A Wider Angle is the Measured in Moments library featuring notable organizations, thought provoking documentaries and distinctive journalism. This is the foundation of an ongoing tribute to remarkable stories of courage, hope and inspiration - beacons of light sprinkled across the globe that are shing the way to a brighter, more promising future. Please check back often for updates and I welcome your stories as well!
Distinguished by courage, nobility and fortitude "Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero's heart."
CNN Heroes
Launched in 2007, CNN created a venue to honor ordinary people making extraordinary contributions to the world. Liz McCartney captured my heart in 2008 with her tireless work rebuilding homes in New Orleans. CNN invites viewers to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition as a CNN Hero. From thousands nominated, 10 finalists are selected by a blue ribbon panel. Each of the finalists receives $25,000 for their cause. One of the most remarkable aspects of the nominees is their profound resourcefulness and perseverance. A donation of this caliber is pure gold to most. Viewers are then asked to vote for the nominee that inspires them the most - a tough choice to make. On Thanksgiving night, CNN holds a special broadcast event where each of the 10 nominees is honored and the results of the voting are revealed. The CNN Hero of the Year is awarded an additional $100,000.
Each year, the cast of nominees are as touching and inspiring as the last. The 2011 nominees are another exceptional group. I was particularly interested in one of the nominees for 2011. Roseanna Means is a doctor from Boston who offers free healthcare to homeless women - trying to get them on the right track. Join me in the celebration of these remarkable people. The top 10 Heroes of 2011 have been announced...join me in congratulating them and casting your vote. The contributions they are receiving have been raised this year!
2008 CNN HERO OF THE YEAR - A former school teacher and lawyer from Washington, DC (Liz and Zack McCartney) went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina because they wanted to help. Liz and Zack formed the St. Bernard Project to bring people back home. This is their story...
Efren Peñaflorida was named the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. He created "pushcart classrooms" to educate poor children in the Phillipines.
Anuradha Koirala won the CNN Hero of the Year award in 2010. Since 1993, this petite English teacher from Nepal has worked tirelessly to save young women and girls from the notorious traffic rings in her country.
