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Meet 2009’s Mom on a Mission Finalist, Teri Morin!
Healthy Child
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
This year, Healthy Child received 128 submissions from across the country in response to our 2009 Mom on a Mission search. We received many compelling stories about dynamic women working to make their communities healthier and safer for their children. One that particularly moved us was sent in by Sharon Nicholls, nominating her sister, Teri. Though we didn't select Teri as the winner, she was one of the finalists and a strong contender. Take a look at Sharon's letter to us:
"Five years ago my niece, Isabelle, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. At three years old, Isabelle began a daily chemotherapy and medicine protocol at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital that lasted three years.
My sister Teri, who also had a one year old little boy, Jack, at home, began the daily hospital visits to St. Jude during Isabelle's treatment and many times a week stayed in patient as Isabelle's immune system became very depleted.
My brother in law is a pilot for Federal Express and could not be there many times due to his job. Teri always stayed positive for Isabelle and Jack. She cooked and played games with them all day and stayed awake most nights while Isabelle was violently ill from chemotherapy. She never waivered and remained strong.
After Isabelle was cancer free, Teri wanted to give back to the environment and community. She co-founded a non profit organization called Green Hope Foundation. The mission of Green Hope is to educate and inspire families and communities in making responsible choices for the health of our children and the environment. She works with schools for green cleaning and school nutrition. She supports Prince Charles' Rainforest Project and works tirelessly on GreenTownsAction for a greener environment worldwide.
It seems like almost everyday Teri is planning another fundraiser and event to give back to St. Jude's. Without her amazing energy and ideas, our foundation would not exist and I would not have the opportunity to educate our community on the importance of a healthy environment for our children.
I'm amazed by Teri and our relationship has grown extremely close. Today, she is embarking on another mission along with my niece to teach children the importance of giving back to our community and has created another business ChefIsabelle.com.
Teri never gets paid for what she does and has never thought about self gratitude. She is an inspiration to me as a friend, sister and mother. I am so proud of her and her tenacity for living a greener and healthier life. I feel she would be a wonderful recipient of your first Mom On A Mission Award."
Posted by Dentist Elk Grove on 10/28 at 08:47 PM
This is what I call inspiration. I hope you will be able to inspire others more.
Posted by Mark Bishop on 10/30 at 08:55 AM
I had a chance to visit with Teri and Sharon a few months ago to see first hand the work the Green Hope Foundation was doing. They do such great work and they are so passionate about what they do. I’m so impressed by what they’ve accomplished so far, and for the vision that they bring to their work. Keep it going!
Posted by Sarah on 11/01 at 04:07 PM
Very Inspiring!!!
Posted by LDC on 10/28 at 07:26 PM
Congratulations to Teri Morin! I am so glad Healthy Child has recognized such of an exemplary role model of a mom. Teri is definitely a Mom on a Mission and is gaining momentum with the recognition as the top finalist from Healthy Child.