Embrace Life^® Awards

Shannon Starzyk, Martinez, California, will always remember her husband, Sergeant Paul Starzyk, as a hero; he was killed in the line of duty responding to a …

Shannon Starzyk, Martinez, California. will always remember her husband, Sergeant Paul Starzyk, as a hero; he was killed in the line of duty responding to a domestic violence call. The financial decisions they had made as a couple allowed Shannon to support her children and be home with them through the worst of this tragedy. Eventually Shannon returned to the world of law enforcement as an instructor at a local college. Shannon carries on Paul’s spirit and passion of leading new recruits to protect others and themselves. Her story and teaching inspires them to survive and thrive by embracing life, and continuing in spite of tragedy, just as she has done.

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Natalie Edwards-Kariamis, Corbyville Ontario, remembers the morning that changed her family’s path in an instant; her father suffered a massive heart attack …

Natalie Edwards Kariamis, Corbyville Ontario, remembers the morning that changed her family’s path in an instant; her father suffered a massive heart attack and passed away in their home. Thankfully, her parents had financially planned for such a possibility, and Natalie and her siblings were able to stay in the home they had grown up in, as well as attend college. Natalie’s belief in the importance of financial preparation has transferred to a passion in her work for State Farm Agent Brenda Bryson. Both her past experience and her newfound knowledge about insurance drive her to share the importance of this protection with all the clients she assists.

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Wes Frazier, St. Charles, Missouri, chooses to live an active, inspiring, and happy life. After the tragic death of both his father and then his mother, Wes chose …

Wes Frazier, St. Charles, Missouri, chooses to live an active, inspiring, and happy life. After the tragic death of both his father and then his mother, Wes chose to focus on the happy memories he had with his parents as an only child. Since his parents’ deaths, Wes has gotten his real estate license and teaches gymnastics and cheerleading to 300 young girls. His enthusiastic approach to life has inspired his fiancé to deal with the loss of her mother in a way that reaffirms life; finding the bright spots and hope in each and every day.

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Melissa W. Wandall, Bradenton, Florida, has traveled a remarkable journey following the death of her husband, Mark Wandall. In 2003, another driver …

Melissa W. Wandall, Bradenton, Florida, has traveled a remarkable journey following the death of her husband, Mark Wandall. In 2003, another driver ran a red light and struck his car. Melissa was nine months pregnant at the time. Her amazing spirit and strength moved her to take the negative energy of this tragic loss and create a positive inheritance of her husband’s love and spirit for everyone to share. She created the Mark Wandall Foundation which supports and nurtures children who have experienced loss and to also raise awareness on traffic safety. Melissa’s other pursuits – STOP! Red Light Running Coalition of Florida and M3 Motivational Concepts, are both shining examples of her focus on community and the creation of something beautiful out of tragedy.

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Russ Vande Velde was taken from his family when a semi-truck hit Russ’ car head on. His wife, Terry Vande Velde, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, was left behind …

Russ Vande Velde was taken from his family when a semi-truck hit Russ’ car head on. His wife, Terry Vande Velde, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, was left behind with their three children. When the semi-truck driver faced 17 safety violations, Terry and her children entered a plea asking the judge for leniency in his sentence. They were hopeful that something positive could come from this heartbreak, and they did not want his family to also be without a father. The judge was lenient and Terry gave her children a powerful message about forgiveness and goodness in this world.

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Stacey Grieshop, Celina, Ohio, knows how important it is to have your finances in order and to have enough life insurance. As a young wife and mother …

Stacey Grieshop, Celina, Ohio, knows how important it is to have your finances in order and to have enough life insurance. As a young wife and mother, Stacey’s husband, Doug, was suddenly taken from her due to a congenital heart defect. Searching for meaning in his death, Stacey connected with the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation and found a purpose in sharing Doug’s story to educate people and make sure they are aware of their cardiac health. Stacey holds an annual benefit, The Douglas Grieshop Memorial, which began by raising $25,000 and has grown larger each year. Stacey continues to seek recognition for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) Awareness month in September.

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Lynne Hughes, Rockville, Virginia, was nine years old when her mother passed away in her sleep, and by the age of 12 she had also lost her father …

Lynne Hughes, Rockville, Virginia, was nine years old when her mother passed away in her sleep, and by the age of 12 she had also lost her father. That depth of loss at such a young age committed her to helping children at the beginning of their grief journey. Seeking an outlet that would allow them to meet and spend time with other children who have experienced a significant death, gave birth to a bereavement camp for children. Comfort Zone Camp is the largest bereavement camp in the country, and is a magical place where children begin to heal.

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Ann Lachmann, Southbury, Connecticut, received a devastating phone call relaying the death of her father in 1998. He was killed two miles from home by a drunk driver …

Ann Lachmann, Southbury, Connecticut, received a devastating phone call relaying the death of her father in 1998. He was killed two miles from home by a drunk driver. Ann and her family found emotional support through involvement with MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She became an active member of MADD, regularly sharing her story in hopes of instilling the importance of making better choices in the future. Ann focuses on talking to children about the dangers of drinking and driving.

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Jeannine McCurrie, Gig Harbor, Washington, has a reason to be passionate about financial preparedness in the face of the unexpected. The sudden death of her …

Jeannine McCurrie, Gig Harbor, Washington, has a reason to be passionate about financial preparedness in the face of the unexpected. The sudden death of her father, brother, and recently her husband, Darin, were devastating and life changing. Jeannine recognized that time does start to heal those wounds, but she could have had a much more difficult time without the financial plan she and Darin put in place. As a regular speaker at Money Wise Women Educational Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating women to live financially healthy, Jeannine shares her personal story and her handbook called, “Plan B.” She urges her audiences to take action and protect their loved ones.

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On February 6, 2001, Jimmy Webb passed away in his sleep; leaving behind his wife, Denise, and their three young children in Corinth, Mississippi. Denise found a way …

On February 6, 2001, Jimmy Webb passed away in his sleep; leaving behind his wife, Denise, and their three young children in Corinth, Mississippi. Denise found a way to move forward, relying on her support team of family and friends to make sure her children got what they needed. She pursued additional education, eventually becoming an elementary school principal. Her experiences are put to work in this role, allowing her to understand the difficulties of life and advising everyone to prepare for the unforeseen.

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The title of Widow is one that Ellen Patrick, Ben Wheeler, Texas, never thought she would attribute to herself at the young age of 48. Ellen’s husband …

The title of Widow is one that Ellen Patrick, Ben Wheeler, Texas, never thought she would attribute to herself at the young age of 48. Ellen’s husband, Dennis, passed away during a hospital stay for a sudden illness. Ellen was buoyed by the love and support of all those Dennis had touched, including those that knew him as a teacher and coach. Ellen felt a calling to live Dennis’ motto: "make a difference," and realized she could support his encouragement of students through the offering of a scholarship. The Dennis Patrick Foundation was created and Ellen has moved beyond her grief and is truly "making a difference" for students pursuing their dreams.

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