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| March Winner - Sandie Griffiths of Gilbert, AZ |
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Sandie was nominated by her daughter, Breann Griffiths. Sandie has dedicated over 15 years to the Girl Scouts of America serving as a Troop Leader to special needs and disadvantaged youth. In the past year, Sandie has opened her home to the homeless and helped them get back on thier feet. Sandie is a 57 year old blind woman suffering from lupus. Despite her challenges, She continues to be an ndependent role model in the community. Her daughter Breann says, "My mom has always taught me and my sister that if you want to do something, then nothing can stop you. She is the best mom and should be the Woman of the Year." |
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| April Winner - Joyce Weber of Phoenix, AZ |
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Joyce was nominated by her student, Elly Hanson. Joyce works tirelessly to help people with disabilities in the Phoenix area. She teaches the disabled to train their own dogs to become Certified Service Dogs through The Happy Tails Service Dog Organzation. Joyce and her assistants receive no payment for services and says that their "pay" comes from the happy faces of the students after completion of the course - To see the help these folks receive from their newly trained dogs is absolutely thrilling. Elly says, "I really cannot think of anyone more deserving of The Beth McDonald Woman of the Year Award. |
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| May Winner - Mary Gloria of Queen Creek, AZ |
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Mary was nominated by Annabelle Patterson who says that Mary is an incredible woman. She founded Pan de Vida Foundation, an organization that provides programs for youths and seniors from low income families. Mary is also involved in the Queen Creek Women in Business and always encourages its members to help the needy. Her latest project is The College Scholarships for Girls. The program grants scholarships to qualifying high school seniors invoolved in community work. Annabelle says, "Please consider Mary as the Woman of the Year. She is an awesome community involved woman. |
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| June Winner - Pamela Martin |
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Pamela was nominated by her daughter, Krista Matsueda who says that Pamela has dedicated her life to helping others and making a difference in people's lives. Pamela works as a Social Worker and the Clinical Director of Crisis Preparation and Recovery. Pamela spends hours of unpaid time to advocate for her clietns in an attempt to make their lives better. She is the type of friend who answers the phone at 3am and invites you to stay over her house and nurtures you through a breakup. Krista says, "I love my mother so very much. Please help me honor her strength, spirit, education, and commitment ot humanity. |
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| July Winner - Jan Hamilton |
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Jan was nominated by Shannon Madden who says that Jan has a heart for teenagers. Jan is an adolescent psychiatric nurse practioner. She worked for nine years at Remuda Ranch helping young women fight eating disorders and recently opened her own private practice. She has a vision to reach out to emotionally hurting teens and thier families to provide treatment and education. She is also working with Neighborhood Ministries to start a pro-bono mental health clinic for those who cannot afford treatment in South Central Phoenix. Shannon says, " She has been a wonderful friend to me and my family and a shining star to many teens". |
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| August Winner - Theresa Gloria Palma |
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Theresa was nominated by her husband, Mark. They have an 11 year daughter with Downs Syndrome named Leticia. In 2005, Theresa started the nonprofit organization, Leti Foundation. The foundation helps families of children with disabilities by educating the parents so that the children may have a better life. The Leti Foundation is in its 4th year. Mark says that over the years, he has seen so many parents grow because of the foundation. Mark adds, "Because of Theresa's love for these children, many family lives have been changed forever". |
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© 2012
