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I'm honored, though I'm not a hero

Several weeks ago we were contacted by CNN. They told us we had been nominated to be a CNN Hero. After several telephone interviews and a thorough investigation by CNN they informed me they wanted to meet me. I was very apprehensive. I ignored their phone calls and emails for days.

When I finally returned their call I told them I was not a hero. Our fellow creation that are surviving the pains of poverty and our fellow Americans who donate to The Time Is Now to Help, making our mission possible, are the true heroes. I was told CNN would bring more recognition to the strife of poverty and this will in turn help more Americans that suffer daily in poverty. I agreed to meet.

Within a week a Kathleen Toner, a CNN reporter and Chris, a CNN camera man arrived from New York to film The Time Is Now to Help at work.

CNN accompanied me to visit some of our fellow Americans in desperate need of assistance. It was a busy two days of visits and interviewing. Many people were not willing to share their pain and embarrassment of poverty with CNN.

It took over twenty requests before a few gave us their consent. I had a very difficult time with this. I remember the shame I felt as a young boy, growing up in poverty. Some were willing to show what they struggle with on a daily basis, to bring awareness to poverty in America, behind closed doors.

We respected privacy when it was requested. We also respected our fellow creations that did not mind giving us a glimpse into what it is like to live in poverty, with hunger, disabilities, and the daily struggle to get by. Thank you to all that let the camera man into their private lives and struggles.

CNN has just notified us that the story done on our organization, The Time Is Now to Help, will air this weekend beginning on Friday.

Their website www.cnn.com/heroes will have the story available beginning Thursday. We could not have done this without your caring and sharing for over twenty years. Every time I hugged a crying senior citizen, helped a single mother, comforted a handicapped individual, I felt you by my side. This honor is yours, my supporters, not mine. Our caring and sharing hearts coming together have eased the pain and suffering for thousands of fellow Americans, God Bless you.

All I know of the person that nominated me for the CNN Heroes is they are the mother of a woman that received our assistance. She was so moved by our assistance to her daughter she felt the need to help share our story.

I want to tell this woman it was an honor to be able to assist your daughter when she needed a helping hand. It is what The Time Is Now to Help is grateful to do every day. We are always thankful for our donors and volunteers. We are always happy we can offer assistance when needed. Thank you, God bless you, for caring and sharing for our fellow creations.