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Minnesota MILE Announces the Fourth Annual Xtra MILE Awards Recipients |
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Self-Starter Award to Shanna Decker; “Life” is defined by how you react to circumstances dealt you, whether good or bad. The way you chose to respond is your responsibility. What you take away from these experiences, and how you grow from them, defines the person you will become and lays the foundation for the rest of your life. I chose to grow, and learned the best thing I could give myself was to give “of” myself. Ten years ago, at the age of seven, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. This life changing event proved to be one of the most challenging events in my life, but would also serve to shape my future. The chemotherapy treatments for my cancer were very aggressive and dictated that I be hospitalized for the majority of a year. But in addition to my treatments, I was faced with a second obstacle. In order to save my life, the doctors would have to amputate my leg. This road, when traveled alone is a very scary and difficult journey, but with God at my side, I decided I’d take the challenge presented to me and somehow turn it into a positive experience. Today, I am not only a cancer survivor and amputee, but am thriving! Not only have I learned to walk again, but have excelled in life by learning to ride bike, run, swim, roller-blade, ice-skate, and play most all sports. When I was finished with my treatments and fitted with my prosthesis, I asked my medical team if they’d start putting me in touch with other newly diagnosed patients and/or amputees. This would be the beginning of what has grown into the most fulfilling era of my life. For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, supporting, and personally visiting cancer patients and amputees, from across the nation and around the world, as they undergo treatments and/or recover from limb loss. This privilege has been made possible through a networking of social workers, oncology staff, and orthopedic doctors from the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, MN. and John Hopkins University of Baltimore, MD, as they contact me whenever a new patient needs or wants support. I consider it an honor to be able to provide hope and support by personally meeting or visiting with each patient. To date, I’ve made over 600 visits, dedicating between 300 – 400 hours per year with these families, forming friendships that last a lifetime. In addition, I am the founder and sole financial supporter of my own project called “Hearts of Hope”. When visiting new patients in the hospital, I deliver a “Hearts of Hope” gift box to brighten their day. Inside, patients will find inspirational materials, gifts, a message and a picture from me. Throughout the years I have been volunteering to share my “life experiences” as the guest speaker at various events throughout the nation. I use this opportunity not only to share my story in a positive light, but also to help raise funds for non-profit organizations in their efforts to support these patients. Some of my ongoing efforts include guest speaking for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the National Cancer Survivor’s Day, the Ronald McDonald House, The ACS Relay For Life, Minnesotans Connect Documentary for Twin Cities Public Television, the Mayo Clinic’s Oncology Nurses Orientation, Orthopedics Alumni Reunion for the Mayo Clinic, the Ronald McDonald Hearts and Diamonds Spectacular, and Camp Barnabas in Purdy, MO, a summer camp for disadvantaged/disabled campers. I have also designed Christmas cards, which are sold on-line to raise funds for Give Kids the World and The National Childhood Cancer Foundation. To date, our collaborated efforts have raised over $194,000.00 to better the lives of those less fortunate. I have also served a two-year term as a National Youth Advisory Board Member for “Youth InMotion”, a national magazine produced by the Amputee Coalition of America, which is designed to provide hope and inspiration for children living with limb loss. While serving as an advisor, I chose to write personal stories of encouragement for publication. Another way I have provided encouragement to amputees is by volunteering to create two Mayo Medical Edge films, produced by the Mayo Clinic. The short films are designed to feature my abilities to excel in life with only one leg, have been broadcasted nation-wide, stream on the Internet ( http://www.medicaledge.org/2006april-1.html), and are presented to newly diagnosed cancer patients and/or amputees to encourage them and provide hope for their future. Even though I have been blessed with so many opportunities in my life, I am exceptionally honored to be involved with my most recent endeavor. In early 2007 our family had the opportunity to co-found a new non-profit organization called “Brighter Tomorrows”. Brighter Tomorrows serves as an outreach to families touched by childhood cancer. Its mission statement is to provide emotional, educational, and spiritual support by listening to, understanding, and supporting these families. By formalizing many of our efforts we expect to serve even more families in the future. Our dreams for this organization are endless! I have no intention of ever discontinuing my volunteer efforts. While in college I plan to attain a double major in Business Administration and Management of Information Systems, granting me the knowledge necessary to run my own business, a business dedicated to the betterment of others. |
Catalytic Contributor Award to Robin & Starla Krause; Teaching gardens have been cultivated for three years by the volunteers, students and their families. The Loring Schoolyard Garden includes vegetable and butterfly gardens, an orchard and prairie, they are life labs for the classroom. Through the gardening and cooking, students learn to observe, inquire and experience natures lessons in a unique way. |
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Supercharged Influencer Award to Amelia Santaniello; Amelia joined WCCO TV in May 1996. Over the past 11 years, Santaniello has endeared herself to our community as a trusted and respected news anchor, as well as someone who cares deeply about giving back. Most recently Santaniello was honored by Concordia College as, “A Women of Influence,” a new program at the college that encourages female students to achieve their goals. City Pages editors named her Best Newscaster in the Twin Cities in 2000 and just this month; readers of The Minnesota Women's Press picked her as their favorite local female television personality for 2007. Santaniello is passionate about helping to improve the lives of children and families in our community. Individually, or teamed up with her husband Frank, you will find her at many of the premiere events in the Twin Cities that further this cause. |
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Differential Injector Award to Minnesota Twins; This year’s recipient of the Differential Injector award is the Minnesota Twins. Besides the great work individual players and coaches do, the organization as a whole has made youth-based initiatives a priority in its charitable programs. The Minnesota Twins regularly sponsor baseball & softball programs, clinics, grants and funds to help Minnesota youth make their dreams a reality. On top of all their great work, they take the time each year to recognize a member of their own organization who has made volunteerism a priority in their life. |
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Community Ignition Award to YouthCARE; YouthCARE (Youth for Cultural Appreciation & Racial Equality) is a Twin Cities based nonprofit organization with a successful 34-year history of providing multicultural youth development services for Minneapolis and St. Paul youth, 7-18 years old. YouthCARE programs build the employment, self-sufficiency, and leadership skills that urban youth need in order to make a successful transition into adulthood. All YouthCARE programs:
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