Everyday Heroes Finalists
It is with great pleasure I announce the finalists of the Everyday Heroes nominations. Many of the stories brought me tears, inspiration, and hope. In no particular order, as each person presented here is a valuable asset, leader, and HERO:
Judy Hoff, nominated by Warrior Danika: Judy is an amazing woman transforming the lives of women who have suffered domestic abuse, drug abuse, and life abuse through a special through a special program she started. 'The women receive: brand new work clothes, shoes, haircuts and styles, chair massages, manicures, pedicures, makeup application, professional photo shots of themselves, five course professionally catered dinner with a key note speaker and professional entertainment. In addition, the Queens stay overnight at the hotel, have breakfast and attend life skills training classes throughout the second day of the event.' http://queenitsanewday.com/
Beth Jannery, nominated by her friend Janet Bierer: Beth carried Janet through the tragedy of losing her daughter from a car accident. Pulling her our of her weakness and helping her create something positive to focus on: a national pageant promoting the message of Seat Belt Safety to help protect other mothers from the pain she feels daily. Beth helped her find strength when her world was upside down.
Lori Wood, nominated by her daughter Deena Penhale: Lori is a survivor of domestic violence who went on to volunteer and fund raise for the very shelter that originally helped her. She became a chemical dependency counselor and continues to selflessly help others who are suffering from debilitating conditions despite health issues of her own. And a special congrats goes out to Lori, for her her recent wedding celebration on May 4th, 2012.
Katheranne Reese, nominated by her monther Karla Reese: Katheranne has been active in Girl Scouts for 11 years (even after it was "not cool"), and volunteers with Save Our Waves, Burien Clean Sweep and Toy Fair. She donates to Locks of Love, volunteers dance instruction to Thrill the World which benefits different charities every year, participates in the Buddy Walk, and freely gives her time to mentor children and teens. Katherine is 19 years old and has demonstrated more heroic behavior than people twice her age, a true example and role model to young and older people alike.
Ebrima Cole, nominated his wife Mary Cole: Theirs is a very personal story of love and commitment which has kept them together despite a government trying to keep them thousands of miles apart. I wish I could share more of their story, it is one of abuse, opression, and overcoming unsourmountable odds... more heart breaking and inspirational than Hollywood movies could ever hope for. Mary would lay down her lie for her dear husband, always loyal and loving.
David Popek, nominated by his friend Phil Stafford: David is a true hero by anyone's standards. His list of accomplishments and selfless acts goes on and on...just to name a few: He's a nationally registered EMT, volunteer firefighter, heavy rescue technician, rescue/recon diver including under ice water rescue, black water rescue, a volunteer member of the coast guard aux, has at LEAST 10 CPR saves (brought people back to life and they survived), 1 water rescue and 2 extreme auto accident victim extrications. He also helps the homeless, coached pee wee football, little league, and basketball on a volunteer basis, and is a Boy Scout leader. On top of ALL that he finds time to care for his chronically ill wife and is an executive officer of the PTA and raises funds for ANYTHING that helps people.
Comments
TY so much for ...
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 12:11
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i really appreciate all the
Purple
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:50
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Yes, he does sound like a
Brook Kathleen
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 12:32
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Amazing. Just amazing.
Idea Man
Sat, 05/12/2012 - 12:11
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YAY for everyday heroes!
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