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Kevin Eberle’s world was turned upside down in 1986 when his best friend Connie unexpectedly took her own life. There were no warning signs and he was left angry, confused, and guilty. With the lack of support groups through his own search, Kevin began Survivors of Suicide two years after Connie’s death in order to help others navigate through losing a loved one to suicide.

Kathy Morgan always knew she would get cancer. Eight years after her father passed away from bladder cancer, Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2001, she participated in her first Relay for Life, forming a team called Capitan Morgan’s Cancer Crusaders. To date, the team has raised an astonishing 1.2 Million Dollars for Relay for Life—making them the top-grossing fundraising team.

Johnny Vega was a model student—participating in sports, getting good grades, and even scoring a scholarship to Millersville University—but by the age of 20 Johnny had taken his two year drug selling to a new level by opening a pair of night clubs. Known as the “one-stop-shop,” Johnny’s luck caught up with him when he was nabbed by the authorities and ultimately spent eight years in Federal prison. Today, he serves as a motivational speaker and encourages troubled youth to choose a better...

After the birth of her third child, Angela Myers started running to stay in shape. That is when she discovered her speed and love of sprinting. She soon found USA Track and Field Masters, which is an organization for athletes over the age of 35 years old and qualified to represent the U.S.A. in Worlds. The experience of becoming a world-class athlete empowered her to pursue a career as a life coach and publish her first book entitled Living Younger.

Although Leo and Nick DiSanto did not particularly grow up in a musical household, the brothers have been paving their way through the music scene since their adolescence. For Nick who went to school to study sculpture, joined his two loves and began constructing wearable instruments—transforming him into a one-man band. Besides Leo’s solo career that includes busking around the world, he is a part of Lancaster’s well-known band, Vinegar Creek Constituency.

Having grown up as a member of the Amish community, Esther Schmucker experienced struggles and bouts of physical and emotional abuse. After giving birth to her abuser’s child at the age of 15 and later staring on The Discovery Channel’s show, Amish Mafia, Esther found her calling by helping others through Voices of Hope as well as writing a book titled “Healing in Heels.”

Growing up in downtown Lancaster, Osmyn Oree struggled with his identity as a member of the black community. Osmyn experienced racism not only from differing cultures, but also his own as he was often accused of not being black enough. Using his photography as an outlet to break down stereotypical barriers, Osmyn focuses on projects that challenge cultural diversity as well as the human body.

Leiana Smathers is a bright, bubbly, and fun 11-year-old despite her ongoing physical challenges. Born with Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome—a rare disease that has only been diagnosed to 200 people worldwide—Leiana has had multiple surgeries since birth to correct cataracts that leave her nearly blind, yet nothing seems to dampen her spirits. Full of life, she is determined not to let anything stop her.

Joining the military was a natural calling for Joe Post since most of the men in his family had served, however, the construction-minded veteran enlisted in the Army at the age of 25 after obtaining a college degree. He was a member of the troops sent to Iraq and was a part of a routine clearance sent into clear IEDs and EFPs. War took its toll on Joe and he returned home to later be diagnosed with PTSD—a disorder that affects approximately 15 out of 100 Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom...

Jenny Mercandetti found the love of her life in her partner, Shaun Mehal, but life had different plans for the happy couple. Having been clean and sober for two and a half years, Shaun fell off the wagon and passed away from an overdose five weeks after his 34th birthday. Jenny vowed to keep his most positive aspects alive through the Mighty Mehal Foundation, which provides financial assistance to those who have successfully completed a detox program and are seeking residency in a recovery...

For 39 years, Richard Humphreys has been entertaining children of all ages at Gnome Countryside on his Colerain Township property. Dressed in lederhosen, sporting a red kerchief around his neck and a handmade woolen cap on his head, Mr. Rich balances the struggles of near blindness due to diabetes by creating a mystical gnome land that engages children in storytelling and a lot of laughter.

Hidden behind Frosoula Romano’s glowing smile was a mass of anxiety, which started in high school. After trying medication for relief, Frosoula discovered a Bodypump class and later took to teaching Bodyflow—a Les Mills yoga-like program—to ease the anxiety that had affected her for years. Beyond her teachings, Frosoula is also a Reiki practitioner and doTerra essential oils consultant.

Growing up in Columbia, PA, Jeremy Crouse did not originally have a full appreciation for Lancaster County early in life. He left the area and ventured to Las Vegas where he got caught up in the nightlife of Sin City and began heavily using drugs—an addiction that led to hospitalization and homelessness. Luckily an officer helped send Jeremy back home to Lancaster where he is fully recovered and now focuses on his career as a realtor.

Patience Buckwalter does not remember the night that her and her adoptive mother had to flee Ethiopia to the United States for their safety from dangers of the militia. Her refugee experience led Patience to help others in similar situations through the Grape Leaf Empowerment Center and her new venture, Grape Leaf Café, which allows refugee women the opportunity to showcase their cooking skills and obtain work as well social and cultural interaction with the Lancaster community.

Jason Johnson is the not only the Founder and Director of the Central PA Heroes Coalition, he’s also Captain America. Donating his time to visit sick children while dressed as the famous superhero, Jason’s efforts extend to organizing fundraising events and special adventures. The nonprofit’s mission is simple: to bring happiness and smiles to all children through the love of costume characters.

Mark Springer never signed any of his work. Now recognized as “Untitled Mark,” the artist has found a love for salvaged materials and makes his mark on the world as a furniture designer who incorporates distinct angles, raw metal, and visual contradictions between form and function.

Kitty Byk was 12 years old when Hitler’s Nazi party took over her hometown of Vienna, Austria. Being of half Jewish decent, Kitty overcame working in the Labor Department, daily bombings, the advance of the Russian army, begging for food, and migrating to the U.S. just after her 20th birthday.

After a suppression of childhood molestation, Lionel Adriano coped with a dangerous drug addiction that led to homelessness. Things clicked for Lionel when he was offered a job at a salon and he began his journey into skin and beauty. Now the co-owner of Revolve Atelier, he continues to push himself and welcomes new opportunities.

Jen Nields wanted to be a humane officer ever since high school. She built her career experience after the devastating, sudden death of her father and utilized the tragedy to create Santa Claws and Paws to aide families in need. Focused on the greater good of animals, Jen throws herself into her work for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Private investigation may not have always been in the cards for Sean Hall but interest in the field and fate brought the U.S. Air Force veteran to where he is today. Cases such as insurance fraud, child custody, infidelity, stalking, and even high-profile cases like investigating the church of Scientology makes him one busy man.