INSPIREme Chicago Turns One!

Get the bubbly!!!  It's INSPIREme Chicago's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!


A year ago today, I posted the first inspiring feature video on INSPIREme Chicago!  Since then, I've had the opportunity to meet some absolutely amazing people in our community.  It has truly been an honor to get to know each and every one of the people I've worked with over the last year.  They are doing incredible things in their neighborhoods and at home.  I hope sharing their stories has helped inspire YOU:)


I thought it would be fun to go back in time and re-share that very first story I posted a year ago today. I interviewed a soldier who lost his vision while serving in Iraq. Check out his inspiring story: 




  
I talked to Steve Baskis today to see what he's been up to over the last year.  As I expected, he's still inspiring people all over the world!  He recently climbed the Himalayan mountains with 10 other soldiers who were also injured while serving their country.  Film crews are making a documentary about their inspiring journey called Soldiers to the Summit.  


Steve wasn't able to attempt the marathon again in 2010, because that's when he was climbing in Nepal.  He's going to school now and focusing on his education, but still hopes to be on the cycling team in the 2016 paralympic games!  


Steve was the first of many amazing people I introduced you to last year. Take some time to check out all the INSPIREme Chicago feature videos that have been posted over the last year!

Oak Forest Idol

Did you catch American Idol last night?  A 26-year-old guy from Oak Forest sang his heart out on national TV.  But before that, he poured his heart out.

Chris Medina and his fiance Juliana Ramos were all set to get married.  But then in October of 2009 she got in an accident and everything changed.  She suffered a traumatic brain injury and now he is her caregiver.  Through it all, he's never left her side. Here's what he told American Idol:

"I was about to make vows just two months from the accident.  Through thick and thin; Til death do us part; In sickness and heath; Through better or worse.  What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me most."

Take a look at his inspiring story and amazing voice.  We'll be cheering for you, Chris!!!

Paying it Forward

A young Brookfield couple wants to inspire people to give back.  Josh and Michelle Jones started their own non-profit organization to help local families during trying times.  Their goal is to "pay it forward" to a community that helped them earlier in life. Take a look at The JM Foundation in action:  

The JM Foundation hopes to help even more families this spring with a new event in the works.  You can donate to the cause or sign up to volunteer at The JM Foundation website!
 

Were You Inspired?

The man who belts out the National Anthem at every home Blackhawks game lent his booming voice to the Chicago Bears yesterday. It's hard not to get the chills when you hear Jim Cornelison sing.  Were you inspired by his performance at Soldier Field?

"Kenosha Brad" Update

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Q101's "Kenosha Brad" lost his wife of 22 years to cancer yesterday. 

Earlier this week, I shared a story about Brad Jewell and his wife's inspiring fight against cancer.  Denise Jewell fought until the very end. Here's a message Brad sent me: 

Sarah my wife passed away after spending a few hours with our closest friends from Q101 who we all love so very much and her closest co-workers..She died very peacefully and very happy surrounded by friends and family...I believe it's Denise's inspiration that we will remember and its her courage and giving heart that we will so dearly miss

Friends and family plan to honor that "courage and giving heart" at the end of the month with a benefit for the Jewell Family.  They hoped Denise would be there with them, but the event will now be a celebration of her life. 

Cancer Benefit for Denise Jewell

Coins Sports Bar

Kenosha, WI

January 29th

3 p.m. 

All proceeds will go directly to The Jewell Family to help offset medical expenses.  To donate:

**By Mail-- 

Denise Jewell at 1508-27th St, Kenosha, WI 53140

**Online--  Paypal donations can be sent to scentstodollars@yahoo.com

Helping "Kenosha Brad"

The morning team at Q101 is helping plan a benefit for the wife of one of the regulars on their show. Brad Jewell  (known as "Kenosha Brad" on air) says his wife of 22 years is battling cancer and only has weeks to live.  I met up with Brad, his kids and his friends at Q101 to learn about his wife's inspiring fight against cancer:  

Cancer Benefit for Denise Jewell

Coins Sports Bar

Kenosha, WI

January 29th

3 p.m. 

All proceeds will go directly to The Jewell Family to help offset medical expenses.  To donate:

**By Mail-- 

Denise Jewell at 1508-27th St, Kenosha, WI 53140

**Online--  Paypal donations can be sent to scentstodollars@yahoo.com 

Project Onward

Adult artists with physical and mental disabilities are finding a place to shine in Chicago.  

An organization called Project Onward gives them studio space, supplies and guidance to help them create their art.  

I read about the organization in an article in the Skyline Newspaper. Here's what the program director told the paper: 

"We’re here to demystify disability. They’re artists first, and have other issues second.  It’s great for the artists to work where their art is being admired."

The artists sell their work to the public... and it's really good!!  I copied some pictures from the Project Onward website to give you a look at all the amazing art being created: 

James Allen and his drawing, "Howard Yard 82"

 

Fernando Ramirez and his self portrait

 

 Andrew Hall and his drawing, "Cloud Gate"