She's Back On The Soccer Field

Photo from ESPN.com

Last night, the ESPN program, E:60 highlighted a high school soccer player from Wheaton Academy in West Chicago.

The show boasts telling the "best stories in sports" and the inspiring story about Lexi Youngberg doesn't disappoint. 

Youngberg lost her leg in a boating accident in 2009, just after winning the state soccer championship with her high school team as a sophomore.  

She was forced to relearn how to walk with a prosthetic leg.  With hard work and amazing motivation, she can now wake surf, snow ski and even play soccer again.  

Check out the short preview of ESPN's story below and click here to watch the full version on their website, where you'll see Lexi play in her first soccer game since the accident. 

"It's a hard thing to overcome, but I've chosen to just keep moving forward and doing everything I used to do plus more." -Lexi Youngberg in interview with E:60

Zoo Uses Sports to Teach

 

The Brookfield Zoo is teaching visitors about nature and animals with the help of Chicago's favorite sports teams.  

On specific weekends throughout the summer, different sports teams will be highlighted at the zoo as part of the "Real Fan Days" series.  This weekend, Chicago Cubs fans will get to celebrate their team at the zoo.  

Fans at the zoo will learn all about Boston Ivy, which is the kind that grows in the outfield at Wrigley Field.  They'll also get to meet a polar bear named 'Hudson', who was born as a CUB and learn about the conservation challenges polar bears are facing. 

There are lots more free Chicago Cubs themed events!  Here are just a few of them: 

-Meet Cubs players Milt Pappas, Tony Campana and Randy Wells 

-Be a sports broadcaster and announce plays at the broadcast "karaoke" booth

-Ride the Cubs-themed trolley

-Sign a giant 13-foot baseball 

-Make your own "W" flag

-Try out your batting skills in an inflatable batting cage

-Test your pitching speed and accuracy

Check out some of the photos from the "Real Fan Days" that have already taken place, highlighting the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears.  

Click here to find out more about "Real Fan Days" and all the fun ways the zoo is inspiring fans to learn about nature and animals!  

In the coming months, the zoo will highlight the Chicago Fire, White Sox, Blackhawks and Wolves!

Teen Genius Helps Fight Cancer

Photo from Daily Herald/Rick Majewski

A Naperville teenager is using his brains to help fight cancer.  There's a great article in the Daily Herald about 17-year-old Nolan Maloney.

Maloney is about to be a senior at Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) and his name is already listed on an important research paper to help find a cure for a rare kind of cancer. 

He's been working with adults to research a type of cancer called neurblastoma, which impacts the nervous system.  A research paper was presented to the American Assocation for Cancer Research on the topic in April, and the teens name was on it.

It's so great to hear about a young person using their talents to help others.  And on top of it all, teachers and administrators say the kid who has 44 science medals is kind and doesn't let the success go to his head. 

Here's what the President of IMSA told the Daily Herald about Nolan:  

"He has a rare combination of extraordinary intellect and capacity to learn, combined with humility and sense of wonder and awe of the larger world. I think those characteristics will continue to make him a scientist and have a career that really will make our world a better place."

Check out the full article about Maloney in the Daily Herald: Naperville teen among nation's top chemistry students

Rising Above Her Disability

Photo from ChicagoParent.com

There's a great article in Chicago Parent Magazine written by a 20-year-old college student who is rising above her disability. 

Hannah Thompson was born with cerebral palsy and three movement disorders.  She uses a wheelchair and a communication device called a DynaVox to speak.  

Despite her disabilities, she says she consistently demands excellence from herself as a full-time college student at Elmhurst College.  Assistants help her shower, use the restroom and put her to bed.  But those daily challenges have never stopped her from living her life... and enjoying it.  Here's one excerpt from her article: 

"At the end of the day, despite the challenges, I make it a point to show a love for my life: I have friends who support me, scholars that embrace my talents and a family that would move heaven and earth for me.  They make it easy to be independent when it is a challenge"

Hannah's article definitely made me stop and consider the everyday simplicities that we all take for granted.  She's an inspiration!

Check out her full article in Chicago Parent: Rising above disabilities, student thrives at Elmhurst College

Golf Pro Gets Massive Support

Photo from FriendsofRichFlores.org

Two area golf courses will be filled on Monday with friends and family members of golf instructor Rich Flores.

Earlier this year, Flores was diagnosed with a rare condition called Cardiac Amyloidosis that was complicated by a form of blood cancer.  The Batavia man has gone through chemotherapy, kidney dialysis and had stem cells that were previously harvested in him transplanted back inside. 

People close to Flores created a website called "Friends of Rich Flores" to help raise money for medical expenses.  On Monday, they will host a golf outing and dinner.  So many people wanted to get involved, that organizers had to put golfers at two different courses:  Pheasant Run in St. Charles and Mill Creek in Geneva. 

According to the "Friends of Rich Flores" site, they've already raised $36,500 for their friend.  Their goal is to reach $100,000, which is just a quarter of the estimated hospital bills to date.

Here's what a friend says on the fundraising website about Flores and his amazing fight: 

"He has done it all with the trademark smile and gutsy attitude that makes him one incredible competitor on -- and off -- the golf course.  He is the consummate fighter though, and is doing well (likely better than most of us under the same circumstances)." 

Flores is blogging about his experience online.  Check out his updates and find out how to donate to his cause by clicking here.

Photo from FriendsofRichFlores.org /Richard Ross

Nature's Architects

I'm always amazed when looking at beautiful skyscrapers and bridges. They start as ideas that are drafted on paper and then crews bring them to life.  

What's even more amazing, is that animals are just as architecturally gifted.  However, they build without blueprints, extensive language or a foreman running the project! 

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago highlights the creations that animals make in nature in its exhibit, Nature's Architects. The exhibit inspires us to appreciate the skills of animals all around us!  Take a look at some of the highlights:

The Nature's Architects exhibit will be at the museum until September 12.   Click here for hours and admission information!

NBA Dreams

Photo from nbcchicago.com

A Northbrook native is back on the court after an eye injury nearly took him away from the game he loves. 

Basketball was life for Jon Scheyer.  In 2005, as a junior at Glenbrook North High School, he led his team to a state championship.  Then five years later in college, he led Duke to an NCAA championship.  That also landed himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated.  

While trying to work his way into the NBA after college, Scheyer was playing with a Miami Heat summer league team.  That's when he was hit in the eye and told he may never be able to play again.  Despite his injury, he hasn't given up hope on his NBA dream.

Watch the story about Scheyer and his perseverance from NBC 5 sports reporter, Paula Faris:

View more videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com.

Win a VW Bug

www.lovebugcontest.com

For the third year in a row, Fox Valley Volkswagen in Schaumburg is giving away a Volkswagen Beetle!  You can nominate someone who has made a difference in your life or the lives of others to get the new car. 

This year, the dealership says it wants to "Share the Love" even more.  It's also planning to give away a second car to one of 18 chosen non-profit organizations. 

You can nominate individuals who deserve a new car until October.  The grand prize winner will be chosen on January 20, 2012. 

Click here to find out how to nominate that special someone! 

IL Horse to Star With Depp

Photo by Micahel Smart/Sun-Times Media

A beautiful all-white thoroughbred from Woodstock is heading to Hollywood!  

The horse named Phoebe will play 'Silver' in the remake of "The Lone Ranger" with Johnny Depp. 

Members of the media met Phoebe yesterday at Valley View Acres horse farm.  Her owner, Amber Bauman, told reporters she's sad to sell Phoebe to Hollywood, but excited to see her on film: 

“I plan on having a red barn event when the movie comes out. We will make a concrete star with her hoof prints for the barn, and we will watch the movie in Crystal Lake."

Check out a full article about the Phoebe's Hollywood debut in The Courier News:  Woodstock horse galloping off to be in 'Lone Ranger' film

You can also watch a video of Phoebe and Amber at the Northwest Herald:  Hi-yo, Silver! 

Teen Gets Groban Duet

A Deerfield teenager's dream came true last week when he got to sing on stage at the Untied Center with Josh Groban.

Josh Joseph texted Groban before the concert asking if he could sing a duet with the star.  Joseph was shocked when Groban actually called him onstage halfway through the concert!  

Check out their awesome duet to "You Raise Me Up": 

Charles Tillman's Locker

Photo by Matt Marton/SunTimes Media

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn on Friday and brought the kids there a big gift!

The football star arrived with a big locker for the kids, stuffed with $12,000 of computers and other electronics. It's the fourth locker that Tillman's foundation has donated to Chicago area hospitals on behalf of The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation.

Tillman knows how important it is to help kids and families who are going through tough times.  His daughter, Tiana, received a heart transplant at just six months old in 2008. 

See how the little patients reacted to the big donation in this Southtown Star article:  Bears' Tillman scores with sick kids in Oak Lawn

Dalai Lama Inspires Chicago

The Dalai Lama inspired Chicagoans on Sunday afternoon while speaking at he University of Illinois Chicago Pavilion.

The Tibetan spiritual leader stressed the importance of accepting all religions and pursuing happiness.  People who attended said the message of peace and kindness really resonated with them.

See what attendees told local reporters about the experience: 

“Just his physical presence alone tempered us and made us all a lot nicer today,” she said, referring to respectful silence that befell the crowd and the “environment of generosity and compassion” that people created in long concession lines.
-Sun Kang in the Chicago Tribune

“He is His Holiness but a real person and like one of us.  His words are so simple but so powerful and they connect directly to you” 

-Kate Krzycik in the Chicago Sun Times

“Learning more about him has led me to a more spiritual path of enlightenment, peacefulness, happiness."

-Samantha Castello from WBBM

'Eric & Kathy' The Matchmakers

Summer Fling 2011, Julie & Joe

Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match!  Eric and Kathy, hosts of the morning show on 101.9 The Mix are playing matchmaker again.  

Their goal is to set up a couple each year for a "Summer Fling" filled with fun dates and appearances.  

But last month, one of their former "flings" became something much more! Watch the video below from Thursday night's "Parachute on the Patio at the Pier" event to see how Eric and Kathy are inspiring love connections:

"She makes me want to believe. They call her love."

-Parachute, She Is Love

Check out the on air proposal that went down on The Eric and Kathy Show last month!  This is a former "Summer Fling" couple... no pressure Joe and Julie;) 

Do you think it's possible for the two radio hosts to make another love match? Hard to say, but definitely not out of the question!

People meet in the most random places, so why not in an online radio contest. There are men and women out there who try tirelessly to find an amazing love connection with someone. So it's inspiring to hear stories of all the crazy, different ways couples find each other. Share your story... How did you and your significant other meet??

Switch Pitching Star

Photo from cbslocal.com

A local high school pitcher hopes to someday be the first ambidextrous pitcher in the major leagues. 

Ryan Perez attends Elgin Westminster Christian High School and he's the first high school player in the country to be clocked at 90 mph with both arms!  Check out the story about Perez from CBS 2:

Friendly Scooter Repair

Photo from Rick West/Daily Herald

A 77-year-old St. Charles woman can get around town easily again now that she has a working scooter.  

The Daily Herald has a great story about a local store that surprised Mary Homuth by fixing her broken scooter.   

Homuth is a frequent customer at the Blue Goose grocery store in St. Charles.  When she began coming to the store with crutches, rather than her red motorized scooter, employees noticed.  They found out that her scooter broke and they decided to help her get it fixed.  

One employees husband, who is also in a wheelchair, spent about 50 hours fixing the chair.  The grocery store paid nearly $300 to get the right parts to make the repair possible.  Homuth said it was the best gift she had ever been given!


See the full story at The Daily Herald:  St. Charles resident gets new wheels with friends' help

Sister Helps Keep Bakery Going

Photo from Sarah Minor/Suburban Life

A 68-year-old Glen Ellyn woman is working hard to help keep her sister's bakery in business.

There's a story in The Subruban Life featuring Sharon Ebl and her younger sister, Linda Treadway.  Treadway owns Dessertz bakery in Glen Ellyn and was diagnosed with leukemia in April. 

Ebl stepped up and is now running the business so that her sister can focus on treatments and getting better. 

Here's what Treadway told The Suburban Life about having her sister there to help keep the business she loves afloat during this difficult time:

“I can never repay her for this.  The place would be gone by now ... if she hadn’t stepped to the plate.”

See the full Suburban Life article here:  Sister steps in to keep bakery churning

Deng Celebrates South Sudan

Photo by Tim Freccia/Enough Project

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng just hosted the first basketball camp in the world's newest nation, South Sudan.

South Sudan officially gained its independence on Saturday after decades of turmoil and fighting with the North.  Deng was there to help Sudanese children briefly forget about their troubles and celebrate with some basketball.

It was an emotional day for Deng.  The NBA star fled Sudan with his family when he was just 5 years old because of the violent civil war.  He grew up in Egypt and then moved tot he U.S. to play basketball for Duke.  He was drafted into the NBA in 2004.

Deng has a foundation that uses sports and education to help empower communities, specifically in Africa.  You can find out more about the Luol Deng Foundation here.

Check out these videos of the big day taken by Enough, The project to end genocide and crimes against humanity:

Fighting for Dad

Photo from Bellator.com

A mixed martial arts promotional company based in Chicago just signed a new fighter with an extremely inspiring story.

Bellator Fighting Championships signed fighter Rad Martinez after watching an extremely moving story about him on the ESPN show, "Outside The Lines". 

They learned that the Utah man isn't just a great fighter.  He's also the primary caretaker for his father, who suffered brain damage after a serious car accident when Martinez was just 12 years old. And that's just the beginning of this young fighters incredibly powerful story.  

It's just over twelve minutes, but worth every single minute! Take a look:

Lemonheads for the Library

Photo from The Courier News

Kids in Huntley are inspiring other little readers to set up lemonade stands to help raise money for the public library. 

For the last three years, two local families have been donating proceeds from their annual lemonade stand to the Huntley Area Public Library. 

This year, the library is hoping more families will get involved by becoming "Lemonheads" for the library and holding their own lemonade stands.

The "Lemonade for the Library" fundraiser takes place July 17-23. All proceeds will help fund books and materials specifically for the children's area at the library. 


Check out a full article about the fundraiser from the Courier News: Reading is sweet for Huntley Public Library 'Lemonheads'

WGN & Listeners Help Animals

Photo from www.wgnradio.com

WGN Radio host John Williams and his listeners raised $23,000 yesterday for Chicago's Animal Welfare League.

Williams wanted to help the organization after hearing that thieves had stolen and destroyed three air conditioning units at the facility, leaving more than 100 animals in the heat. Here's what Williams said about the fundraising efforts:

"People WANT to help -- they just sometimes need someone to lead," said Williams. "We said, 'Let's DO this,' and our listeners jumped on board. It was amazing to experience."

You can click here to donate to the Animal Welfare League.  Check out this video to see why it's such a great organization worth supporting:

Chicago by Boat

Have you ever seen the beautiful Chicago skyline from a boat?  Check out this video posted on Fubiz!  You'll see the view of the city from Lake Michigan, travel along the Chicago River and even see some fireworks over the night skyline. 

Chicago by boat: A timelapse journey from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

An Angel from Skokie

She's only 22-years-old, but Erin Heatherton is already jet setting across the world and following a career path she never imagined possible. 

The Skokie native who says she was a "dork" at Niles North High School is now a supermodel and "Angel" for Victoria's Secret.

Michigan Avenue magazine interviewed Heatherton for its Summer 2011 issue to talk about her success. She was "discovered" in high school while vacationing in South Beach with a friend.  Since then, she's skyrocketed to fame and become a successful young woman with hard work and her midwestern values.   Here's what she told the magazine:

“The most important thing I’ve learned is that we’re all just people, from everyone on set to the people booking me. Everyone likes to work with someone who’s enjoying herself, and lucky for me I’m such a huge dork that I can’t hide my personality. Beyond that, I just give respect to the people who’ve put me here and try never to take anything for granted.”

Check out the full article by Michigan Avenue magazine: Erin Heatherton Is No Average Bombshell

Still Inspiring at 105

Photo from OakPark.com

OakPark.com shared a great story about a man from Oak Park who will turn 105 this Sunday. Good genes must run in Paul Soderdahl's family, because another paper wrote a story about his father back in 1959 when he turned 100! 

I loved reading the comments posted after the story.  You can tell this man has inspired so many people throughout his 105 years and continues to do so. Take a look at what a few of the readers said:

His varied interests and sharp mind are an inspiration to all .... I look at all that we have derived by his being alive and in our hearts and lives over the years.-Judy Kern from Downers Grove

I lived next to Mr.Soderdahl growing up. He always remembered my birthday and I would get a card with money in it. Once I made him a birthday card, also with money in it, he found me later and presented me with a hand full of change, because the money I had given him had grown. -Michelle Martin Perez from Westchester

He would dutifully plow half the block's snow with his snowblower after every snowfall. This was when he was in his mid-70s! -Ken Black from Warrenville

Check out the full story about Paul Soderdahl and his wonderful 105 years at OakPark.com:  If you should survive to 105

St. Charles Loves Families

Photo from www.FamilyCircle.com

St. Charles, Illinois is now the top town in the country for families! Family Circle just released its top ten list online and the far western suburb came out on top as a perfect place to call home. 

Towns were ranked based on their schools, affordable housing, green space and giving spirit.  Here's what the magazine wrote about St. Charles:

Chicago residents Mike and Monica Corbett were diehard urbanites. But after visiting St. Charles on a weekend golfing trip, the couple was so smitten they decided to trade the Windy City for this town, 40 miles west. It was the right choice. "We have twice the living space plus an acre of property," says Monica, 47, a music teacher. "And we can walk downtown and take in great culture and restaurants." Along with their four children—Morgan, 17, Palmer, 14, Tommy, 11, and Hadley, 8—the Corbetts spend much of their time outdoors at Pottawatomie Park, which has panoramic views of the Fox River.

Education is first-rate: Last year North High became the third school in the district to earn a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon award. But Monica and Mike, 45, a finance manager, are even more impressed with St. Charles' community spirit. "I'll never forget the time a police officer rewarded kids who wore bike helmets with free coupons for ice cream, or when our neighbor offered to lend us his car while he was away for the winter," says Monica. "This place is a little slice of heaven."

Check out Family Circle's full top ten list: 10 Best Towns for Families

Beautiful Sunrise, Beautiful City

I just saw this video posted on Gapers Block and had to share!  A guy named Craig Shimala recorded every sunrise in June and made a video out of them. Craig writes that he had no travel plans last month, so he challenged himself to wake up everyday at 5 a.m. to see and shoot the sunrise.   

Our city is sooooo amazingly beautiful!!  I'm awake for work at this hour everyday, so I'm lucky enough to get to see this in person!  If you're usually asleep, try and wake up at least one day in July to check out the sunrise.  You'll be glad you did! 

Good Morning Chicago - Your daily sunrise for the month of June from Craig Shimala on Vimeo.

New Car for Animal Shelter

The Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin just won a new car from Toyota!  The shelter was picked as one of 500 finalists in Toyota's "100 Cars for Good" contest on Facebook and public votes won them a new hybrid.  

Toyota is giving away 100 cars in 100 days to non profits who are "doing good" in their communities.   The car giant picked the finalists and then public votes on Facebook decide the most deserving of five non profits each day through August. 

The Anderson Animal Shelter will use the new car to transport animals, pick up donations and do off site adoptions.

Here's the video the shelter made for the contest:

Greg Olsen Kicks for a Cure

Chicago Bears tight end, Greg Olsen, will host the World's Largest Charity Kickball Tournament this Saturday to raise money for cancer research.  Olsen's annual kickball tournament brings more than 1,000 people to Grant Park each summer with proceeds benefiting his foundation, Receptions for Research. 

2010 Tournament via Kicks For A Cure Facebook page (Photo by Matthew Barrett)

Olsen started the foundation in honor of his mother, a breast cancer survivor.  Olsen saw how difficult it was for his mother to battle breast cancer, but saw her overcome the disease with perseverance and great care.  He hopes his charity will help give more people a "second chance at life," just like his mother was given.  

Here's Olsen talking about his foundation and the big kickball tournament:

Never Too Late for Love

Photo from Chris Sweda/Tribune

Wedding bells are ringing today for a pair of love birds who are proving you can find love and happiness at any age.

90-year-old Brenard Miller and 86-year-old Claire Blumenthal will exchange vows today in Glencoe after dating for almost three years. 

Here's what Blumenthal's daughter, Marcia Fields, told the Tribune about the impact her Mom's love story has had on the people around them:

"For all of us, this has been like sunlight on the human condition," Fields said. "That no matter the stage of life, happiness is within our reach."

Check out the full Chicago Tribune article by Bonnie Miller Rubin: Couple, 90 and 86, 'lucky to have found each other'

From Brooklyn With a Shovel

Photo from www.baratunde.com

I just stumbled across a blog post written by a guy from New York who was in Chicago during our big "Snowpocalypse" in February.  I know it's way after the fact, but I loved his story so I had to share it!

In New York, Baratunde Thurston has been known to throw on his winter gear in the middle of storms and head outside to try and help stranded pedestrians and motorists.  The comedian and political blogger calls his treks out "Snowtorious Hikes".   

When the storm hit while he was visiting Chicago, he decided to help people here too.  He went out and bought a shovel at CVS and immediately started digging vehicles out of the snow.  He made his way to the chaos on Lakeshore Drive, and gave stranded drivers water and updates on what was happening.  He even worked with police to help clear the snow filled ramp at North Avenue.  

He was just one man with a shovel and a good heart.  Here's an excerpt from his blog post:

I was approached by a cameraman who emerged like a phantom from the storm. "Is your car stuck back up on Lake Shore?" he asked.

"No, I don't have a car!"

"So what are you doing out here?"

"I'm just a man from Brooklyn with a shovel."

I love that line:  "I'm just a man from Brooklyn with a shovel."  He didn't have any connections to the people stranded out on the roadways, but he still went out to help.  Some may say it was dangerous or stupid for a guy to be out during the storm.  But in my opinion, his actions are commendable.  I'm all for supporting a guy who wants to brave the conditions to try and help people.  

We read a lot of great stories after the blizzard about people helping neighbors and strangers, or "snow saints," as I called them.   Here's another one to add to the mix about a guy from Brooklyn who used his shovel to help a city in need.  
  
Click here to check out the full blog post that Baratunde Thurston wrote after "Snowpocalypse 2011"

Beating the Odds

Photo: Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune has a great story about a south side teenager who just graduated high school and got a $20,000 scholarship to UIC, despite having all the odds against her.

When Shannon Hastings was just 14 years old, she lost her mom to complications from breast cancer.  With her father out of state, she drifted from home to home and switched high schools several times. Even though she was on her own and struggling to keep afloat, she never let her troubles stop her from excelling in the classroom.  Here's what she told the Tribune:

"I'm doing all this for my mom because I know that's what she would've wanted."

It's so amazing to see a young person with such a strong drive to succeed.  So many people get stuck and give up on their goals and dreams due to circumstances they're faced with.  Shannon never stopped pushing herself, and for that she is an inspiration!

Check out the video below and the  full article by the Chicago Tribune: Making the grade-- in life-- despite long odds