphanage in Africa. \r\n\r\nI truly believe that there is no age limit for a person to be a hero and this little girl, Taylor, proves that. Taylor is a true hero. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Cardwell USA 2007-12-21T03:18:35-07:00 Scarlett 446 H 302 Missouri My hero is my daughter, Scarlett, who at age 4 suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident. Scarlett, now 11, never lets anything stop her from living her dreams. She has always wanted to dance and be treated like any other dancer. For years, she has attended dance classes, practiced at home, and sought advice on dancing in a wheelchair. \r\n\r\nThis Christmas, her determination and endurance won her a dancing role in the Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet. There was no need for stage lights that afternoon; Scarlett's smiling face was light enough for the entire stage. Her ability to float across the stage in her wheelchair, her arms defining every move, gave such inspiration to the audience. \r\n\r\nMy daughter…my hero…the ballerina…the child…the gift.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Largo USA 2008-01-06T18:14:56-07:00 Titus 464 C 308 Florida My husband Titus is my hero and my inspiration. He had a tumultuous childhood, and after becoming homeless at 17, went on to graduate high school and become successful in every job he holds. \r\n\r\nTitus is now in school to become a firefighter/paramedic. He hopes to soon have the knowledge that will enable him to save lives other than his own. In addition, he knows this career will help him create a foundation on which we can build a stable future for both our future children and ourselves. \r\n\r\nHis love, selflessness and ability to understand others continues to amaze me, and I grow more and more in love with him each day.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Monroe USA 2008-01-16T04:38:06-07:00 Paul 469 B 309 NJ My hero is my Dad! I have always thought of him as such just because he is my Father. I admire him for living his life according to his own hopes and aspirations. At 75 years of age, he still embodies all the compassion and drive that he has possessed his entire life. \r\n\r\nPerhaps because I myself have matured I can see many of these traits more clearly now. My Dad is a believer in all that is good. We playfully call him our 'boy scout' as he gives willingly of his time, his money, his knowledge, and his love. “No” is not a word in his vocabulary. \r\n\r\nMaybe he learned to encompass these admirable traits as the youngest of four children. Maybe he learned to value these things as a young man drafted and sent overseas to fight in the Korean War. Or maybe it was when he returned home and met his bride of 51 years!! He may even have developed this capability in his years as a successful business owner. No matter where or how he has earned his wisdom, he remains my hero. \r\n\r\nI look up to my dad and pray that my own son can someday be half the man that my dad is.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Eagan USA 2008-01-17T04:43:17-07:00 Sona 471 M 310 MN In 1997, Sona’s dear friends had an extremely premature baby. Sona asked how she could help, and they asked her to help keep friends and family informed. Sona turned to her background in IT and web design and created a private, personal website for the family. The website kept everyone up-to-date, and allowed people to share their love, encouragement and support to the family facing this serious medical situation. Sadly, their baby lived just nine days. The parents, family and friends were so moved by their experience with this single website, however, that they supported and encouraged Sona to provide that same service to other families in need.\r\n\r\nThe powerful connections from that first experience led Sona to found CaringBridge, a non-profit organization that provides private, personalized websites to families facing serious medical conditions. For the first three years, Sona ran the organization out of her house. Now, over ten years later, CaringBridge is the first and largest service of its kind “dedicated to connecting families and friends to share information, love and support when facing a serious medical condition.” \r\n\r\nSona was and is adamant that the service remains free to families, so that the focus remains on simplifying communication and connecting families struggling with a serious health condition. \r\n\r\nSona has grown this business to serve millions of families each year. On top of her growing efforts in the non-profit world, Sona and her husband have raised three sons. Still, her passion for helping families in need stay connected and feel cared for and loved, is one that continues to grow. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-01-29T06:19:33-07:00 Austin 487 315 Arizona Austin is my hero. After he learned of Africa's fifteen million AIDS orphans through his family's sponsorship of two Ugandan children, he became determined to help on a larger scale. Austin spoke with the relief organization World Vision, and realized he could use his love of basketball to help address the problem. He decided to shoot free throws and ask people to sponsor him with donations. That first year, at the age of 10, Austin shot 2,057 free throws to benefit the 2,057 children that would be orphaned by AIDS during his school day. Every shot that went up represented a child. Austin raised $3,000 that day, and realized that by involving more kids, he could make an even bigger difference. He went out and recruited 1,000 kids to each shoot 1,000 free throws, and Hoops of Hope was born. Every December 1, on World AIDS day, thousands of kids across the U.S., Europe, and Australia shoot free throws to help Austin's cause. They have raised money to fund a school and an AIDS testing lab in Zambia, a country hit hard by the AIDS crisis. Austin is my hero because, as he says it best, “You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference. Just pick your passion and do something!”\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Stockdale USA 2008-01-31T07:14:11-07:00 Greg 488 L 316 TX My hero is my husband Greg. My husband works long, hard hours on the night shift just to give our sons and me a better life. He is a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local hospital and he goes above and beyond his job requirements to make sure that his patients are comfortable, happy, that they feel secure and safe, and he is never too busy to sit and talk with them or lift their spirits. He never calls off of work; he always says to me "No, my co-workers and patients are counting on me." \r\n\r\nHe never fails to come home and greet my sons and me with a smile and kisses. He is never too tired or busy to rub my back, read the boys a story, or to do a favor for someone else. Whenever I get down about money or the car not working right, he always hugs me and says, "Don't worry. Together, we can make it through anything!"\r\n\r\nMy husband is one of the best people I know and I want to be just like him!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Granite Falls USA 2008-02-19T16:31:52-07:00 Calvin 505 S 321 NC Calvin is one of my co-workers and he has arthritis. What impresses me most, however, is that Calvin does not let his arthritis prevent him from doing what he loves. He’s always playing with his kids or supporting them in their endeavors. Although he works a normal job with average pay, he is determined to never let his kids or his wife down.\r\n\r\nCalvin is also a scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop and continues to be the best leader even during an arthritis flare-up. As a scoutmaster he never leaves any boy behind; he would do anything for the boys even though they only meet once or twice a week. He treats each boy as his own; even if it is his first time meeting them. He is the picture of a leader. He provides for the boys in his scout group in any way they need him. \r\n\r\nFor his role as a father, a husband and a scoutmaster, he has my respect as well as the respect of many others; that is why he is my hero.\r\n\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Baltimore USA 2008-04-04T14:46:47-06:00 Lou 549 S. 326 Maryland His heart is made of gold. He goes above and beyond to ensure that he is understood. As a talented artist, he communicates his passion for telling a story through images. He seeks the truth and holds himself accountable to assure the accuracy of the story. He is an amazing person, he would give you the shirt off his back and do anything for you. He is an exception human being and I am a better person for knowing him. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Linden USA 2008-04-07T05:14:25-06:00 Monica 552 F. 327 Tennessee My hero is my mom. She had me when she was in her teenage years and though she could have had a much easier life if she had given me up, she chose to keep me. She was faced with the difficult issues of being a single parent while finishing high school and college. She is now a very successful registered nurse and assistant manager of a bone marrow transplant center. I have lived an excellent life and it is all thanks to her. She truly is my best friend and has given me everything I have ever needed. If I wanted or needed something she went without just so she could provide it for me. She would do anything for me and I know that. My mom believes in me and supports me, encouraging me to do whatever I dream of in life. She is always willing to help. This is why my mom is my hero and always will be. I love you mom. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Eastport USA 2008-04-10T14:56:52-06:00 Thomas 555 T. 329 New York My dad has been working for an agency that cares for a large portion of Long Island's mentally retarded community since 1980. When he started out he worked as a direct care counselor in the one and only group home the agency had. He lived next to the group home, cooked dinners, bathed those who could not bathe themselves, and helped with many other day to day tasks. He also took the people that lived in the home to their doctors' appointments and to fun activities such as the movies. Today the agency has and offers about 47 group homes, in-home care, a nursing home, day programs, and much more. Since his days as a direct care counselor, he has done all he can to make the agency no less than the kind of place that he would want his child to be at. \r\n\r\nCurrently, my dad is the Director of Programs and no longer works directly with the participants. He does, however, make major decisions that he believes would be in the best interest of all involved. This is not always easy, as it often means making life-changing decisions for another person. My dad has always loved his job, but he has made many sacrifices. He gets calls in the middle of the night when people are sick; he attends more funerals than anyone I know; he does enough paper work to make anyone crazy; travels long distances for meetings; and took many trips to Florida throughout the years to establish homes there. \r\n\r\nMost importantly he never complains, even when he is under a lot of stress. I do not know how he does it. When I ask him how he keeps himself together, he says that every job has its rough times, but it is the happiness he creates that keeps him going. My dad is strong, persistent, goal oriented, and patient. He is highly respected for his extreme dedication to what he knows is right. My dad is my hero because he not only does what is best for me, but he also does the best he can to provide outstanding care for those who struggle to care for themselves. \r\n\r\nMy father’s attitude has been nothing but an amazing inspiration to me. I strive to make a difference in the world the way my dad has. His ever positive, happy-go-lucky, hard-working, and logical attitude has helped innumerable families in more ways than he could ever know. Many of the families he serves probably do not fully understand the extreme pressure he endures for the well-being of their loved ones. To my dad that is not a big deal. He does not do any of it for the recognition. He genuinely loves his job, loves and respects the population he works for, and can take all the troubles because he knows those good times will come. He has a special place in the hearts of many families, and one of the most special places in mine. I have learned more from my father than I could ever explain, and I look at him as my motivating force, my friend, my advisor, and my guardian. For these and other innumerable reasons my dad is not only my hero, but a super hero of our very special community here on Long Island and elsewhere.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Vienna Austria 2008-04-27T02:42:50-06:00 Ludwig von Beethoven 567 334 Beethoven was one of the most phenomenal composers of all time. His hearing started to deteriorate through his twenties, and he ended up going deaf. But still, he wrote and composed some of the most fantastic pieces of music of all time. He is my hero-he never gave up! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Lake Park USA 2008-04-29T09:07:47-06:00 Kelsie 570 B. 336 Georgia I was younger than her and I thought I could swim (but I really couldn't). I jumped in the lake behind my house and I was starting to drown. She suddenly jumped in the water to save me and she was only 5 and I was 4. That is why she is my hero—she saved my life without even thinking about it. Today she is in fifth grade and I am in fourth. She makes straight A's and she is in the gifted class. She is also in the junior beta club. She is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Overland Park USA 2008-04-30T16:17:50-06:00 Will 571 S. 337 Kansas My hero is my husband, Will. He suffers from FSH Muscular Dystrophy, and has recently been diagnosed with a grade 3 (cancer) brain tumor. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 4. My husband has been through a needle biopsy in his brain only to determine that his tumor is inoperable, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (ongoing). He has been hospitalized, and is bound to a wheelchair for getting around due to the loss of function on the left side of his body after the needle biopsy. He has missed very few days of work; still bathes our girls at night; helps around the house; and does it all with a positive attitude. We both know the "odds" of his condition are not good, but we don't care—I should say—he doesn't care. I'm sure he has bad days when he is absolutely terrified, but he doesn't show it to anyone. I love my husband's strength and the courage that he has shown since all of this began. He is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 Colorado Springs USA 2008-05-28T09:27:02-06:00 Tenise 595 347 Colorado Tenise is my hero for all that she did with her role as the president of L.I.F.E. (Love is Finding Everyone), a Colorado Springs teen service group. As the group's leader, Tenise organized dances and step shows to fund an impressive number of community service projects. She rallied L.I.F.E.'s members to provide Christmas packages to over 250 students and families in need, spearheaded a local AIDS Awareness and Education program, organized fundraising for a woman in need of surgery, and created Easter baskets for children in the hospital. “I have learned that this world can sometimes be very cruel,” says Tenise. “But it's the handful of people that care and act, as well as the feeling you get when you know that you have helped others, that makes living in this crazy world worthwhile.”\r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.barronprize.org\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Orange Park USA 2008-05-28T14:03:23-06:00 Ann 600 H. 352 Florida My Grandmother was, and still is, my hero. She gave me all the love and care she could. I love her, and miss her dearly. I love you Grammie. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 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 Hutchinson USA 2008-06-26T04:28:23-06:00 Stanley 639 M. 365 KS Four days a week in Hutchinson, Kansas a miracle happens: 200-300 people eat a hot meal. The miracle worker is an unassuming woman named Stanley M. who operates the Christian Soup Ministry. For close to 20 years she’s never missed a scheduled day, never run out of food, never turned anyone away…and never accepted so much as a penny of government assistance.\r\n\r\nSome days there’s no group scheduled to cook (community groups typically provide meals for about 15 days each month). Some days there’s not enough food in the pantry to prepare a meal in the needed quantities. Those are the days when the miracles happen. A group of cross country cyclists rides up and offers to help. A couple over-orders from their wedding reception and makes a donation. A grocery donates 500 pounds of fresh produce that would otherwise be thrown away.\r\n\r\nRegardless of the thorny conditions she knows exist from the night before, Stanley leaves her house and shows up at the appointed time, believing…knowing that the Lord will provide. Faith is her value—and she does pass it on. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T04:53:12-06:00 George 642 R. 368 Pennsylvania My grandfather—George R.—is my hero. He was born blind and against all odds he attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his BS. His seeing-eye dog was the first dog to graduate with a blind student. He also attended Carnegie Tech (Now Carnegie Mellon University) and received his MS in Social Work. He became the first blind juvenile probation officer in Allegheny, PA. He just passed away this time last year. The things judges and colleagues said about him in the paper in his obituary still make me cry. Pap-Pap showed me that ambition and not letting people tell you that you can’t—means you can!! 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 USA 2008-06-26T06:17:24-06:00 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 United States 2008-06-26T07:17:51-06:00 Rachel 658 R. 384 California At 15 she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and has lived with that for most of her life. I believe she is in her sixties now. She became a doctor, then counseled the terminally ill, and now does presentations teaching doctors and lay people that the soul needs to be remembered. She's written several books, My Grandfather's Blessings and Kitchen Table Wisdom, both national best sellers.\r\n\r\nShe truly embodies the values of this Foundation. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Calhoun United States 2008-06-29T08:59:13-06:00 RG 659 P. 385 Georiga My father is my hero...not because he is my father but because he has battled cancer ever since 2002. He just completed his 50 year anniversary at the only job he has ever known. He is still battling cancer but I see him every day working and fighting to beat this cancer with every bit of his being. I am so amazed at how much he can take and still keep going. I want so much to be just like him ... and for that he is my hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 Newport USA 2008-06-30T05:38:03-06:00 Nick 660 P. 386 Rhode Island On February 5th, 2003 my cousin Nick, who was 14 at the time, went with his ski club to have a fun afternoon snowboarding. What started out as a fun afternoon quickly turned into a tragic accident as Nick went off an icy jump, not wearing a helmet. He came down on his neck and immediately went unconscious. His friends formed a circle around him to barricade him from other passerbys and waited for emergency help to come. He was life-flighted to UMass Medical Hospital in Worcester, MA. He was in a coma for 25 days and had brain surgery. The doctors told my aunt and uncle as well as the rest of the family who stayed at the hospital day after day that Nick would most likely never walk, talk, swallow, or even breathe again on his own. \r\n\r\nOne day at a time they slowly removed tubes and monitors. He came out of the coma and was transferred to Fransiscan Hospital for Children in Brighton, MA. Here he did occupational, physical, and speech therapy every day. With daily family visits and LOTS OF humor intertwined into his daily routines he made significant progress. He graduated to eating baby food and yogurt instead of through a feeding tube and was slowly learning to get mobility back. He had a goal to run out of the hospital.\r\n\r\nAfter 75 days in the hospital Nick ran out. He had reached his goal. He still had some tremors in his right side (his natural strong side.) This meant he had to learn how to do everything left handed instead. \r\n\r\nHe went on to be tutored the rest of the school year, insisting that he'd graduate the 8th grade on time with his friends. And he did. \r\n\r\nHe persisted with his rehab and learning and calls himself "lucky" for experiencing what he has and coming out on the other side. Nick was awarded the Profile in Courage from Fransican Children's Hospital and since his visit he and his family have started the Prefontaine Foundation at the hospital. \r\n\r\nHe works for and visits the hospital often. He graduated high school last year and we all could not have been more proud. He today at the age of 19 has already accomplished so much more than the doctors ever expected after his accident. He just got his realtor's license, does professional speaking to business people, youth, and children alike on overcoming adversity, and slowing down to take time with decision making. He also writes a free monthly newsletter highlighting other heroes among us. Each month he features a new person who has dealt with and/or is dealing with a difficult situation and making only the best of it. Seeing all of these people with such strong convictions and the courage to overcome serves as an example of how everyone else should be living. \r\n\r\nNick is an extremely inspirational, strong, motivated, and talented young individual. Not only is Nick my cousin, but I also work with him on several real estate projects and speaking engagements. He's remarkable and I get see it every day first hand.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 New Windsor USA 2008-06-30T15:38:16-06:00 Richard 662 F. 387 Maryland Rich F. was a volunteer fire fighter and Prince George's County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty on June 27, 2008. Rich was dedicated to his wife, their two small children, and to serving his community. He lived his life with purpose and service. He could always make you smile with his positive attitude. If you met him, you would consider him a friend immediately, as he would you. He'll be sorely missed. He is the definition of a true hero. 2009-09-12T00:00:18-06:00 1 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 2008-07-09T10:20:54-06:00 Travis 674 Pastrana 397 In the summer of 2006 I desperately needed help. I was racked with worry. I was entering my 19th year of teaching in public education and I knew this would be one of the most difficult classes I would encounter. This class was well behaved, but most of them were not very motivated, especially when it came to school. \r\n\r\nI needed a role model that the kids could relate to. I needed someone who showed a passion for life. That August Travis Pastrana made FMX (freestyle motocross) history when he pulled a perfect double back flip at Xgames 12 in Los Angeles, CA. After he landed it, the packed stadium went wild and so did he. The excitement that he shared with the fans was remarkable. He then ran down to his mom and told her that he loved her, thanked her for supporting him, and he promised he would never do it again! I knew I had my guy: Travis Pastrana. \r\n\r\nHe is considered one of the greatest action sports figures ever seen. I began researching his life and realized that not only was he very talented at everything he did, but he was a good guy with a great outlook on life. He is someone I would want my kids to look up to. \r\n\r\nSo, for the past two years I have taught Travis Pastrana 101. Travis has taught us a lot. Last May the 4th and 5th graders at Farwell Elementary were treated to an amazing day. Travis Pastrana came down from Davidsonville, Maryland for a visit. He gave an awesome motivational speech, answered questions, and signed autographs. He wanted to spend time with these kids because they were the reasons why he was here. The 4th and 5th grade kids at Farwell Elementary will never forget that day. Not only did they meet a hero, but they met a friend.\r\n\r\nHe asked me to pick out three or four kids that showed exceptional qualities. He presented these students with a special t-shirt, but one student got a shirt with "strings attached." This fourth grader's parents had recently gone through a very rough divorce. However, Jessica never let that be an excuse for anything. That year she read all seven Harry Potter books in two months, became everyone's friend and helper, had the highest GPA, and saved up enough money to buy a dirt bike. \r\n\r\nTravis invited her and I out to his home in Maryland this summer to teach her how to ride motocross. Jessica's mom joined us and it was a week of pure joy for this young lady. \r\nYou would expect a superstar of this magnitude to be surrounded by a king's mentality, but Travis is different. He surrounds himself with friends that are just that...true friends.\r\n\r\nEveryday Travis Pastrana gets up and is happy because he is doing what he loves. He challenged all of the kids to find that in life…find what makes them happy. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2008-07-11T09:01:28-06:00 My Friend 676 399 In my late 30's a friend of mine died of cancer. She fought for 6 years and suffered through numerous treatments. In my late forties I was told I had cancer. For two weeks I kept it to myself. I had decided not to fight it. I told no one. \r\n\r\nOne night while chatting with a friend on line I typed the words that made it real. At that same moment another friend arrived at my house the soul purpose of the visit was to find out what was wrong and why was I acting so withdrawn. He was thinking he had done something wrong! I could not say the words out loud so I had him read my post in the chat room. He looked at me put his arms around me and I cried my fear. \r\n\r\nHe then said "Well, you wanted to make a change in your life." I looked at him stunned and said, "Dying wasn't what I had in mind." He laughed and said "We will go on a diet together…you had wanted to lose weight.” I also had an excellent doctor who supported the idea and bought me a book “Living Without Fat.” So that is what we did the entire time I was going through treatment. He had me focus on life and my body and cooking and recipes. I became so positive about my life and the diet that I didn't have room for the cancer. Finally came the day when I was told that there was no sign of the tumor. \r\n\r\nWithout my friend I would have died. His love, his belief, was a life line. He is a hero. He listened, he cared, he loved, and he showed a commitment to me and all those in his life beyond anyone I have known.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 South Greenfield USA 2008-07-18T05:34:07-06:00 Deanna 682 M. 404 Missouri Deanna McLemore, my mother, has given selflessly to our small farm community for over 45 years. As a nurse she has touched the lives of most families in the county, either caring for their elderly parents, their children, or anyone in between. She has given up time on the weekends and in the evenings, always off the clock, to go see someone who needed her. \r\n\r\nShe has volunteered for Hospice, helping individuals and their families feel supported through their last brief times together. She has been a hero to many young people who have gone on to nursing school because of her influence on them. I became a social worker because of seeing her lifelong commitment to helping people. She is not just my hero but a hero to her community and makes it better just by being there.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 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 Rockwall USA 2008-08-20T08:24:15-06:00 Nancy 729 B 426 TX Nancy B. is a hero because she helped inspire three miles of kindness! \r\n\r\nNancy has served public schools for 44 years in North Texas. As Director of Guidance for Rockwall, TX, she was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Rachel’s Challenge program at every level in Rockwall.\r\n\r\nHer passion for the kindness and compassion initiative led to the first K-12 program of its kind in the nation. She spear headed the first every Elementary School program last year and helped organized a year end celebration called “Rachel’s Rally.” Over 10,000 students, parents and community leaders were in attendance, to celebrate the many acts of kindness performed in the community. \r\n\r\nShe encouraged students, teachers, parents, and community leaders to accept Rachel Joy Scott’s challenge to “start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.” Through that challenge, she helped to inspire students and adults to perform kind and compassionate acts throughout their homes and communities in Rockwall, TX. At Rachel’s Rally, there were a total of 123,000 reported acts of kindness represented as chain links that measured a total of 3 miles. Way to go Nancy, that’s a lot of kindness!!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Effort United States of America 2008-08-27T04:38:16-06:00 Debra 737 D 431 Pennsylvania Debra has not had an easy life. She has endured sickness, death, and occupational disappointments yet I have never heard her complain once. She supported a husband with an addiction for many years and stood by in the belief he would enter recovery, which he did. She raised two children emphasizing the values of patience and tolerance. She has devoted her life in helping those who are less fortunate. I have seen her remained calm when others around her were lashing out with emotions instead of using their heads. She is a wife, mother, referee, and most of all a friend who can be relied on for an honest answer. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Mount Vernon U.S. 2008-09-29T08:08:40-06:00 George 781 W. 444 Maryland George Washington even as a kid was a great leader. When he was only 12 years old he captained a ship of upset and angry crew members safely across the sea. He is my hero because he shows us that us teens can do more than what is expected of us. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Every City United States 2008-10-02T10:02:14-06:00 American Red Cross 795 449 Every State I spent the last 2 weeks serving on the disaster relief operation for Hurricane Ike. While this is not my first with the ARC, I stand in awe of the tireless dedication of many other volunteers. \r\n\r\nSome of these have spent a significant portion of their life serving their country in times of disaster. One such gentlemen was on his 157th national relief operation. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Weathersfield USA 2008-10-05T21:59:04-06:00 RAY 800 K. 451 Ohio On May 20, 2007, off-duty volunteer fire captain Ray K. acted selflessly and heroically to save the life of a resident in a burning home. Ray learned of a residential explosion only a few blocks from his own home. He went to the address and learned that an individual was injured inside the home. With the assistance of a police officer and another individual, Ray entered the burning home. With little regard for his own personal safety, he crawled on his hands and knees, located the injured occupant and helped pull the person outside to safety. City fire officials said Ray’s actions probably saved the occupant’s life. The Captain’s heroic and courageous actions in responding to a citizen in need bring great credit to himself, his family and the State of Ohio.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Haleyville USA 2008-10-13T07:25:11-06:00 Jason 809 L. 453 Alabama My daddy is my hero. I think he is the best dad in the world. An example of this would be the first time I rode a bike: Crash Boom Bang! I had a very bad wreck! He hustled to me into the house at a very high speed and totally took care of me. He picked me up and dusted me off. My dad is the best!!!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 USA 2008-10-15T07:02:09-06:00 Monte 811 R. 455 California My husband is my hero. We married in 1991. We had nothing but happiness and love for one another. After a few years of working different jobs, my husband decided we needed to do more to be successful and achieve our goals. In 1998, he decided to go to college, get a degree, and find a job that he enjoyed that could also support his family. \r\n\r\nIn 1999 we had our first child, a beautiful baby girl. What a tremendous blessing, but also one of the most difficult times we would experience. I was working two part-time jobs and trying to figure out how to be a mom for the first time. My husband was working full time and taking 20 units of college courses at the same time. For the six years that Monte was in college he tried to be the best father, the best husband, the best employee, and the best college student. I know it was terribly overwhelming for him at times. It was a difficult time for both of us. He showed great perseverance and carried the burden of these responsibilities for those six years. \r\n\r\nHe graduated from college in 2004! He has been blessed for his ambition, character, dedication, and sacrifice. We have been married now for seventeen years. My husband has a successful career, we have a beautiful, happy family with three amazing children (9, 6, and 5 months), we own a home, we have all of our needs met and then some, and I am able to stay home to be a mom. I will forever be grateful to my husband for his hard work and for the man that he is when no one is looking.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Apache Junction USA 2008-10-16T08:05:05-06:00 Walker 814 O. 456 Arizona He started skating about three or four years ago. He is now indeed "The Bomb."\r\n\r\nHe suffered a head injury but came right back up and got back on the board after he recovered,Of course with a helmet. And is now supported by original clothing and is the best skater I know.\r\nBut what I am trying to get to is that he never gave up, ever.\r\n\r\nHe is so chill. And the best brother anyone could ever have. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Gatlinburg USA 2008-10-24T01:05:10-06:00 Joyce 826 M. 461 Tennessee When I was twelve, mom became a single parent and raised my sister and I completely by herself. As the daughter of an Appalachian brick mason (and one of seven children), my mother was no stranger to tough and meager times. How she managed to keep us in stylish clothes, Nike’s and well fed on a modest income of near minimum wage is astonishing. For as little money as we had I never felt poor in any way. \r\n\r\nThe degree of unconditional love she gave my sister and I every single day became the building blocks for who I am today. She helped us to always remember the important things in life such as treating people (and yourself) with respect, remembering our maker, honesty, hard working and most importantly, how to love. She has the iron will of a true hero!\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Frisco United States of America 2008-10-30T04:53:49-06:00 Jeff 861 M 471 Texas My soccer coach, Jeff M. is my hero. He has showed me so much not only in soccer but also about my outlook on life. I am a usually a negative person about myself and the things I do. Every time I would do something wrong in soccer I would take it out on myself. He is the one who would encourage me after everything I did, good or bad. It really helped, and I started to play much better. I am now the starting left defender on my team and usually play the whole game. So, thank you Coach Jeff. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 2008-10-31T09:08:27-06:00 Brandyn 863 G. 473 My hero is my brother. Although he is no longer alive he is still my hero. He wasn’t my real brother, he was actually my foster brother but he treated me as if I was his “real” sister all the same. He passed away at the age of seventeen. At the time he was working a full time job and getting his GED at the same time. He was told that all he had to do to get out of foster care was save up two thousand dollars. But instead of leaving, he told me that he was going to stick around in the foster home as long as he could so he could look out for me, and make sure that I was okay, because at that time I was only 13. \r\n\r\nHe was always doing selfless acts like that. In fact, that is the reason he is no longer with us. Eight years ago, instead of coming straight home from work one night, he gave a co-worker a ride home because her ride didn’t show. He was on his way home from her house that night when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit his car head on. He lost his life doing good for someone else. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. He was always doing things for others and that is what makes him my hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Louisville USA 2008-11-19T08:56:27-07:00 Patrick Henry 879 H. 479 Kentucky Patrick is a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk. Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick's spine \r\nto correct scoliosis.\r\n\r\nDespite circumstances that seem overwhelming to you and me, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student. Patrick started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and also plays the trumpet and sings. He even participates in the University of Louisville School of Music Marching and Pep Bands\r\nwith help from his father (Patrick John Hughes), who tirelessly maneuvers his wheel chair through the formations with the other 220+ members of the Cardinal Marching Band. Patrick is usually a straight 'A' student, having received only 5 'B's' during his entire educational experience - up to and including his sophomore year of college.\r\n\r\nA virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpet player, Patrick has won or finished very high in numerous competitions, as well as winning awards acknowledging the circumstances he has overcome to achieve these heights. \r\n\r\nThis story courtesy of www.patrickhenryhughes.com 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 San Dimas USA 2008-11-22T16:39:16-07:00 Tam 883 L. 481 CA Tam is a refugee survivor who traveled across the ocean to get to safety. He first landed in Thailand, then Cambodia. Tam then later migrated to the USA. He worked hard as a bus boy and had only a bicycle as a means of transportation to and from both work and school. When Tam first arrived here he did not know how to speak English. He had to learn from the basics of the language. \r\n\r\nDespite all of these obstacles, Tam graduated from high school with High Honors and received a California Scholarship that allowed him to study at the university. He graduated in Computer Science and is now extremely successful. Tam is an extraordinary man, living the life he always dreamed of. \r\n\r\nTam is a true, full-hearted inspiration in faith and hope. He has shown me that all things are possible with focus, determination, and commitment. He is my HERO. And the love of my life forever. \r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Eagan United States 2008-11-25T12:14:47-07:00 Kathryn and David 884 S. 482 Minnesota These parents lost both their son, Andrew, and their daughter, Abby to cancer. In honor of their children, Kathryn and David have worked hard to establish a foundation to financially assist families of terminally ill children. \r\n\r\nThe foundation aims to provide enough income for one or both parents to stay home and care for their sick child during what could be their last months of life. Although their grief for their children is great, Kathryn and David have continued to put the time and effort into the foundation to keep spreading joy to families facing such heartbreaking challenges. The Andrew and Abby Szott Foundation has helped 5 families so far, and is still giving. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 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 Seattle USA 2009-01-01T18:46:11-07:00 Roberta 905 S. 492 Washington This is a story about my Aunt Bobby. She was the most loved person I ever knew. As a boy I remember visiting her and her husband Bob, son Randy and daughter Patty at their Gross Pointe home in Michigan. I arrived one summer after school had let out. I found a family filled with love and a home that ran smoothly though it still had the usual family drama. The big difference in this home? There was no sadness. \r\n\r\nJokes and silly fun made this light-hearted home a dream from what I knew back east. I learned that Bobby had started the first Boy Scout troop in Michigan, and was involved with Girl Scout and Brownies clubs. She and her husband Bob were chosen to be the God Parents by every family on their street. At the time I thought that was pretty cool. As the weeks went on I learned how to read and I learned how to love through her firm way of coaxing me to learn. I was a very sad child from a very sad home in a very sad city. Bobby is my hero because she knew how to live and she knew how to love and she knew how important it was to be fair even when it did not give her the advantage. My Aunt Bobby knew that winning was not always good and she knew that losing was not always bad. \r\n\r\nThere was something about her and her husband Bob I have never seen before in any person then or even today. It was a kind of class, a kind of knowing that they had that made them glow with cheer and confidence. There was a kind of mystery about them like they knew something that they held dear that they knew was special. \r\n\r\nI think it was love. The kind of love that is refined and yet easy, natural, and filled with life, joy and humor. I tell my friends today that they do not make folks like that any more. Bobby S. was my aunt and my hero because she knew right from wrong and she practiced the Golden Rule to the letter. She always said you could not go too far wrong if you stuck with the Golden Rule. I have ever since. And though my life does not have the same sparkle or glee that their family did, I still got to see it and experience the love of people whom I knew for certain loved me. That is why Bobby and her husband Bob are my heroes.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Jinja Uganda 2009-01-08T04:29:02-07:00 Fred 909 M 495 In Uganda, AIDS orphans and abused children take the streets of cities, hoping to find enough to eat by begging, stealing and searching the garbage dumps. Fred is a college student in Jinja who likes to play tennis and listen to music...and to save street kids in his spare time. \r\n\r\nOnce a month, he gives over 100 kids a bath, shaves their head to keep them more clean, hands out whatever used clothing and blankets he has, and provides a hot meal. He wins their trust and heals their wounds. And when he can, he helps them return to family, find a foster home or move to a rural orphanage. At a time when others his age are partying and dating, Fred tends to the kids that sleep outside the door of his small room, covered with cardboard for protection from other gangs of kids. He's braved personal danger to protect these kids and they adore him. \r\n\r\nFred is an amazing young man who has made a positive difference to thousands of children...a perfect Hero.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Birmingham United States 2009-01-22T05:15:31-07:00 Phoenix and Talia 913 D. 498 Alabama On October 15, 2003, I received a call from my wife that she was getting ready to have an emergency C-section. She had gone in for a normal prenatal check up and was told that the baby was breech and they needed to take him. I immediately left work facing a 2 1/2 hour drive in which time I had no idea how mother or baby were doing.\r\n \r\nI arrived at the hospital just as my wife was being wheeled out of surgery and was told that she would be fine, but that there were some problems with our son. His heart was beating at about twice the normal rate for an infant and it looked as though there might be a small hole in it as well. They weren't sure if he would even last the night. \r\n\r\nThe first time that I was able to see or touch my son was through an incubator. While only two weeks early, he was on the small side. We talked to the doctors and because we were in a small town, they didn't feel they had the correct facilities to meet his needs. We were advised that he would be taken to a larger facility about 3 hours away that had an excellent neonatal unit.\r\n \r\nMarcy, my wife, was still in quite a bit of pain, but was able to see our son for just a few moments the next morning before he was taken to the helicopter to be transported. She was to stay in the hospital for a few more days for a full recovery, but urged me to go with the baby. I spent the next few days traveling back and forth between hospitals before she was released that Saturday - the baby had been born on Tuesday.\r\n \r\nIn the neonatal ICU, we were advised that our son did indeed have a small hole in is heart as well as an irregular heartbeat. We spent 10 days in the ICU and during that time, he was defibrillated four times in an effort to lower and regulate his heartbeat. Finally, we were allowed to take him home, but not without medication to regulate his heartbeat. He was on medication for the first year of his life. We were advised that this medication was known to cause developmental delays in young children but our only other option would have been open heart surgery. \r\n \r\nThe medication did indeed cause delays. Our son didn't walk or really talk until he was 18 months old. He is somewhat smaller than other kids his age. But Phoenix has never let this stop him. He is now five years old, but through our efforts, the efforts of developmental specialists, and his on tenacity, he is now on the same developmental level as the other kids his age. He is intelligent, happy, and full of energy. He will be starting school in the fall and is already reading. Phoenix never lets anything stop him. If he can't do something, he'll keep trying until he can, never giving up. He is named for the mythical Phoenix that rises from the ashes and we believe his name fits him completely. It's because of his spirit and determination that he is one of my heroes. \r\n \r\nMy other hero is my daughter. Talia was five when Phoenix was born and has never complained about the amount of attention that we had to give him. She is incredible! Instead of being the “typical” big sister and complaining about her “little pest” of a brother, she has always been there to help not only Phoenix, but her mother and I as well. If Phoenix couldn't do something that he wanted to, Talia would be right there patiently helping and teaching him. She is always there to help her mother and me as well. We are blessed everyday by her caring spirit and nature. As she has grown older, she has, if anything, become more of a helpmate to us, as we now have a new infant girl in our lives. Talia loves and cherishes both of her siblings and never complains about having to help, doing it without asking and with a smile on her face. Between my son and daughter, I've learned how to live a good life with determination, caring, and perseverance. This is why they are my heroes.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 San Carlos USA 2009-01-25T15:33:56-07:00 Naomi 915 D. 500 CA My hero is a girl I know at work. She started there about 6 months ago after being out of work for over a year. She has some developmental and learning differences that make it hard for her to do math and cash registers, so she couldn't get hired in a lot of places, particularly in retail. But she's told me that everyday during that year with the exception of maybe 10 days, she was out looking for work, filling out applications. \r\n\r\nMany times she would fill out applications in the same stores three to four times because when she went back to check with them they would say they had lost it, or when she interviewed with them they would say they had hired someone else, but she would go by the store again later that same week and see the 'help wanted' sign still in the window, so again, she would go in and fill out another application. Finally she was hired by our company, and she's one of the kindest, most compassionate girls I've ever met. \r\n\r\nShe never misses work, she's always helpful to the customers (they love her) and she tries to help her co-workers whenever they need her, though they don't always do the same for her. She may be different in the way she learns, but she is a HERO in the way she acts, trusts, and believes in herself and others. I'm proud to call her a friend.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Lake Havasu City Arizona US 2009-01-30T13:24:23-07:00 My Mother 916 501 Arizona My mother is my hero because she chose me. I am the only adopted child out of four children; all three of my siblings are my mother’s biological children. So why me? You don’t just adopt a child in 1965 with no story. Yet here I am—a part of the most wonderful family you could ever dream for. \r\n\r\nMy mother made me who I am, she taught me right from wrong, she stood proud no matter what silly thing I did. She is my biggest fan and loves me with such pride and joy that I am her hero too. God put this fiery red head right in the middle of a Sicilian family for that reason and I can’t think of a more inspirational hero than my mom. She made me a second chance baby somehow. She needed me and I will never stop needing her. A hero is an earned honor and she earns it every moment of my life. \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 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 Hancock United States 2009-03-22T02:27:04-06:00 Cassidy 949 M. 517 Maine My hero's name is Cassidy, but I rarely call her that. I call her Marty because she has eyes like Marty Feldman, but only when she puts stress on them to make me laugh. She will do anything to make someone laugh and make the people around her happy. She is absolutely hilarious. I can go to her crying my eyes out and by the time she's done with me I am literally rolling on the floor laughing. \r\n\r\nMarty is also an excellent friend that is very trustworthy. Not only does she make you laugh to feel better, she lets you explain your sadness while making you feel safe while telling her. She will never tell a soul what someone has told her, and she most likely won't even bring it up again. She's like a teddy bear or a diary. Marty lives in the moment and makes the best of life. She understands the power of a smile and the power of friendship. I don't know (and hope I never have to) what I would do without her.\r\n 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 USA 2009-03-24T17:39:14-06:00 Randy 951 519 My hero is a wondrous man named Randy Pausch. His entire life, he has been a symbol of greatness and integrity. Even as he discovered he had cancer, he chose not to mope and dread the inevitable.\r\n\r\nInstead, Randy became an embodiment of hope and eternal optimism. His memory still lives on today and continues to inspire millions, just as he has inspired me to never give up, no matter what. 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 St. Louis USA 2009-05-23T18:31:37-06:00 Leonard 978 L 538 Missouri My dad is my hero. It's been five years since he had his first seizure. After that came the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Then epilepsy, and most recently prostate cancer. But he's still here. Waking up every morning like the rest of us, wondering what other challenges lie ahead. And secretly wishing, that he'll have another day. 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Asheville USA 2009-07-14T06:53:56-06:00 Marcus 1009 T 555 North Carolina Marcus was injured in a skiing accident when he was in his early 20's. He has been completely paralyzed from the neck down since this accident. Marcus with the help of his wife, Anne, learned to paint beautiful paintings by holding the paint brush in his mouth. His paintings are incredible and he is fascinating to watch. Marcus is a super, super nice man and inspires others through his work. I have a handicap 12 year old son, Krae, and we met Marcus about 3 years ago at the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville. We were attending a concert and our handicap seating was next to his and Annes. We talked through the entire concert and I was amazed to hear about his work and he's positive outlook on life despite his not being able to move any part of his body from is neck down. We made fast friends and I attended his art show in Blowing Rock's Arts in the Park the following weekend. I, along with hundreds of other people, watched him paint out in the heat for hours. I purchased one of his paintings and it's hanging in my office at home. I think of Marcus every time I look at it and in all of my life, he is the most remarkable and talented human I've ever met. Marcus also gives back in other ways. My husband and I started a foundation to raise money to fund programs in the North Carolina for children with special needs and disabilities. Marcus helps us raise money by donating his artwork that we auction off. He deserves more than anyone I know to be recognized as a hero! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Weaverville USA 2009-07-14T09:09:51-06:00 Marcus 1010 T 556 NC Marcus is a neighbor I am just coming to know. I am immediately drawn to this man not because of his disability (he is a quadriplegic) but because of this many positive character traits. He is a man who appreciates life and inspires me to be the best that I can be. He uses his mind to learn daily and has independence despite his situation. This man is true hero each time I get to be by his side. I have always come away from him feeling as if the impossible can be achieved if I just believe in myself! It amazes me how he can pick me up and inspire me so! Marcus loves life and does not spend any time feeling sorry for himself. He is truly a hero for us all! 2009-09-12T00:00:19-06:00 1 Harvey Newman stardustr2@silverstar.com 1 2009-10-19T10:29:23-06:00 dion 2739 I 610 Before going to Vietnam, Dion was an accomplished drummer in a local Los Angeles band. He lost 80% of his left hand in combat, along with internal injuries. Originally, he was not expected to live. He still suffers both physically and mentally from this ordeal. BUT he learned to become as good of a drummer as pre-Vietnam by wrapping a drumstick to his battered left wrist with several rubber bands to perform at an "A" level of play. He played with me for years. We live 900 miles apart now but I leave his drums setup in my music room in honor of his accomplishment and in hope he will visit so we can JAM once more. 2009-12-22T16:26:41-07:00 1 Barnett Frankel stk37112@go.stockton.edu 2010-01-06T15:32:33-07:00 William 2875 R 673 Bill is a college professor at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He teaches, among other courses, Microbiology. As I've already had the class and been graded, and I won't have him for any other classes, there is no conflict of interest in my sharing this story. Bill is my hero for the following reason: In the fall of 2008 he had the lower portion of his left leg removed due to complications from diabetes. This is a fairly common issue with diabetics (my wife's cousin also had the same operation done and as I am a diabetic, I take great care of my feet). Bill came back to work at the school and taught the spring semester of 2009. He hasn't stopped running since. I know that his ambition was to run a 5K in the Fall of 2009, but I don't know if he did. What I do know is that he has allowed the students to ask him about the operation and answers all questions with a grace and dignity that I find inspiring. When he wears shorts, he has a "sock" that he puts over the mechanical knee, and most of these socks are humorous in nature. The second reason that Bill is a hero is that he worked on a way to use stale beer (and it must be stale) to re-mediate certain types of pollution. 2010-01-18T13:35:37-07:00 1 Jordan jtvike2011@hotmail.com 1 2009-12-01T10:05:08-07:00 Judy 2838 T 652 My hero is my grandma, Judy. She has battled breast cancer and is very courageous. Even through all the struggles and pain, she fought and won! She inspires me to never give up when I'm faced with a struggle. Without her as my hero, I would not be the same person that I am today. 2009-12-01T10:05:08-07:00