I am glad that somebody is helping these children, God Bless-you and your family, Maria! Hope you will win the money which will help with food and taking care of these children.

Take care, you got my vote!
Rose

Not that any of the people on here on not true heros, not that what they did doesnt deserve recognition, I want to know why all Ten are not Americans? Why are all Ten not soldiers, or soldiers families, or soldiers kids, all of whom sacrificed sometimes everything so all of these people could have the freedom to do these things! Please give some respect to the Military!

Thank you Rose for your vote and support! God bless you.

I believe that while all of these people are good, nice, altruistic and perhaps inspirational. They are not heroes, they have done nothing heroic. I have known and worked with real heroes, men who have received the Medal of Honor. To call these candidates heroic or heroes dismisses the actions of true heroes. Please look up hero in the dictionary preferably the first three or so definitions. I am tired of the media calling even victims heroes. “Heroes” should bring to mind Ulysses, York or even Travis.

It is hard to choose. They are all so deserving, and the award funds will go to help their causes, that it seems unfair to pick one over the other.

America has thousands of soldiers in combat zones across the globe, yet CNN can't bring itself to recognize the heroism of a single one. I guess it would offend Europeans and rich urban white liberals, so CNN recognizes non-controversial charity workers instead. Pretty pathetic.

Congratulations, María! Your work is amazing, and so is your dedication. You are my hero and I hope you are able to continue changing lives one day at a time.

I used to work as a Spanish/English medical translator all over the continent, and I will never forget the amazing human experience that each pueblito and its people had to offer.
You are doing exactly what I want to do.

I have walked across fields of land mines and interviewed tuberculosis patients, fed the hungry, and seen life-threatening wounds. I loved working and helping in that capacity, but I have a small child now, so I’m reluctant to be away for long periods of time in areas that can threaten my life. When my son is older, however, I will do so again, with renewed energy, in your example.

You’ve been brave, selfless, and kind – when you didn’t have to be – and that’s what I call heroic. All of the 2008 honorees, in fact, continue their work without obligation, without pay, and without having had to participate at all. The vision and ambition of the average person who chooses to help is relevant to every human and hearing your stories should encourage each one of us.

I wish you the best of luck, María.

Hi Maria,

Congratulations! Your persistent and unselfish work in Mexico when, for years, no one – not CNN or anyone else – was watching, is a perfect example of heroism. Indeed, who knows what the long term consequences of your sacrifices may be. We do know that you are helping to reduce the number of neglected children in this high risk world, and surely your life's work needs to be acknowledged and praised.

As some of the posts above point out there are many hero's in the miliatary – men and women who risk their lives every day. There are hero's within our fire departments and police departments all around this country. It is truly unfortunate that we cannot know about every single one. I sincerely hope that all of these hero's will be recognized and rewarded appropriately.

But, what Maria is doing is extraordinary for very few of us can claim such contributions to humanity. The kind of heroism recognized here is not part of a contract for employment or service. Without discounting for a second what others do, I want to celebrate Maria's life which involves a sacrifice with no assurances that she will ever get anything tangible in return.

When CEO's are making off with huge undeserved parachutes, when the chasm between the rich and poor expands with every day that passes, when government officials lie to us at every turn, ...and more and more - I am ecstatic with CNN's efforts to recognize any of our hero's. I am considered a senior member of our society. When I look back on my life, one regret that I have is that I did not make sufficient sacrifices on behalf of others, including our future generations. Thank you Maria for doing what you do! I personally think you should be nominated for sainthood.

Gerald

Which of these wonderful people is more deserving than the others for the Heroes vote?
Is learning more important to children in Senegal than those in Ethiopia or Cambodia?
I vote for all of these Heroes.
Richard Mason
Topeka, KS

Hi Maria,
It is such an unselfish thing that you are doing to help these kids.
They are indeed our future. If there is anything I can do to help please call on me. I live in Minnesota but my kids and grandkids live in Az.
Sharon
sharonlund1@comcast.net

Maria, your story was the most inspiring for me personally because you are giving and giving when you don't have much for yourself. Also, I could tell you were uncomfortable receiving the award. We could see you gave all the credit to God and to your family. But hopefully the exposure will bring you more volunteers and resources now. Be energized! Peace, MB