Maybe they are a breast cancer survivor, an AIDS patient, a police officer who puts her life on the line every day, or even a pet who has rescued an owner from peril.
Louise Svenonius thinks they all are heroes, and that’s why she has created the Heroes and Survivors Club to honor them with logo T-shirts, caps and jackets proclaiming their status.
The company was inspired by a dream Svenonius had after an aunt died of colon cancer. Having overcome adversity herself–a childhood stroke left her with some arm paralysis–Svenonius saw herself in the dream wearing a “Survivor” T-shirt.
“I thought I had to act on this even if it was just my family wearing the shirts,” she recalls.
Now the Carol Stream resident sells the clothing (it costs from about $6 for a bandana to about $85 for a customized jacket), giving $1 to AIDS and breast cancer research and prevention efforts for every item sold with an embroidered pink or red ribbon.
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She also invites people to tell their personal stories of struggle and triumph via a monthly contest, and offers encouragement to members worldwide through the company’s Web site at www.in2ition.com.
For more information, write to 543 Canterbury Dr., Carol Stream, Ill., 60188, or call 800-797-HERO.
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Compiled by Leigh Behrens