Kathleen Ellis

My parents diagnosed me at a young age with “stray dog syndrome” (SDS) For those not familiar with this diagnosis, I believe Webster’s defines it as:

• Wearing one’s heart on his sleeve at all times
• Gravitating to the underdog, the downtrodden
• Feeling that one must make a difference in today’s world

Ok, so in this context, my parents often viewed this syndrome, my instinctive radar,  as a negative — an inability to put myself first.  Clearly, I recognize that SDS has a downside, but I like to think I can use my condition  to fight for causes that I believe in, causes that are worthwhile.  I strongly believe that ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  My journey in life has introduced me to inspirational people who exemplify that philosophy everyday.

Madaktari Africa is the brainchild (no pun intended) of neurosurgeon Dr. Dilan Ellegala who had a vision of changing the way healthcare is provided in East Africa.

Citizen Effect Dan Morrison is an incredible friend who I’ve known for close to 18 years.  After years working in the corporate world, he wanted to make a difference.  He started Citizen Effect which is a nonprofit that facilitates the connection between socially conscious individuals, groups, and businesses with communities in high need areas of the world. Together, these citizen philanthropists and developing communities partner to build critical self-sustaining projects – wells, toilets, childcare centers.  Dan was ONE person who wanted to make a difference and through his efforts, ONE person or ONE group can take on a project and change lives forever.

Girls Fight Back

When Erin Weed came to work in the Public Affairs and Communications Department at Children’s Memorial Hospital, we knew she was destined for a greater good.  No one could have predicted that less than a year later, a new mission in life would find her.  Erin’s dear friend Shannon was murdered by an intruder who broke into her college apartment.  On the night of her death and under the worst of circumstances, Shannon chose to fight back against the stranger in her home.  Because she did, she was able to provide physical evidence that lead police to her killer. Inspired by the way Shannon fought her attacker, Erin abandoned a career in the fast-paced world of New York City television production to learn all she could about self-defense and personal safety.  After gaining several certifications to teach, Erin started speaking at colleges in 2002 and founded Girls Fight Back.  In 2007 and 2009 she was voted a Top 5 Finalist for “Best Female Performer” by Campus Activities magazine, and speaks to over 100,000 young people per year.  She is also the author of “Girls Fight Back! The College Girl’s Guide to Protecting Herself” and a frequent guest in the media including the CBS Early Show, Weekend Today and CNN.  To read more about Erin, visit her blog at ErinWeed.com

Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago

I witnessed more amazing miracles inside the walls of Children’s Memorial and learned more life lessons in eight years there than I ever thought possible.  This 300 bed hospital started because of the steps ONE woman took.   In 1882, a young widow, Julia Foster Porter, who had tragically lost her young son to a deadly disease took bold steps to transform the future of children’s health in Chicago. Renovating a modest home at the corner of Belden and Halsted streets for $13,000, Julia Foster Porter established Chicago’s first – and still its only – hospital dedicated exclusively to caring for children. From these modest roots, with the support of many community partners, Julia’s cottage would eventually become Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Lowcountry Lab Rescue

As the proud “mom” of a labrador retriever, I can’t help but admire this volunteer-run organization.  Its mission revolves around saving Labradors who are about to be euthanized because they are determined to “unadoptable.”  Most of these dogs have survived despite their rough beginnings, and just need a little help, love and attention — just like the rest of us — and are hoping to find new homes to share their love.

Pet Helpers

Pet Helpers was founded 30 years ago by Carol Linville after she read that 8,000 pets were being euthanized each year at local shelters. It began as a weekly “adopt a pet” column and evolved into a widely recognized, innovative shelter that offers caring solutions to the serious problems created by pet overpopulation. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by keeping all animals until adopted, providing low cost spay/neuter surgeries, offering education programs, pursuing animal cruelty prosecution and initiating animal welfare legislation.