There are many second chance stories in progress. Some people
have just realized that they have received a second chance. Others are
in the middle of doing something productive with them. Some have had
success and are finding ways to give back. All are inspiring and motivating in their
own ways.
For 4 months in Jacksonville, FL in 1995, she was homeless with only a few clothes and a few books to her name.
Tanya
Kleiman received food and shelter from the Salvation Army and gave back
by being a bell ringer for weeks over the 2009 holidays. She once
again needed a job and bell ringers can make $8 an hour. In return she
raised $300 a day for the Montgomery County, Delaware chapter.
The Gazette, by Erin Donaghue, photo by Naomi Brookner
Christina Pirello, an American chef with her own cooking show, was told she had 9 months to live when she was 25 years old, from a type of blood cancer. Instead of giving up or giving in to the disease, she learned to cook her way to health and remission. That was 29 years ago. Her knowledge of macrobiotic foods, Chinese medicine, and nutrition, gave her a second chance and has led her to making a difference in many people's lives.
Read her entire interview with JPost.com, by Lauren Gelfond Feldinger
BJ with the Armstrong family who helped him through his recovery
BJ Bailon, 16, is alive today due to the determined actions of Teresa Armstrong during a high school baseball game.
BJ suffered a torn artery and ruptured spleen after an attempted foul ball catch. He complained of discomfort and Teresa, a third grade teacher and mother of 4, insisted on taking him to the emergency room. He made it into the operating room with only minutes to spare.
Then, not only did Teresa save BJ's life, but she stayed by his side during his recovery. As a single dad, Joe Bailon needed all the help he could get in caring for his cherished son. Teresa's entire family stepped up to the plate.
BJ is doing well now and hopes to return to baseball next season.
Quake survivor Benito Revolus, saved by an American rescue team
One Miracle at a Time.
A 23 year old carpenter vows to make the most of his second chance at life after surviving for 5 days beneath the rubble in a hospital in Haiti.
Benito Revolus was bleeding, had no food and no water. He was hungry and pinned to a bed under a slab of debris. He told the AP, "I asked God to free me and I promised him I wouldn't waste my second chance.'
Having landed in a hospital after being stabbed in a fight over money, he promised first to forgive all old scores - then to 'never pay at the lottery again.'"
