NBC's new "Today Show" anchor Meredith Vieira has said she likes to report on "ordinary people in extradordinary circumstances." So do I. Here are two of my recent favorites:
Today I met a 43-year-old two-time breast cancer survivor. She's virtually the picture of health -- works out 7 days a week (putting me to complete shame!) and had no family history. She's a project manager, managing eight men in a male-dominated field. After surgery, chemo and radiation, her cancer came back last spring.
What impressed me is her spirit. Just talking to her lifted mine. Through her personal struggle she held onto a tough job, and her sense of humor. Now's she's helping two recently-diagnosed friends do the same.
Yesterday I chatted with Jana Monaco, a Virginia mom I first met last year. She's caring for her son, who is permanently disabled due to a rare birth defect. It could have been prevented if Virginia had required the same newborn screening tests some other states do. Not only does this mother of 3 devote herself to the time-consuming task of caring for special needs son (16 therapy sessions a week, not including doctor's appointments) -- she's also an advocate reform. Her efforts helped change the law in Virginia, and she's taken her fight to Washington to push for standardized newborn screening tests nationwide.
Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! Here's a woman who was thrown a complete curve ball in life, and she threw it right back. (You can read more about Jana's story, in her own words, on her web site: www.stephenmonaco.org.)
I know there are others. MANY others. Each and every one deserving of their place on the Forbes list. Through their stamina, faithfulness and fortitude, each of these women are making a difference in the lives around them.
And as a News Mom, I am honored and blessed to meet many of them and share their stories.
T
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