Courage and Bravery News Summaries by title
Olympic swimmer has inspirational message for kids
Blind pilot to touch down
His life's work
Disability No Barrier To Success
New honour for inspirational Jane
Sports teacher's recovery on track
Inspirational speaker comes to Frisco
Survivor of brutal attack shows her resolve
Missing diabetic found hurt 4 days after car crash
Cancer survivor puts pen to paper to help boost charity
Blind triathlete inspires others
Colours of courage
Carnage and courage in Mumbai
Community resilience helps self recovery
Australian miners dug with bare hands to survive
Paralysis is a part of her life, not all of it
Reeve a model of courage
The healing comes day by day for Maria Federici
Boisean Holzer skates today
Courageous athlete focuses on school
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Olympic swimmer has inspirational message for kids
13th August 2007
By Rick Deines
The Times-Republican reported on a visit of Olympian Staciana Stitts-Winfield to Iowa. Staciana’s remarkable life story has proved a positive role model for many young people who are confronted with adversity. When Stitts-Winfield was aged 12, she lost all her hair as a result of a rare medical condition called Alopecia Areata. Such a setback might have defeated many young people but Staciana was determined to lead a successful and happy life. Stitts-Winfield had shown promise as a junior swimmer and she decided to get more serious about her training and development in the pool as a response to her medical condition. The rest is history. Staciana Stitts-Winfield would eventually win Olympic gold and achieve success in the Pan American Games. Staciana believes that her medical condition helped make her a stronger person. Staciana told the reporter “I always tell my story to kids because everyone has something they don’t like about themselves and they have to get over it and get through it”. Referring to her illness, Stitts-Winfield stated “It created who I am as a person and I think it’s one of the reasons I made the Olympic team. My lesson is that it is what you are made of, not what you look like”.
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Blind pilot to touch down
20th April 2007
By Tara Ravens
There have been many stories in the world’s media publicizing the remarkable journey of blind pilot and adventurer Miles Hilton-Barber. The article describes a remarkable flight by Hilton-Barber half way round the world from London to Sydney. The Herald-Sun told how Hilton Barber had completed the most of the journey in a specially-modified plane that is fitted with an audio device that reports critical navigational information. Miles Hilton-Barber is also accompanied by Richard Hardy his co-pilot. Hilton-Barber lost his sight at the age of 25 but he has completed a remarkable series of adventures in different parts of the world. Miles Hilton-Barber hopes to raise a large sum of money to prevent blindness in developing countries. During his youth, Hilton-Barber had been denied the opportunity to be a fighter pilot because of his deteriorating eyesight. The flame of his ambition still burned brightly within. “Now, 37 years later and blind as a bat, I have this wonderful opportunity and privilege to fly more than half-way around the world”. Miles Hilton-Barber also hopes that his latest adventure will promote a message of peace. His co-pilot, Richard Hardy, had commented that “I think Hilton is trying to demonstrate that anything is possible by blind people.”
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His life’s work
4th March 2007
By Nakia Hogan
The Star-Telegram profiled teenager Terrist Parramore who has inspired a community with his bravery and resilience during his recovery from a shooting. The former Fort Worth Southwest basketball player was shot with three bullets at a Halloween party. One of the bullets remains lodged in his head and causes problems both with his mobility and memory. Many people would be disheartened by these circumstances but the story tells how Parramore remains positive is planning to rebuild his life. Eventually Parramore hopes to play basketball again. Despite the trauma caused by the incident, Parramore is courageous enough to talk about the shooting. He told the reporter “People might say block it out, but block it out for what? It happened. I don’t mind talking about what happened. It ain’t no sweat off my back”. A positive attitude has been an important part of his recovery. “With the help of my mom and dad and the man above I’ll keep pushing. I’m not giving up for nobody, for nothing”. Terrist Parramore added, “I’m not even supposed to be walking right now. They were saying that I wasn’t even going to make it. My will and determination keep pushing me along. I’m not giving up. I’m going to hold on because this is something that I want to do. This is my life. I’m not trying to be on earth for just 18 years. I still haven’t did what I wanted to do”.
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Disability No Barrier To Success
6th February 2007
Mohamad Ismail has achieved happiness and success in his life despite being seriously injured in a car accident many years ago. The accident required Mohamad to have an amputation of his right leg. He has courageously rebuilt his life and is now operates a successful tailoring business. Mohamad’s accident occurred when he was 21 year of age. The young man was devastated when doctors told him that he would lose his leg. “My whole world came crashing down and I was depressed for several years until one day, I came back to my senses”. Mohamad Ismail trained for 2 years as a tailor. Using a small compensation payout from his accident, he set up his own tailoring business. His start was a humble one but he soon built a loyal client base. Within a short time, Mohamad Ismail had secured several contracts from government agencies. Mohamad attributes the success of his business to a focus on customer satisfaction. The article described how Mohamad Ismail has also found happiness in other areas of his life. He is married and has three children. Mohamad Ismail told the reporter that “Despite having to use a prosthesis for my right leg, I am proud to be independent and be able to have my own house with money earned from my tailoring business”.
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New Honour for inspirational Jane
26th January 2007
BBC News reported that courageous cancer survivor was to be recognized by receiving an honorary degree from Hull University. Tomlinson’s recent exploits include competing in several marathons and a demanding 4,200-mile cycle ride right across America to raise funds and awareness for the battle against cancer. Jane Tomlinson’s efforts have inspired millions of people. The award from Hull University rewards Tomlinson’s tireless efforts for the ant-cancer cause. Tomlinson was also awarded an MBE in 2004 for her charitable work. A spokeswoman for Hull University stated “She has demonstrated outstanding determination and she has proved that inner strength can override physical limitations”. Jane was to share her graduation day with her daughter Suzanne who had completed her studies in philosophy.
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Sports teacher’s recovery on track
18th January 2007
By Molly Watson
The Western Mail reported how a sports teacher who was severely injured in a trampoline accident had courageously rebuild his life. 43-year-old David Griffin of Cardiff was so badly injured by the accident in 2005 that doctors feared that he might never walk again. Griffin defied those grim predictions and has worked hard to rebuild his life and health. A clear sign of his recovery is his intention to participate in a gruelling amateur cycle race in France over a portion of the Tour de France route. The event will raise much-needed funds for spinal research. David Griffin described his feelings going into such an arduous event. “It’s something I would have found an incredible challenge before, let alone after the injury”. Griffin has been training for five months, traversing up to 200km per week. David Griffin’s positive attitude has been important in his recovery and rehabilitation. Griffin was philosophical about his participation in the event. “There’s every chance I won’t be able to finish, but that’s the attractive thing about it. It’s the challenge and the fact that I’m able to do it is just a miracle. I’m so pleased that I’ve got this chance to get on a bike”.
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Inspirational speaker comes to Frisco
13th December 2006
By Lory Pounder
This article described the remarkable courage of a Harvard graduate and award-winning author. Mawi Asgedom was born during a civil war in Ethiopia. His family were forced to flee for their lives in the midst of the conflict. As a young child, Asgedom lived for 3 years in a refugee camp in Sudan. Eventually his family was able to travel to the United States as refugees. Asgedom, a successful student and author, has built a successful life there and has now become a positive role model for many people. The article in Summit Daily News told of a recent speaking engagement for Mawi Asgedom in Frisco focussing on tolerance and acceptance. Mawi Asgedom has been nominated as one of the 40 most inspiring African Americans by Essence magazine. Referring to his time in a Sudanese refugee camp, Asgedom told his audience “My mother’s advice in childhood was to pull the covers over my head – that had been the easy part. But her later advice (not to forget where you came from) meant, I now realize, that I should know when to pull the covers down and stick my neck out. That’s the hard part. Too many of us go through Life with covers over our heads …But as you all know, progress is not easy, and it will come unsolicited. I hope that many of us will inspire positive change”.
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Survivor of brutal attack shows her resolve
3rd November 2006
By Jacquielynn Floyd (of The Dallas Morning News)
This compelling story highlighted the remarkable courage, determination and strength of Carolyn Thomas, a victim of a horrific shooting in 2003. Thomas was shot in the face by a jealous boyfriend and suffered multiple severe injuries. She now has a prosthetic nose and an artificial right eye. Carolyn Thomas has required 11 operations over the last few years to reconstruct her face. The Psychological damage must have been incalculable. It is truly a tribute to her character and resolve that she has also rebuilt her life. The article offers a detailed account of Carolyn’s recovery from her injuries. Carolyn Thomas told the reporter that “I’ve gotten comfortable with myself, and with the fact that I’m not ever going to look like I did before I was shot”. Carolyn was psychologically traumatised by the shooting in which her mother was also killed. Even now, there are difficult days. “I go through depressions sometimes, when I’m grieving for my mother”. Carolyn Thomas is now heavily in demand as a public speaker and inspires people from all walks of life with her courage. She has also been interviewed by Oprah and by Larry King. Thomas stated “I’m stronger now, more independent”.
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Missing diabetic found hurt 4 days after car crash
9th October 2006
By Associated Press
A remarkable story was reported recently and concerned a 59-year-old diabetic man who was trapped in a damaged car for four days but survived until help arrived. Raymond A. Vachon, of Palmer, was reported missing by his wife after failing to return home. Vachon was trapped in the damaged vehicle for 4 days until a passer by noticed his cries for help. Raymond A. Vachon suffered a fractured leg in the accident and he became progressively weaker and dehydrated in the days following the crash. Vachon survived by eating Wheat Thins and drinking dew from leaves and off the windshield. Vachon was found by Roger Pikul, a local resident who was walking his dog nearby.
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Cancer survivor puts pen to paper to help boost charity
7th September 2006
By Linda Summerhayes
Many people show remarkable resilience in the midst of misfortune. This Evening News article described the bravery and resilience shown by Scottish mum Sharon Ruderham. A cervical cancer scare a few months ago was just the start of Sharon’s problems. Sharon Ruderham required chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with the cancer and now appears clear of the disease. Ruderham’s misadventures did not end there. Both of Sharon’s children have been diagnosed with autism. Sharon told the reporter how she was forced to confront a change in her child’s behaviour when he became ill and required admission to hospital. “At the time, it was like a death. Before he went into the hospital, he was very happy and he would talk and when he came back he just regressed and he didn’t speak to us”. Sharon Ruderham’s children are now receiving treatment and some positive signs are emerging. Not content to simply be a victim, Sharon Ruderham is now working hard to help other families affected by autism. She has written poetry and hopes to raise funds and awareness for autism. The future now looks a little brighter. Ruderham told The Evening Newsabout the improvement being made by her 12-year-old daughter. “She’s beautiful and intelligent and now she’s turning into a typical teenager”.
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Blind triathlete inspires others
25th August 2006
By Harry Porterfield
This article noted the remarkable courage and determination of Heidi Musser, a student at Oakton Community College, who has competed in over twenty triathlon events. Musser’s participation is truly remarkable since she is blind. Despite her visual impairment, Heidi Musser has an infectious enthusiasm for life. Heidi’s mum, Erika told the reporter “She makes the big statement I’m handicapped. I’m blind. I’m totally blind so what? I can do many things as long as I have friends who want to do it with me”. Heidi’s events include a swim, a bike ride and a run. Heidi told the reporter about her motivation to compete. “To inspire others and to prove to them that if I can do it you can do it also”.
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Colours of Courage
25th August 2006
By Aruti Nayar
A report in The Tribune introduced an inspirational Indian artist who has overcome the effects of neurological disease to develop her artistic talent and pursue an education. Her work was included in a recent exhibition. Reema Bansai, of Jagadhri, developed severe limb weakness from neuropathy during her childhood. The 20-year-old is now showing her acclaimed artistic work for the fourth time. Reema has also achieved academically, having studied for psychology honours. Bansai told the reporter how she had focused on the positives in her life and improved her art work. “Initially I had problems trying to balance the brush but I guess when you really want to do something, you find ways and means of doing it”. She added “I realized that any sort of art is actually a therapy by itself. Now I know one thing for sure – painting is my lifeline”. The story in The Tribune described how Reema Bansai leads a remarkably full, active life and has a diverse range of interests including reading, dance, music and an appreciation of the natural world. She commented “Don’t make disability a focus”, and told the reporter about the importance of the positive aspects of life.
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Carnage and courage in Mumbai
12th July 2006
This short piece focused on the personal experience of an Indian train commuter in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the Mumbai train network. The article tells the reader about the experience of Prashant Singh, a passenger in the second-class compartment of the train that was bombed at Bandra station. He describes the trauma of this event but also commented on the bravery and positive spirit of the local people. “There was chaos at the site, people were running everywhere. But I saw goodness in Indian people helping each other”. Prashant Singh courageously decided to return to work the next day to help support his family. Singh noted the unusual silence on the train but conquered feelings of apprehension and journeyed to his workplace. “So I am fearless. If I am afraid, how could I go to work and live?”
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Community resilience helps self-recovery
11th June 2006
By Livia Iskander-Dharmawan
This fascinating article described the remarkable resilience of people in Indonesia who had been affected by recent natural disasters. Residents in the affected areas have been able to begin the processes of healing and rebuilding despite the limited availability of resources. One example is the scarcity of mental health professionals. The Jakarta Post points out that there are only 500 psychiatrists in the whole of Indonesia and that other mental health professional also have restricted numbers. How have the Indonesians been able to cope? Part of the solution comes from a community-based approach to maximize the benefit from available resources. Many individuals affected by traumatic events find useful help from their families, friends and social relationships in the local community. A key to recovery in many developing countries with limited resources is involvement of trained community members including leaders, youth workers, healthcare professionals and teachers. There is a strong emphasis on culturally-sensitive support. Several of the ideas to support survivors of natural disasters are quite simple but have been surprisingly effective. For instance, In Aceh and in Yogyakarta, village residents have made a point to visit each other at home and provide direct support and comfort. Survivors quickly learn that they are not alone and support is available in the community. The story in Jakarta Post described how mental health professionals are often used to train other volunteers to work more effectively.
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Australian miners dug with bare hands to survive
10th May 2006
By Michael Perry (of Reuters)
The successful rescue of two Australian miners trapped underground for 14 days has attracted considerable media coverage all around the world. Brant Webb and Todd Russell were trapped by a rock fall in a Tasmanian mine for two weeks. They were confined to a cramped and uncomfortable cage. Remarkably the pair were able to walk out of the mine at the end of the ordeal. Rescuers were frustrated by the danger of the rescue mission and the the rock structure which was 5 times as hard as concrete in some sections. Specialised equipment was required to complete the rescue. During their time trapped underground, the two men formed a strong bond which sustained them through the difficult days. One of the factors which seemed to help the two men was an ability to remain calm and positive. A sense of humour also proved beneficial and helped lift the spirits of the men. The two men were aided by a team of psychologists and paramedics. The men were sent special food and drinks through a small plastic pipe but still lost a considerable amount of weight. At the moment of their release, the two men emerged proudly and defiantly and were embraced by family members.
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Paralysis is a part of her life, not all of it
5th April 2006
By Kathy Chang
The Edison Sentinel reported on inspirational and courageous Brooke Ellison. Brooke was an extremely active child who loved baseball dancing and music. She was hit by a car walking home from school and suffered multiple injuries. The accident left her with paralysis from the neck down and she required a ventilator. Ellison said “In one instant my life changed completely”. The story documents how Brooke Ellison has rebuilt her life. Ellison has become a powerful public speaker and advocate. She remains ambitious. Ellison attended Harvard and earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Since then, she has gained further postgraduate qualifications in public policy. Brooke is planning to run for office in the New York State Senate in the near future. She commented that “I’m so committed to making the most out of every day”. Ellison reflected on her experiences with the reporter from The Sentinel. “We all experience paralysis, whether it be of the spirit, mind or heart”. She added “with hope, we can all accomplish our goals that we set in our lives”. Her life story has been published and reprinted as The Brooke Ellison Story.
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Reeve a model of courage
8th March 2006
By Jim Fitzgerald
There have been many articles written about the courage of Dana Reeve who recently died from lung cancer. This article in The London Free Press is particularly poignant. Many people knew Dana through the support and inspiration she provided to husband, Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve inspired many with his own courage after a riding accident left him almost totally paralyzed in 1995. Dana Reeve became his strongest and most passionate advocate and supporter throughout those difficult years. Recently, she was diagnosed with lung cancer despite never being a smoker. Throughout her terminal illness, Dana Reeve maintained a positive attitude which inspired those around her. For a time, her condition improved and she returned to social engagements. Reeve commented that “I’m beating the odds and defying every statistic the doctors can throw at me”. She found inspiration from the courage of her late husband. Long time friend Robin Williams was greatly saddened by Dana’s recent death. “The brightest light has gone out. We will forever celebrate her loving spirit”. Bill Clinton and Hilary Rodham Clinton issued a joint statement. “Despite the adversity that she faced, Dana bravely met these challenges and was always an extremely devoted wife, mother and advocate”.
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The healing comes day by day for Maria Federici
21st February 2006
By Robert L. Jamieson Jr.
A report in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer described the remarkable courage of a motor accident victim and her efforts to rebuild her life. Maria Federici was injured when a piece of wood flew off the back of a truck and shattered the windscreen of her Jeep Liberty. Federici suffered severe facial injuries and was permanently blinded in the accident. She is now forced to wear prosthetic eyes. The accident that shattered her windscreen has not broken her spirit. Maria Federici remains positive and is working towards a happy future. The article tells how she has recently found love and is planning to marry in the near future. She is also looking forward to getting her own place and living independently. Maria’s injuries still cause problems but she continues to live boldly. She told the reporter about her life after the accident. “Things aren’t so bad. They could be better. But overall? Not so bad”. Maria philosophically added that her life is “Pretty much normal”.
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Boisean Holzer skates today
12th February 2006
The Idaho Statesman highlighted the courage and determination of 31-year-old Olympic speedskater Kristine Holzer. Holzer did not play sports at her high school because of the constant pain of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Holzer bided her time as a statistician for a girl’s basketball team. In 1994, Kristine Holzer tried rowing. Holzer soon discovered that rowing did not aggravate her arthritis. Kristine proved an almost immediate success and soon won an award for Female Student-Athlete of the Year. In 1998 she achieved good results at the US Rowing National Championships. That year, Holzer tried ice skating and later speedskating. Soon she discovered that she had natural talent for the sport. She failed to qualify for the 2002 Olympics at Salt Lake City but her determination remained undiminished. Holzer told the reporter “You can’t put in four years and then stop”. She added, “You want to see what you can do”. She trained hard and qualified for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. The Idaho Statesman article highlighted the courage and perseverance of the speedskater who overcame her illness and a late start to participate in the Olympics.
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He doesn’t hide anymore
3rd February 2006
By Gary Shelton (of St. Petersburg Times)
Sporting personalities often have to overcome major challenges in their personal lives to achieve success in their careers. This story describes how a football player has not only become a champion athlete but even more importantly, has succeeded in his life. Seattle Seahawks special teams player Isaiah Kacyvenski his lived a remarkable life. His triumph over adversity has inspired people from all parts of the community. Isaiah Kacyvenski’s childhood included an abusive, alcoholic father and a lost mother. Kacyveski was the youngest of six children. The family lived in desperate poverty with many nights of cold and hunger. Isaiah Kacyveski told the reporter how memories of those dark days still drive him today. “We didn’t have a lot of money. There were times when we didn’t have hot water, when we didn’t have electricity, when we didn’t have a home. It made me everything I am today. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about it. I have had this fear of failure my whole life. I knew I didn’t want to live like that when I grow up”. Surviving meant that sometimes the family needed to scavenge for food. Despite all the problems of his childhood, Isaiah kept dreaming of a better future. He trained hard, worked hard and studied diligently. Eventually he was rewarded with a scholarship to Harvard. Once again he worked hard and grasped opportunities. Kacyveski graduated from Harvard. He was drafted by the Seahawks and has now married to his high school sweetheart. The article reports how Isaiah has now made peace and forgiven his father who has been sober for the last 15 years.
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Courageous athlete focuses on school
28th January 2006
By Lyford M. Moore
This story reported on a remarkable 19-year-old man called Brian Conto of Pilesgrove. Conto recently received an award for Most Courageous Athlete from the South Jersey Coaches Association. Brian Conto was born with only three fingers on his left hand and four on his right. When he was aged 6 months, Conto required a below knee amputation of his right leg. Despite these obstacles, Conto has been an active and enthusiastic sports participant. He has played baseball, soccer, football and competed in wrestling. Recently Brian Conto has had to curtail his involvement in sports to concentrate on his studies. He eventually hopes to study mechanical engineering. In his spare time Conto details autos and delivers furniture to supplement his income. His grandfather, Gerald Hoglen, told The Courier Post about Brian’s remarkable courage. “”He can do anything he wants, and he has proven that many, many times”.
