Hero is a strange word. At its truest, it defines someone that goes above and beyond in the face of danger.
Now, though, some people use the word to describe their favourite sports player. Tabloid newspapers use the term increasingly loosely. Comic books have made the term their own by adding the word “super” in front.
Some of the leaders in the social media field have been called heroes for their efforts at advancing the medium.
To me, though, people like 17-year old Ashley Hegi are true heroes. To have a life sentence like Ashley did and want to educate the way she did shows real heroism. Her family, friends and community agree.
What’s your definition of a hero?
- Ashley Hegi died on Tuesday April 21. To learn more about Progeria Syndrome, visit the Progeria Research Foundation website.
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What a great and inspiring post, Danny! Ashley certainly was a strong young person and a great role model. Her positive attitude is something to be emulated whenever possible.
One of my biggest heroes since childhood has always been Samantha Smith. Growing up in Maine in the 1980s, her story was one we were taught in school and I found it incredibly inspiring. She wrote a letter to the newly appointed Soviet Communist Party General Secretary Yuri Andropov and expressed her desire for international peace. At 10 years old, this in itself was an act of courage and heroism. The girl received a return letter from Andropov and was viewed as a Goodwill Ambassador by both the Soviets and the Americans. She went to the USSR in a time when many Americans were afraid of the Soviets and wasn’t afraid to get to know them. Smith made friends and declared that the Soviets were “just like us.” She even went on to participate in peacemaking in Japan. All of this before her untimely death at age 13. It’s amazing what young people can accomplish when they are encouraged to express their opinions and share their own gifts!
Twitter: susanmazza
Great definition of a Hero – “someone that goes above and beyond in the face of danger”. I might add “or adversity” as is demonstrated so powerfully by this little girl.
I wrote about heroes recently as I think they are all around us, yet remain “hidden” as the heroes they truly are behind the “Hollywood” interpretation that is so prevalent.
Here’s what I had to say about heroes of the hidden variety if you are you interested. http://randomactsofleadership.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/who-are-your-hidden-heroes/ There is a particularly beautiful tribute to an amazing woman written by Colin deLewis (@ColinUdeLewis on twitter) in the comments.
Twitter: frankreed
The world most certainly has an interesting take on what a hero is. People like Ashley live and die in relative anonymity as it relates to the world but are impacting the lives of the people that they live life with in ways that are real and relevant.
Personally I believe that ALL things work for good (I’ll discuss the theology of that position only if asked) and while many would say that Ashley had it rough I suspect she didn’t think so. That’s the true inspiration. Handling what life gives us with grace. That’s heroic.
Thanks for sharing this Danny. I would rather hear from an Ashley than an actor, athlete or social media maven any day.
God bless her family and friends during this tough time.
Take care.
I don’t have a Yahoo account. Wanted to join your Site Community…Add a fancy avatar too. I’ll have to get an account, eh…I’ll gladly add to this in soontime. -Libran
http://mymommymanual.com/how-to-be-a-hero/ Wrote on this whole idea of being a hero too! :p what’s the saying?…great minds think alike! *cough* hehehe.
excerpt…
“How to be a hero? I think the real question for me as a parent is how can i open my heart to my children, my spouse and my life just a tiny crack more each day?” …”If today you open your heart, if you risk living and loving from that deep, raw, open place…you are my hero.”
Blessings and thanks for writing @ Ashley…a true true hero :p
Twitter: susanmazza
Had an insight about heroes today I thought I’d share here… My heroes are not the masters of “saving the day”, but rather the masters of making the moments matter.
I think of a hero as one who commits great personal sacrifice for the good of others. Some guy who can throw a ball? Not a hero. Some one who stands against injustice, or gives to those less fortunate or leads social reform in the face of opposition? Hero.