Embrace Life^® Awards

After his loss, Aaron’s resilience and determination led him to find a creative and innovative way to raise money to support victims of the disease...

Aaron, of Atlanta, Georgia was devastated to lose both parents before the age of 25, his father to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his mother to lung cancer. After his loss, Aaron’s resilience and determination led him to find a creative and innovative way to raise money to support local charities. Aaron created “Valet for Life, Parking for a Purpose,” a non-profit valet parking company where tips and/or fees support local charities (www.valetforlife.com). He believes that “together with the help of our partners and our generous community, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

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Alex remembers his mother saying, “No struggle, no progress,” to remind him and her students that when times get hard, the fight makes for a more rounded person...

Teaching was a way of life for Alexander Vallar of Columbia, Missouri and his mother, Ella. Within months of each other, Alex and Ella were both diagnosed with renal failure, and underwent treatment together. Alex and Ella were exceptionally close, which made Ella’s passing in 2008 all the more difficult. Alex remembers his mother saying, “No struggle, no progress,” to remind him and her students that when times get hard, the fight makes for a more rounded person. That quote echoed in Alex’s mind when he underwent an operation to receive a healthy kidney after a long two-year wait on the transplant list. A lighthearted and smiling Alex is currently writing a book in Ella’s honor to share her story of dedicated love. He continues to teach low-income students and remains active in his community.

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Although it was extremely difficult to balance career and family life without the support of her husband, Amelia was able to inspire all three of her children to finish college...

Others have said they are inspired by Amelia’s quiet, humble, and enduring spirit. Dr. Amelia Reichmann Pattacini of Hendersonville, North Carolina was born in 1930 and earned her medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires. Amelia was working in cancer research as a supervisor in the University of South Alabama’s Cytogenetic Laboratory when her husband Edward Pattacini was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Edward suffered from paralysis for five years before his death in April of 1991. Although it was extremely difficult to balance career and family life without the support of her husband, Amelia was able to inspire all three of her children to finish college. At work, Amelia placed her energy into solving the medical complexities of cancer and saving the lives of others. By focusing her mind and efforts on finding a cure for this specific cancer, she was able to move past the grief of her loss, and inspire her family and others.

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Bill created www.singledadstown.com to motivate, inspire, and provide resources for single parents. He also helps educate others about having their “financial house” in order...

Bill McLeod of Lone Tree, Colorado was living the American Dream. The happily married father of two and successful businessman faced the unexpected when his wife battled alcoholism. They separated and divorced, and in 2007, she died unexpectedly. Bill struggled to find resources to help single fathers balance their careers, children, and finances while maintaining an emotionally healthy environment. Bill created www.singledadstown.com to motivate, inspire, and provide resources for single parents. He also helps educate others about having their “financial house” in order and the benefits of having a sound financial plan in place. Bill has often said, “Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad.”

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Jody also coordinated the “Run from the Sun 5K,” to help the Melanoma Research Foundation, and established the Scarlet Lawrence Akins Foundation to help find a cure for melanoma...

Jody Akins of Cordova, Tennessee, was heartbroken when his pregnant wife, Scarlet, was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. On May 9, 2006, a healthy baby girl was delivered. Although great efforts were made to defeat the cancer, Scarlet lost her battle with Melanoma in August 2006. Despite the challenges Jody faced, he embraced his new life with his daughter. Being a single father never scared him; he had a great support group in his family and friends. Jody organized a benefit golf tournament to make the dangers of melanoma more public, and raised more than $20,000. Jody also coordinated the “Run from the Sun 5K” to help the Melanoma Research Foundation, and established the Scarlet Lawrence Akins Foundation to help find a cure for melanoma and provide education and support for those suffering from it. Many are amazed by Jody’s perseverance, strength, and commitment throughout his tragedy. Jody attributes his strength to family, friends, and having prepared financially by having life and health insurance plans.

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Kymberly supports and assists cancer patients and widows with a plan to survive and thrive, and has received the “Rotarian of the Year” two years in a row...

Kymberly Mowery of Idaho Falls, Idaho is a fighter. When she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she didn’t panic; she went through chemotherapy for almost two years while taking care of her family and working full-time. After her chemotherapy, she and her son moved back home to Idaho to be closer to family. Her husband was to follow shortly after, but passed away in his sleep due to an unknown heart condition. From the moment she found out her husband had died, Kymberly was determined to maintain a positive attitude and keep her family’s spirits up. Since returning to Idaho, she participates in and supports the Relay for Life every year. Kymberly supports and assists cancer patients and widows with a plan to survive and thrive, and has received the “Rotarian of the Year” two years in a row. She also works full-time as a marketing director and is a full-time mother to four children.

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Marianne currently spends time as a missionary in Africa working with AIDs orphans and teaching abstinence in schools; she also teaches children from lower-income families...

Marianne Testa of Oviedo, Florida, found herself a widow at 30 years old, living 1,500 miles away from any family. Marianne enjoyed only six wonderful months of marriage to her husband before he died of a heart attack at age 33, and was left in financial ruin with no life insurance. Marianne embraced her new reality through the help of family and friends. She began to speak in various forums, including premarital classes, singles groups and study groups, about the benefits of being financially prepared. Marianne currently spends time as a missionary in Africa working with AIDs orphans and teaching abstinence in schools; she also teaches children from lower-income families, and helps others in need.

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While journaling and writing letters to deal with her grief, Michele realized that the gift of the written word could be a source of comfort to other widows...

Michele Neff Hernandez and her husband, Phil, from Simi Valley, California, were described as a dynamic couple who enjoyed cycling, hiking, and running. In August 2005, the unthinkable happened when Phil was killed in a bicycle accident. Michele’s world was turned upside down. As a young widow and single mother of three, Michele had to find the will to go on. It was Michele’s journey into the depths of grief that let her true strength shine through. While journaling and writing letters to deal with her grief, Michele realized that the gift of the written word could be a source of comfort to other widows. Today, Michele is writing a book, “The Healing Power of the Widow’s Bond,” after interviewing widows across America to find answers to her many questions. The success of her Web site, www.widowsbond.com, and the overwhelming success of the Widow Match program reflect her determination to help others in her position. She is also the founder and executive director of the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at providing resources and support to people grieving the loss of a loved one.

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Jim’s death left Shirley overwhelmed, and she vowed that she would do whatever she could to make sure other families didn’t have to worry about financial issues like hers...

Shirley Millman and her husband, Jim, from Ontario, Canada were making plans to spend time enjoying their lives, golfing and spending time with their grandson during Jim’s upcoming retirement when the unexpected happened. Jim was diagnosed with lung cancer and was given less than a year to live. During Jim’s struggle, Shirley never left his side. She vowed that she would do whatever she could to make sure other families didn’t have to worry about financial issues when the unexpected happens. Shirley formed the Jim Millman Memorial Fund to help families in those situations. For the past few years, Shirley and a group of Jim’s close friends organized a golf tournament with raffles and a silent auction to help local families in need.

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Uyntha formed the “Blue Hat Society,” to support the clients of the Waterloo Visiting Nursing Association, furnishing eyeglasses, clothing, and household items...

Uyntha Duncan of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was looking forward to retirement: traveling, visiting friends and spending time with her husband, Don. One week after Don’s retirement celebration, however, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and given less than a year to live. Uyntha had been a home care hospice nurse in the past, and valued the importance of caring for a loved one in a home environment. She cared for her husband at home until three days before his death in July 2000. Afterward, Uyntha refocused her efforts on helping others. Uyntha formed the “Blue Hat Society,” to support the clients of the Waterloo Visiting Nursing Association, furnishing eyeglasses, clothing, and household items. She also founded the Guardian Angel Program, which sponsors an apartment at a crisis residence for homeless young women and children. Additionally, Uyntha formed the Don Duncan Family Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors an annual golf tournament and donates the proceeds to several local agencies. Uyntha comforts others by reminding them, “Grief is like a big cloud hanging over your head. Every once in a while, the cloud lifts. You don’t know why, but you certainly feel a little bit better. Don’t question it; just enjoy it when it happens!”

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Today, Calvin inspires children by telling them they can be all they can be, regardless of obstacles. One way he reaches others is through baseball...

Calvin Houghton Sr., of Burnt Hill, New York, never hangs up the phone with a family member without saying, “I love you.” He learned to cherish life after losing several family members and friends. Calvin lost his brother, his father and his best friend while he was a teenager. In 2002, his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer after exploratory surgery, and passed away just 40 days after being admitted to the hospital. Today, Calvin inspires children by telling them they can be all they can be, regardless of obstacles. One way he reaches others is through baseball. Calvin feels that baseball is a wonderful and inexpensive way to unwind, and it brings him indescribable joy when he sees others enjoying the game. Calvin coaches his son’s baseball teams to bring fun and learning to the league, and also works at his local minor league park, dressing up as Uncle Sam to entertain the spectators. He motivates everyone around him by just being Cal, Sammy, Coach Cal or Dad.

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She inspired others to find hope and peace in times of suffering by writing a book, “Holding Fast, The Untold Story of the Mt. Hood Tragedy.”...

Karen James of Dallas, Texas, didn’t realize that one of most tragic events she’d face would also be one of the most covered news stories of 2006. Karen’s husband, Kelly, was one of the three climbers trapped in a snow cave just below the summit on Mount Hood, Oregon. Despite rescuer’s search efforts, Kelly died tragically, and the James family was thrust into the national spotlight as the world witnessed Karen become a widow. But the story did not end when Kelly’s body was found 300 feet below the summit. Instead, Karen inspired others to find hope and peace in times of suffering by writing a book, “Holding Fast, The Untold Story of the Mt. Hood Tragedy.” Karen hopes that her story can help others who have faced the death of a loved one.

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