Mar 30, 2009
"Woman of Courage" Finalists Announced
Beth Norviel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2009
Local Women Show Courage While Their Lives Are Touched By MS
The Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently announced the five finalists for their "Woman of Courage" award that will be presented at the "Women on the Move" Luncheon on April 23rd at the Four Seasons in St. Louis. The Woman of Courage award recognizes a woman who handles the daily challenges that multiple sclerosis can present to an individual and their family. Whether she is living with MS, or is the caregiver to a family member with MS, the Woman of Courage Recipient demonstrates dignity, grace, strength, compassion and creativity in her every day life. The Woman of Courage is a role model for other women in our community on how to live your life to the fullest while balancing work, family and the challenges that come along the way.
The five finalists are:
Sherri Stanczak, of St. Charles, MO, who was diagnosed with MS almost 20 years ago, and was nominated for this honor by her son, Kyle. "If you were to look at my mom, you would never know that she is on countless medications, that she can hardly see, that she is in constant pain, that she is constantly fighting MS," wrote Kyle in his nomination letter. "You would never know these things because she is always smiling, not a fake smile - a real genuine smile." Kyle said that despite not being able to get out of bed on some days, his mom continues to give to others, including him and his two brothers. "She is a success story all herself. She takes the bad and makes it good."
Barb Charboneau, of Festus, MO, was diagnosed with MS many years ago but continues to say "you just deal with the cards you are dealt." She has been a teacher and administrator at St. Pius X High School since 1969 and has started every girl's sports program at the school. She has been a role model and mentor for many young women that have passed through the school. As one wrote in her nomination, "She was my mentor, coach, friend, and she remains an inspiration. She was firm with me when I needed structure, fair, honest, and the most committed coach a player could ask for."
Tamara Yglesia, of Festus, MO, balances living with MS and caring for her four children, ages 15, twins who are 14 and 11. Tamara was nominated by a close friend that said "she is like the energizer bunny -- she just keeps going and going. Tamara is not the kind of person who calls attention to herself. She is quiet and unassuming." Her friend commented that when she offers to help Tamara, her response is often, "I need to keep doing these things for myself." Tamara is very involved in all of her childrens' activities and is constantly a positive example to her children.
Tina Romine, of Carlyle, Illinois, helps her mom, Barbara, who lives with MS. Barbara wrote in the nomination for Tina, "She has taken care of me since she was a small child, putting me before herself." Tina has three children of her own, but Barbara said that she is always there for her. "When I need help doing things harder than I should do, she comes over and keeps things running smooth. I feel like I robbed her of her childhood, and I know that nothing can ever give it back, but I feel like she should be honored for all that she has done for me." Barbara also shared that Tina spends just as much time helping others in the community, as she does helping her, whether at church, her children's school or anywhere in between.
Denise Pisciotta, of St. Louis, MO, has been living with MS for about 15 years, and has not walked for almost eight years. Denise is a CPA and works full-time. Denise was nominated by her husband and he shared the determination that she shows each and every day as she balances her life while living with MS, including driving herself to and from work with the use of hand controls. "I know no one with more determination, strength, perseverance, hope, fortitude...I can't think of enough words to describe her."
With Over 6,000 people in the Gateway Area Chapter living each day with multiple sclerosis, the Women On The Move Luncheon, one of the National MS Society's premier fundraising campaigns, is an empowering way for women to support women in the movement towards a world free of MS. MS affects close to four times as many women as men, and the disease affects men and women differently. The Women On The Move Luncheon provides an opportunity for women to come together to help other women in the community.
The winner will be announced at the Chapter’s inaugural Women on the Move Luncheon being held April 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis with guest speaker Sue Thomas. Sue is an inspirational speaker who lives with MS. At just 18 months old, she suddenly lost her hearing but went on to achieve. She became the youngest Ohio State freestyle figure-skating champion at the age of 7. She also became the first deaf person to work as an undercover investigator as a lip reader for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was the inspiration for the TV series Sue Thomas: FBEYE.
All guests must register and pay the minimum $75 donation in advance. Guests may also call the Chapter at 800.344.4867 and register over the phone with a credit card. This is highly recommended if you are registering several people at once. For more information go to www.gatewaymssociety.org, click on the “Women on the Move Luncheon” tab.