Nominate & Vote For Your Winners
Help Us Choose the Stories We Write About Each Issue by Nominating Someone You Know or Want to Read About. Also, Feel Free to Pat a Loved One or a Friend on the Back for Being a Great Person. We List All Nominees Forever in Who’s Who In Your Community.
January’s Winning Nominee, Chosen by You, Our Viewing Editors, Is …
Laurie Willmott, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Winning Benefactor:
A definite “Winner Within” our community and the founder and CEO of Spirit Therapies, a nonprofit public charity in Las Vegas. It is a therapeutic horseback riding program serving mentally and physically challenged children and US Veterans. Laurie is a special lady with such a passion for both the special needs horses who are “four-legged therapists” and the special needs clients Spirit serves. Laurie started Spirit 10 years ago and remains committed to its mission statement: “Spirit Therapies is a non-profit therapeutic riding center that positively impacts the lives of the physically and mentally challenged through connecting with trained therapy horses, certified instructors and compassionate volunteers. We will educate and bring awareness of this valuable therapy to the public, and one day be able to offer therapeutic riding free of charge.” By Donna Streeter
(Watch for Her Story, Coming Soon)
VOTE FOR YOUR WINNERS IN THE SIDEBAR »
Nominate Your Own Winner
- Nominate someone you know and respect as a Winner. They can be your parent, friend, teacher, child, neighbor — anyone is qualified as long as they are making a contribution to our community — as long as you feel they deserve a pat on the back. When we receive your nomination, they will be posted below for our readers to vote on.
- Your Nomination should state their name and the city they live in, which can be anywhere in the world. Your Nominations should be no longer than 50 –100 words.
- At the end of each month, the nominee with the most votes will be developed into a full length article for this magazine. If your nominee is selected, we may ask you to write it, for pay, provided you have already submitted a manuscript for our approval and your writing meets our standards. If not you, then one of our writers will be assigned the story. In either event, you will receive credit as a contributing editor unless you prefer to remain anonymous.
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About The Nominees
Amy Kristiansen, Albany Oregon. Winning Mother: She always strives to put herself first in everything she does. She has run her own in-home daycare for two years watching 2 year-olds to 10 year-olds. She was a preschool teacher for fifteen years prior to that and could balance life, family, a job, and going to school better then anyone else I know. At one point she was going to school taking 21 credits to work towards her Associates Degree, working full time and taking care of her growing family. At that time my sister was still in grade school. No matter what life throws at her she can juggle just about anything. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 40 and had a hard time accepting that fact. She’d struggled with her weight for quite some time prior to her doctor breaking her that news. In January of 2009 she went through major surgery and is down 95 lbs since then. I have loved my mother through thick and through thin times and no matter how ugly she felt I’ve always found her beautiful and my best friend. By Livvie Christiansen
Anna, Rhinebeck New York. Winning Citizen: She is 103 years young. She is still positive, walking, playing cards, exercising and more. She attributes her longevity to good eats, exercise and keeping her mind sharp. She is a Winner Within because she is a role model to senior citizens and everyone else with whom she comes in contact with. By Margie Licchiello
Anne Doyle, Boulder, Colorado. Winning Caregiver: Works on a board with Boulder Outreach for Homeless Overflow (BOHO) and has been one of the central figures who help start Medical Respite Boulder. Medical Respite is a non-profit home care system for the homeless of Boulder that offers a safe refuge of healing for those without a home. Medical Respite addresses acute and post-acute medical care for individuals too ill to recover from a physical illness or injury on the streets but not considered ill enough to be hospitalized. Anne Doyle’s dedication and compassion for the homeless make her a winner within the community. By Stacia Miller
Bikashjyoti Bora, Guwahati,Assam, India. Winner against the Odds: He is unlike you and me in that he is destitute of vision. Completed his graduation successfully in 2009 and went on to clear Prelims of the prestigious Civil Services Exam in 2011. He uses his notebook and a Braille machine to find solutions that would put to shame most of us. In spite of hardships, he has carried on and attained many scholarships on his own. He is also actively involved with many visually challenged people across the globe to speak for their cause. By Nilotpal Pathak
Brad Clement & Tonya Riggs Clement, Boulder, Colorado. Winning Athletes/Educators: Boulder is a mecca for climbers, mountaineers, runners, skiers, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Husband-wife team, Brad Clement and Tonya Riggs Clement, are high altitude mountaineers who make Boulder their “base camp” but by no means limit their adventures locally. Both have years of experience scaling the world’s highest peaks in the Himalaya, Africa, Europe and Patagonia. They met while climbing Mt. Everest as part of the Everest Peace Project in 2006 in which Brad was the cinematographer. Through their company, Beyond Everest, they give workshops and presentations and lead expeditions all over the world. The Clements are a dynamic and down-to-earth couple who have accomplished so much individually and together, and want to inspire others to achieve their goals in life. By Robyn Crispe
Bridge, Baltimore Maryland. Winner Against the Odds: My nomination is a 4 year old little girl named Bridge and her family. We live here in Baltimore , MD and I was her teacher at daycare. At age 2 , Bridget fell very ill just out of the blue and after a few days we found out it was her tiny heart. Bridget needed a new heart , but she stayed strong until that perfect new heart came. Bridget came through surgery with flying colors and now shows her scare proudly. Soon after surgery, Bridget and her family had red bracelets made to give away to anyone who donated money to help families pay for children’s medications, including Bridget’s own, that she still has to take every day for the rest of her life. Bridget and her family aren’t only winners , they are an inspiration as well. By Ashley Boughan
Dr Edward J. Tabah , Montréal, Québec, Canada. Winning Citizen: He is the founder of The Cedar’s Institute for the fight against cancer at the Royal Victoria Hospita l in Montreal. His personnal story is a Saga by itself. A story about war, love, and deshabilitating diseases. In the name of the father, Dr John Tabbah, oncologic surgeon at the Montreal general Hospital would say, talking about his dad : “The German army was defeated. Soldiers and officers were fleeing leaving everything.” Sauve qui peut”. My father noticed the quality of the material left behind. He started collecting it and brought it back to Canada. It was highly sophisticated medical material. 4 months after being diagnosed with cancer, he died leaving everyhting he cared for, the Cedars Institute and his main concern, my mother. The cathedral was full. The Mcgill orchestra began to play the song he asked for : ” do you know how much I love you”. My mother was sitting noticing nothing. At a very young age, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. All Montreal establishment was there; even the chief of the Montreal Mafia. I thought that even dead, he still had this gift or facility to connect with people from any backgrounds, any culture” By Amal Khoury
Elizabeth (Liz) Doskotz-Carlson, Long Valley New Jersey. Winning Educator: Elizabeth and her husband own and operate Freedom Horse Farm and Freedom Animal Rescue. Freedom Farm is a therapeutic riding and hippotherapy center. Liz teaches respect for all individuals, regardless of of their age, or disability. She is extremely patient, knowledgeable about people and animals. The environment at the farm is warm, welcoming and fun. She brings a smile to everyone’s face, especially those who are in need of it. By Ellen Stark
Enrique Franco, Boulder Colorado. Winning Educator: I am a teacher in Boulder, Colorado. I work with children from low income families and primarily of Hispanic decent. Two years ago we were blessed with a program called “I Have a Dream.” The program provides support to underprivileged children so that they graduate from high school and later helps them pay for college. In 2010, when my current class was in second grade, the foundation approached us to offer sponsorship for all qualifying children. With this they hired a program director, Enrique Franco. Enrique is an inspiration to the children he works with and to us as well. I truly believe that Enrique is making a huge difference in the lives of these children and want others to know about him and the program. By Anne Garcia
Freya Pruitt, San Antonio, Texas. Winning Citizen: Has definitely made a positive difference in the world for good. She is the Editor-in-Chief of “Transforming Today’s World,” a free bi-monthly magazine where she “publishes people” and has several “causes” that she is passionate about. She is passionate about our soldiers and their struggles when they come home, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is passionate about the homeless in San Antonio and garners support in her magazine for employment and basic necessities that they need to get back on their feet. She raises awareness for organ transplantation and how we can become involved in donating organs to the dying. She is giving free publicity to the San Antonio Ballet, opera and theater for the continued survival of these wonderful institutions. Her latest posting on Facebook was about a father and son who lost their home and belongings to a fire. There is so much love and compassion in this woman’s heart and soul. She has given up everything for this magazine that brings awareness and a vision of love for humanity and she should be recognized for sacrifices that she makes willingly so others may be lifted up. By Jacqueline Applewhite
Jim, Minneapolis Minnesota. Winner against the Odds: “Jim” was brought up in a very distrubing household and suffered intense physical and emotional abuse. Despite this he stayed positive and benovolent to one and all. As life went on, the grind of childhood took its toll and in his 20′s he found himself consumed in dibilitating anxiety, deep dark depression and a world of lack, loneliness and fear. He often felt like “a total waste of flesh”. Then life got harder. He lost his son, his wife had an affair, and his best and only friend died. For seven long years he suffered in another deep state of depression and for 3 years didn’t go outside except to get mail. Then, one day, he made a decision. Inspired by the movie, Shawshank Redemption he decided to get busy livin’. He faced his fears and courageously did something he knew he was good at, yet due to fear, had given up. He then went on to start and run several successful businesses, wrote several awesome and inspiring books, and helped many other people also face their fears, uncover their purpose and find their inspiration. By Chris Lembeck
Joseph Bronson, McMinnville, Oregon. Winning Educator: Seifu (instructor) at Mountain Warriors Kung Fu Academy teaches and lives Kung Fu – working hard towards great accomplishments. He inspires all ages to live every aspect of their lives to the fullest, from martial arts to personal food and reading choices, to serving their community. From living in a C.O.B. house, to raising an organic farm with his family, this warrior strives to live in harmony with everyone and everything around him. By Melody Frederic
Joshua, Raleigh North Carolina. Winning Educator: As the child of a single mother, whose dad was in jail during most of his youth, Joshua knows first-hand some of the hardest challenges that kids face in the Boys & Girls Club he directs. He’s worked directly with gang kids, and cheated death by just one inch when a drive-by bullet smashed into his car and only grazed his cheek, next to his eye. That’s why, as he worked toward his master’s degree in recreation while growing the Club’s programs for at-risk youth, he was taken aback by one boy’s question. “One of the kids asked me, ‘Does this mean that you’re going to leave the Club?’ and I said, ‘Maybe, someday.’ And he said, ‘If you leave the Club, we’re probably going to quit school.’ “To hear a 12-year-old say that and be dead serious … you realize we are big brothers and uncles and in some cases, dads to these kids. We cannot make silly decisions about how we use our time.” By Carlene Byron
Lakshmi Tatma, Patna, India. Winner against the Odds: Lakshmi is a seven-year-old girl with four arms and four legs, born to poor parents earning less than $1 a day. She is a winner because of her perseverance and conviction to survive. She is ridiculed by the society she lives in, yet, at the same time, worshiped as a goddess. Her parents were once offered money to make her participate in a circus. She is an icon of the society she lives in. By Chitraparna Sinha
Lisa and Nevin Randle, Edgewood Maryland. Winning Benefactors: It all began with a rabbit. An abandoned and very sickly rabbit named Luna, who then inspired her caretakers, Lisa and Nevin Randle, to found Luna’s House, where they continue to shelter and foster small animals, including cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and of course, rabbits. Their compassion and generosity has inspired a community network of foster homes and their difficult but rewarding struggle lends meaning and purpose to a world often lacking in both. By Steph Lee
Madeline Robinson, Tampa Florida. Winning Caregiver: The same problem continuously plagued Madeline Robinson as she carried out her volunteer duties year after year. Having worked with children’s charities most of her life, Robinson felt a great burden for children with mobility challenges. All too often, she observed a child in a wheelchair that was too small, or held together with duct tape and in disrepair. Insurance companies would only replace wheelchairs every five years regardless of the child’s size or condition. Robinson couldn’t stand to see these kids suffer with discomfort, pressure sores, scoliosis and respiratory problems. Hence, Wheelchairs4Kids was born. By Michelle Cook Kaufmann
Margo VanOrden, Eugene Oregon. Winning Friend: She has lived in Eugene, OR for many years. She grew up in Oakland, CA. Margo is a well known citizen of Eugene, OR. She has a past that is very interesting to the ears of many people. She is an Oregon Ducks fan and loves to watch football. Margo’s goal in life is to have her own business that she can retire with enough income to support herself and her son. She has a few other people in mind that she wants taken care of also. Margo knows some people out of CA who have become lawyers, doctors, dentists, movie stars and other people who have decided to move into the Eugene area. You have to get to know her to get the whole story of her life. She is very dear to me and we are working together to have a job that will support us the rest of our lives. I have high hopes for her. She is a very close friend of mine. By Teresa Berg
Melissa Thompson, Theodore Alabama. Winning Wife: She is my wife, and she is a winner to me and the kids because she keeps us going. Due to circumstances, fate, and life itself she is the one working, while I keep the two young un’s. It’s going to take more than an email for me to convey the whole story, but she is a winner because she is fighting cancer while she supports us. So, like I said I’d like to tell you the full story, there is quite alot to tell. If you have an intrest please write back to let me know By Bryan Thompson
Dr. Michael B. Freeman, Bakersfield California. Winning Caregiver: He is a plastic surgeon here in Bakersfield, CA that I have personally had the chance to work with on many “burn” cases. He gives burn victims a chance to live a normal life without being persecuted by the way that they look. He takes what was so devastating to a patient and turns it into something beautiful. He gives hope. I believe that he is a true winner. By Ian Williams
Richard Brodsky, Atlantic Beach New York. Winning Benefactor: He is an HIV and brain cancer survivor, who runs in races to raise money for his foundation and relentlessly works to get others involved, including benefactors who contribute money and other items to doctors who treat children in Africa. Recent donations paid for two dinner/dances for 650 orphans in Kenya. By Jeffrey Besson
Saad Amer, Medford Oregon. Winning Youth: I am excited to nominate Saad Amer, a senior at Patchogue-Medford high school who has achieved attention due to his scholastic accomplishments and positive impact within the community. Recently, he was instrumental in creating a video clip that showcased his talent and provided the high school with name recognition. By Jacqueline Kingston
Sherrie, Dallas Oregon. Winning Citizen: She is woman in her fifties who had found herself living in her car struggling for survival and looking for a miracle. She met a young mother of two who had fallen ill and was struggling to regain her strength. These two strangers, caught within a whirlwind of emotion and despair, reached out for the hands of faith and found each other. The whisper of a name will fade amongst the masses and great kingdoms will fall but as we leave this world it is the mark of hope that cuts the deepest, leaving a scar of rebirth more beautiful than anything our eyes have yet to behold. By Sandra Bertwell
Ta’Kaiya Blaney, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Winning Environmentalist: Ta’Kaiya,10 years old, lives in North Vancouver and is from the Sliammon First Nation. Ta’Kaiya is an activist supporting environmental sustainability. Singer and song writer, she is best known for her song “Shallow Waters”; written to raise awareness about the Enbridge Corporation’s proposed oil pipeline planned between the Alberta Tar Sands and Kitimat, B.C. By Sean Kravetsky
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