Thursday, February 25, 2010

Alexandra M, OLOL Hero 2010-3

Alex was born in 1991 with a Single Ventricle, Transposition of the Great Vessels and Pulmonary Stenosis. She has endured 10 cardiac surgeries and countless hospitlizations through the years. This life of medical intervention is the only life she has known and she has a great attitude about her life.

She has incredible faith and doesn't let her heart defects stop her from doing what she wants. She has gone on mission trips to Mexico and Honduras...and even lived in an orphange with her family in Honduras for 2 months. She has raised at least $100,000 for cardiac research over the years and has earned many awards for her efforts. But...the best thing about Alex is her smile and her joy of life. She doesn't know what the future holds....but she wants to make a difference in the world!

Alex's slogan: If not now.....when?

Submitted by: Charles M

Barbara J, OLOL Hero 2010-2

My Mother had a difficult life and out of the misery, managed to raise 5 amazing children. My brother and 3 sisters are remarkable people and the love she showed for her grandchildren was unlike anything I have ever seen. She was tireless and strong. She fought for 10 years to live and see her love, Catherine grow to a teenager. She didn't want to die. She was full of life. We miss her every second of every day. She was more than a hero. She was our center!

Barbara's slogan: Alma lives on.

Submitted by: Jordan B

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Dawn C, OLOL Hero 2010-1

My mother was diagnosed with Lung Cancer shortly after a visit to our home in the Spring of 2006. She never once asked how long do I have to live or why did this have to happen to me. She was the best friend that any daughter could ever ask for. We had planned a vacation for the summer of 2008 to go to Myrtle Beach for a baseball tournament for our son. She made me promise that I would go on vacation and she assured me that she would not pass away and what she called "ruin my vacation." We saw her the weekend before my vacation and I could see in her eyes that she was growing tired but she was up at the stove that morning cooking everyone breakfast. I told her that day that I didn’t want to go. She said you made me a promise and you are going to keep it. I promise I am not going to die.

As the week of my vacation went on, I called everyday knowing that this life with my mother was coming to an end. At the beginning of the week, she always picked up the other line when my Dad answered the phone. But by Wednesday of that week it had stopped. I knew in my mind that this was the end. I could not make another call to the house....I was scared. On that Friday, I received a call from my father and sister that she was not doing very well and that I should be prepared. Who gets prepared for that? I needed to see my mother one last time. So on the way home we drove straight to her house. She was in bed and she sat up and said, "Did your Father call you and tell you to come here?" I said, “Don't you remember I told you that I was going to stop by to tell you my vacation was over?”

That Sunday, as I was leaving her house, I said, “Mom I am coming back to see you tonight.” She looked at me and said too soon….I am not going to die with you here so know that I am going to be okay (if you are going to be okay). She called me that Monday to say her final words to me. She said Wendy you better behave or I will kick your _____ (this was quite funny because she never cursed). She said it was not ladylike so I knew she was serious. She said don't forget me (who could forget their mother) and she just kept saying over and over I am going to be okay, if you are going to be okay. In my mind I thought, I don't think I will be okay. Who will I call in the morning anymore? Who is going to be there when I need my Mom? And, how am I am going to say goodbye? I got the courage to say I am going to be okay and that I love you and those were our final words to each other.

My mother lived her life to the fullest and was a great Mom. My Dad found the courage to take care of my Mom and he did a great job. My mother was the light in this family and she will always be in our hearts. She showed me how important it is to keep a promise. She will always be remembered.

Dawn's slogan: Mimi- Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother

Submitted by Wendy H

Friday, February 5, 2010

One Life One Legacy Heroes 2010

Click on the link below to read about OLOL's original heroes.....
http://www.onelifeonelegacy.com/about.aspx#heroes

Another OLOL Personal Hero Zoe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zjPJPXNlcQ

Our Hero Max


Watch this great story about one of our OLOL heroes Max...It will inspire you as he has us!