Do You Know an Inspiring Person?
Do you know an inspiring person, like Principal Sherrie Gahn of Whitney Elementary? Sherrie takes care of her students by paying rent and utilities, buying clothes and food bags and more, and her dedication is remarkable.
We want to know: do you know someone who is making the world a better place? Do you want to thank them in a big way? Tell us about it! We want to know what they did, and how it helped you or someone else.
Filed Under: Be on the Show, Sherrie Gahn
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I forgot to mention in my comment about Zach Sobiech that I thought it might mean a lot to the Sobiech family to donate to their cause, the website link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharysobiech
I don't know him, the story touched me and I'm sure it's touched many around the country.
Ellen,
I'm sure you've heard as I've seen it on my facebook feed many times today, but this young man Zach Sobiech, was truly inspiring. His song is really beautiful and his message was really powerful. I hope you are able to take a moment to watch this video.
http://www.upworthy.com/this-kid-just-died-what-he-left-b...
What really got me was that his message was simply to make the world a better place by making other happy; something the two of you have in common! Thanks for all you do.
Buddhist Boot Camp. Timber Hawkeye
Just watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LIFTxRJfLTM
He's changing the world..one heart at a time!
My Chemistry Teacher showed me this video and i thought that what his dad is doing for him is remarkable. i believe you should help them. watch the video please, and contact me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJXSJ8QcXXA
I think you should meet me Ellen. I am the Heir to the throne of the Church and direct descendant of the Holy Family. I have filed for Nobility recognition in Egypt and a complaint against the Roman Catholic Church for crimes against humanity. I am trying to find support for my mission to change the world.
Sin,
Jesus S. Aaron Uni Peg Unix Eisus Christ Payne
Hi Ellen, i would just like to tell you about someone special in my life that shows me that you never give up and always persivere to achieve your goals. It is my Mum. Her Name is Lisa. She is a Single parent with 3 kids, twin girls and a boy.My father lives in Queensland, Australia and we live in Tasmania. They split up when i was about 6 and my little brother was 5. We are now turning twelve this year and my brother is turning eleven. My mum has two cleaning jobs, one which she works 5 days a week for 1-2 hours and another one where she cleans in the mornings at 6 o'clock to 7:30 3 days a week.She doesn't get alot of money but she does the best she can to help us have a brighter future. She is just a average person like the rest of us but she's a hero in our eyes. She does so much for us. We only see my dad for a about 2 weeks in the whole year because he cant afford to keep coming back. So my mum does everything with us and never gets a break. she has to feed four people, a dog, 3 cats and a bird and pay all the bills and for the extra activtiys us kids play. Sometimes you can see my mum looks like she wants to just sit down and ball her eyes out or she wants to run away because its to much but she keeps her head held high and keeps going because she loves us so so much! This would mean the world to my mum and us kids, because you are a hero. Thank you :)xx
Please consider having Tricia Bennett on your show. She wrote a few books, one of which she should be sending you "Don't Take The Same Plane As Me" by Tricia Bennett. Please at least read the first chapter. She is from England and had a very hard life, but very interesting. She is funny, and her and her husband own a very small lovely restaurant. Please look over her book, and thank you for your time in reading this.
Sincerely,
Regina Price, retired Police Officer
My Father.
Not only I. For he has inspired many people all around. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments.
My Dad will be 85 years old in January. He has been doing triathlons since his 70's. He swims quarter mile in the water, gets out and rides his bike 10 miles, jumps off the bike and jogs 3.4 miles and he finishes it. He comes in first every time ( in his age group) because there is no one else lol :) I love my Dad so much and to have him be on Your show to inspire others , that it does not matter how old you are , You can do it. Ellen I think your a hot ticket. You would enjoy my Dad, every morning, he does a hundred push up , jogs 3 miles a day. I am already tired lol. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. For the love of my Dad, His daughter Susie :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sDC97j6lfyc
~“Clouds” the song Zach wrote and sang about his story. (Is now playing on the radio)
Dear Ellen, (PLEASE READ THIS)
My name is Julie Yench and I am from Stillwater, Minnesota. I would like you to take a look at Zach Sobiech’s story. I have posted two links (the video is amazing and his song brings tears to every one’s eyes). Zach has cancer; he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in November 2009. Osteosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor that develops very early in life. At the end of May 2012 cancer was found in Zach’s pelvis and lungs. There are now no effective treatments left. He has ONE MONTH LEFT TO LIVE. I don’t even know Zach that well but he has touched my life, and touched my life so much I feel the need to write this to you. I see him every day in the hall and remember last year when he was getting his hair back and seemed to be getting so much better. It was devastating to find out the cancer spread and they couldn’t treat it. Zach doesn’t let this break him. He has turned to music, and the video above shows some of his story and his awesome song “Clouds” that was inspired by his girlfriend Amy. Amy is also amazing and treats Zach normally which is exactly what he wants. Amy says Zach loves to play pranks on people, which reminds me of you Ellen. Friday December 7th Stillwater Area High School held their annual Coffee House (talent show) fundraiser. This year all the proceeds went to Zach. He performed two songs that he wrote, Blueberries, and Clouds at the end. He is an amazing singer and the best person I have never really met. He embraces everyday with hope, happiness and kindness. My only wish would be to see him perform on your stage while he still can.
Thanks! Love Julie (your show means the world to me; it brightens every one of my days)
Hi Ellen,
I am writting about my son Chandler who is 12yrs old and ever since preschool he has been a caring loving child. When he was 3yrs.old he had to go to Helping Hands preschool he had a delay in his speech and in his class there was other children with more severe disabilities. He took to this one little girl Valerie who had a stroke before she was born. She is wheel chaired bound. My son Chandler at play time would run and get her blocks so she had something on her tray to play with and when it was time for clean up he would clean everything up for her without being told to do so. Then when the class went out side he would sit on the swing next to her so she could lean on him. He's always been and caring and loving child. He was diagnosed with turrets. He just has a lot of tics he doesn't yell or make loud noises but when he gets upset his tics get worse. Well on Sunday the 25th of November We took him and his sister to a fundraiser for a little girl who has a rare cancer and doesn't have much time. He came home all upset and his tics are worse then usual. He came in my room monday night and said Mommy when I said my prayers last night you know what I asked for? I said I hope not a trip to disney world he said no why would I ask god for that. I felt foolish thinking that he might ask for that. I know he wants to go there so baddly but I just cant afford it. But what he did pray for is for the little girl to get better. I cried. Then the next day he saw a commercial for St.Judes and he said mom on tv they have a hospital called St. Judes and if she goes there they will make her better. Oh I almost forgot at the fundraiser there was a container for red cross and he put tickets in the canister so he could give her new blood so she could get better. I know he's going to be a loving and caring person like you Ellen.
Hi Ellen and team,
I watch your inspiring generosity from your shows as often as I am home at 4:00. October 12 I wrote you a story about a person who rides my MetroMobility bus...I'll recopy my letter below. My basic question is whether or not Kelly is selected as someone you are able to support, will we hear back from you either way?...and what type of time frame should we expect.
Ellen De”Generous”
In the rural community of Farmington, Minnesota, my Monday morning bus route begins with a 6:45 pick up of Cheryl……then Kelly. I love my part time “retirement” job as a Transit Link/Metro Mobility bus driver, helping people from all walks of life get to their jobs, medical appointments, schools…..and sometimes helping them with their destination, in this case…..Kelly’s major dream and goal to become an Associate Missionary to Kenya, Africa.
Kelly and Cheryl are both ADA clients (American Disability Act) and need help with daily transportation. Each individual attitude of both of these amazing ladies is beyond admirable. On this particular morning we are discussing Kelly’s acceptance into the Wide Open Missions program, where she will be able to share her teaching skills with the young children of the village Nairobi, Kenya. It was a major accomplishment for Kelly to move from her first experience as a volunteer on a short mission trip to now being accepted in the two year program as an Associate Missionary. This is not a challenge for the light hearted nor the weak, yet Kelly is meeting it face on with fortitude and more positive energy than the average person. Disabilities do not label the individual, and Kelly refuses to allow her Arthogryposis to stop her from achieving this goal to be an associate missionary. Kelly lives extremely simple and works daily as a preschool teacher at a day care. She rents a single room in a home, and manages her independence very well. There is no disgrace or pity involved in asking me to tie her shoes as she sits on the bus; only the personality of a strong woman is visible. Kelly’s spirituality is obvious as she strives to give back to her church community and the international human race. The immediate task at hand is to raise airfare and her “cost of living” for two complete years of serving the Nairobi people. The three of us are brainstorming ideas for Kelly’s fund raising when Cheryl, who is being transported to her tri-weekly dialysis appointment, blurts out “ELLEN DE-GENEROUS…..HER NAME SAYS IT ALL!” We all chuckle, and chat about how we enjoy Ellen’s show and how entertaining she is! What a hoot it would be if we got Kelly center stage with Ellen!
“Hey, this is a really good human interest story, with a fantastic purpose” I say, and before our cheery little bus has arrived at the transit station I’ve been elected to write the show on Kelly’s behalf. Kelly has limited use of her hands, but she has written a short blog that gives more detail about herself and the organization behind the mission she is on. It would be nothing short of a true modern miracle if Ellen would find it in her heart to consider supporting Kelly.
Thank you to the team at Ellen’s show who takes the time to read and filter through the numerous requests. We prayerfully hope that you will be interested and see the value in supporting Kelly’s dream goal.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann
Dear Senator,
My mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Terminal Lung Cancer 2 years ago. My mother has always been poor with four children struggling to feed us all and keep the electric on with her waitressing jobs. At age 51 today, she never had the oppertunity to put back any money in case of personal disaster. Today, she has a 16 year old daughter and a 20 year old borderline intellectual daughter at home. Our father is in jail for damaging a guard rail while under the influence. Mom divorced him when she became sick, he was never a provider although we love him dearly. Everything depended on mom our whole lives.
From the moment she was diagnosed and had to terminate her employment, she has gone through far more struggle than she has ever known while working. Everyday, my dying mother is awaken by severre anxiety of how she is going to feed her children or keep her house. She has chosen to die at home, a simple wish, if you can afford a home with the benefits offered to her by the state of Indiana. The money my mother receives from the state of Indiana pays her medical spend down, electric bill, gas, phone ( a necessity so Hospice can reach her for a time of appointment), and water bill. The benefits do not pay for much food (nor is she eligible for food stamps according to the state of Indiana). She received a feeding tube two months ago which was a releif to her, because it was a mouth she didn't have to pay for and feed anymore. She goes to the cancer society in Fort Wayne for boost that is put in her feeding tube. The benefits does not pay for her annual taxes on her house. The benefits do not offer the luxury of toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, school supplies, cleaning products, or home repairs. Next Friday, I am going to an appeal in court for her spend down increase. They changed her spend down from $200 to $400 this summer, since my borderline intellectual sister turned 20. The increase is devastating! The state of Indiana decides when my sister reaches a certain age that she does not count as a member in the household. Even though she is using the utilities and needs fed, because she does not function in society the same way we all do, she does not count as an expense to my mother. Anneliese has applied for disability benefits, but has been denied. The office said she was a "C" student who did not receive help in high school. Anneliese received help her entire high school years. Since the State's information is wrong, we risk applying again and being denied, jeopardizing her ability to ever get disability.
Frankly, this quality of life is embarrassing! Shame on you Indiana for not taking care of your people. My mother worked too hard to get her life cut off like this and not to be taken care of. The family has exhausted their funds. We recently just installed a front door in her home, because when the wind blew the door would open pushing frigid air through out the house. She should be able to afford a door if she needs one. My mother cannot afford a funeral for herself. How can she put money back when she doesn't even have enough for groceries? I am outraged by the way she is treated. She once told me she would rather die than live like this. The stress is killing her faster than the cancer. How many families are going through this? To this day, my mother gives whatever she has. Ask anyone hungry in Huntington, my mother would never turn them away from a hot home cooked meal -Sarah Huffer
Hello Ellen,
My family and I love watching your show. There's never a dull moment and that's great considering all the drama going on in the world today. We are requesting funding assistance to help us grow our nursery & preschool.
• Tell us about your business; how successful is it and why is it unique?
• Our state licensed daycare/preschool offers a safe, clean and secure environment, where your child will be loved and nurtured, with lots of hugging, holding, singing, and playing. Your child’s care will include his/her own crib or cot for napping. Lil’ Miracles Children’s Center offers a separate Infant Room, Walking Toddler Room as well as our Preschool-Age Room. Communication with a parent is a must, and we do, daily. “Toddler/Infant Grams” are used to give you a detailed list of what your child did and ate during the day, and it gives you the opportunity to let us know how your child was at home, before coming to Lil’ Miracles Children’s Center. Our parent board informs you in many ways. The daily schedule is posted as well as the weekly menu. The monthly overview, informs you of the educational theme, songs, and activities to do at the daycare or at home. Lesson plans, which are based on your child’s age and level of development, teach the children about the world around them, and include activities to develop the social/emotional, physical, and intellectual skills of your child. The curriculum is age-appropriate and compliant with NAEYC and Early Head Start guidelines which builds early math, language, science concepts through hands-on activities, promoting family involvement, No Child Left Behind and Kindergarten Readiness. Our 3 year olds are READING and work on kindergarten level curriculum, 4 yr olds read @233 words)and work on 1st grade level curriculum!!!!!! ***Date nite also available***
•
• All staff is CPR/FIRST AID/AED certified, special needs training, TB tested, clean background checks!
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• Curriculums: Christian & Traditional
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• Full & Part time slots, drop-ins welcome, Before/Afterschool care (safe haven) w/transportation, multi-child discounts available.
•
• How is your business involved with the community you serve?
• Located in Bolingbrook IL, serving the South Naperville, North Plainfield, Romeoville and Joliet areas. We prepare food baskets for the hungry, contribute to the American Cancer Society. We teach the children about our community helpers, will be visiting FMSC (Feed my starving children), participate in coat and clothing drives, they learn about fire safety with the assistance of the Bolingbrook Fire Dept., have learned how, when and why to dial 9-1-1 through role play. Preparing preschoolers for kindergarten through kindergarten readiness programs, recycling old cell phones and computers. Parent involvement and parental counseling is utilized to not only assist the preschoolers with homework, but also to encourage quality family time and "date nite." Christmas time is utilized for teaching the children about various ways the holiday is celebrated around the world and the children are secret santas to less fortunate children (i.e. Children who will be spending their Christmas in the hospital, low-income families, etc). Jobs will be created: teachers, teachers aides, cooks, janitorial services, director, asst. director, landscaping services, student internships. We also recycle/re-use equipment various items. Parents and staff will be volunteering their time to the "Meals on Wheels" program, Habitat for Humanity, children bring apples and carrots to feed the horses at local equestrian centers, parenting 101 workshops held, support various charities: Goodwill, American Cancer Society, Toys for tots campaigns, Lil' Miracles Cares Days (City-Serve: volunteer to help out at senior citizen homes, plant organic veggies and donate to food shelters, food donations to shelters (including FMSC: Feed My starving children).
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• What would $250k mean to your business plan and how will you utilize the funds to ensure long-term growth and stability?
• The $250k grant would allow my business to expand into a center unlike no other. We would continue our current curriculum and mission in serving the surrounding communities, provide a safe haven for before and after school care. The funds would be utilized to purchase or lease a stand alone building for the center. Parents and their friends/neighbors and any other interested parents would also be allowed to have birthday parties for their children on the weekends in some of the rooms which will provide additional funding/income to assist in long-term growth and stability. Offer "Parent's Nite out" and charge the parents to provide 4 hour care for their children at the center while they spend quality time together. Offer "daddy & me" dances, and "mom and son" events at the center for a fee. Offer "back to school" carnivals to help raise money at the end of summer to raise more money for the fall sessions. Because the building that we’ve identified is so large (7,000 sq. feet) we have received approval from the new owner to sub-lease areas of the daycare building (targeted clients: pediatrician, church, obstetrician, pediatric dentist.)
• What types of challenges can you identify with your plan and how will you overcome them?
• 1. Finding a building that would be within a 2 mile proximity to my home to move the daycare/preschool into. We have currently identified a building which was a daycare center and has 98% of equipment needed to get expand.
• * Licensed realtor assisting with locating a building, familiar with the area.
• 2. If the building needs a "build out" to make it DCFS compliant, would cost fit into budget?
• * Hire a contractor (licensed, bonded, insured) that meets our needs and fits our budget.
• Describe the talent on your team and how they make your business successful.
• I recruit my team from the local colleges and universities with students who are majoring in: Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Pediatric Nursing, Speech Therapy, Elementary Education. I personally train each of them and have input on their grades. We have weekly staff meetings to address any concerns/issues. They realize that we are not just teaching the children, we are "molding them" and raising them as they spend much of their time with us. Currently, 2 of my assistants have recently graduated with honors from Illinois Benedictine University with Bachelor's in Special Education, this allows the center to offer "Special Education" courses/curriculum to children who need it. I currently have partnered with Lewis University, Romeoville to attend a part time job fair to recruit interns and college students (majoring in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education) to work in the daycare/preschool.
• Additional relevant information you would like to share
• I welcome you to view our website: We have recently received an A+ Rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
Any assistance you can provide in funding our project will such as blessing for us and the children and their families.
Kind Regards
B Hawkins
website: www.lilmiracleschildcare.com
email: lilmiracleschildcare@yahoo.com
October 30, 2012
Dear Ellen,
I am a recently retired school Social Worker and am writing you about a colleague of mine. Her name is Monique Tellier and she is a single parent to two beautiful children Dominic and Mia. Monique had twin boys five years ago and her son Sebastien was born with many medical complications. Upon delivery he was rushed to Edmonton for heart surgery. Monique showed incredible strength and love in responding to her sons' needs through a very difficult time. At eight months of age Sebastien passed away being unable to overcome all his obstacles. Monique showed tireless efforts at visiting Sebastien and advocating for him while parenting her healthy son Dominic.
Before she returned from maternity leave, Monique became pregnant with Mia. She subsequently separated from her husband leaving her the main caregiver for her two children. Monique has shown cheerful optimism and through all of these struggles she remains focused on the needs of others.
Recently Monique has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. She has had major surgery and will be referred to Cancer care for treatment in the new year. In speaking with Monique, her main concern is not to be a burden to her mother who has been a source of huge support to her. Monique worries about her mother's health and the demands made upon her by other family members who also have health concerns.
Monique and her mother are huge fans of yours and they remind me so much of you and your generosity and positivity. If you could manage to surprise them with a trip to see you in person, I know it would mean the world to them. You brighten all our lives every day and I really don't know anyone more deserving. In spite of all her personal challenges, Monique is so very thoughtful and wishes she could afford to send her mom on a vacation to thank her for all she's done for her family.
As Canadians, we could not love you more as you inspire us and remind us to be hopeful and live in the moment. I have a daughter who is an actor and I am hoping one day she will make it on to your show and that I will get to be a guest that way. Thank-you for considering this request.
Warm Regards,
Dawn Donnelly
October 30, 2012
Dear Ellen,
I am a recently retired school Social Worker and am writing you about a colleague of mine. Her name is Monique and she is a single parent to two beautiful children Dominic and Mia. Monique had twin boys five years ago and her son Sebastien was born with many medical complications. Upon delivery he was rushed to Edmonton for heart surgery. Monique showed incredible strength and love in responding to her sons' needs through a very difficult time. At eight months of age Sebastien passed away being unable to overcome all his obstacles. Monique showed tireless efforts at visiting Sebastien and advocating for him while parenting her healthy son Dominic.
Before she returned from maternity leave, Monique became pregnant with Mia. She subsequently separated from her husband leaving her the main caregiver for her two children. Monique has shown cheerful optimism and through all of these struggles she remains focused on the needs of others.
Recently Monique has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. She has had major surgery and will be referred to Cancer care for treatment in the new year. In speaking with Monique, her main concern is not to be a burden to her mother who has been a source of huge support to her. Monique worries about her mother's health and the demands made upon her by other family members who also have health concerns.
Monique and her mother are huge fans of yours and they remind me so much of you and your generosity and positivity. If you could manage to surprise them with a trip to see you in person, I know it would mean the world to them. You brighten all our lives every day and I really don't know anyone more deserving. In spite of all her personal challenges, Monique is so very thoughtful and wishes she could afford to send her mom on a vacation to thank her for all she's done for her family.
As Canadians, we could not love you more as you inspire us and remind us to be hopeful and live in the moment. I have a daughter who is an actor and I am hoping one day she will make it on to your show and that I will get to be a guest that way. Thank-you for considering this request.
Warm Regards,
Dawn Donnelly