He's an Inspiration--SO VOTE!

Though I consider many of my friends everyday heroes in their own way, Efren Penaflorida, a 28-year old Filipino, a former corn vendor from the impoverished streets of the Philippines, is every bit the hero we all aspire to be. My girlfriend JD sent me this CNN article about Penaflorida and how he is in the running to be one of the 2009 CNN Heroes. His childhood story is that which is mirrored by many young children in the Philippines--destitute, uneducated, stealing from others, begging by the roadside--images that describe those kids living in shantytowns outside Manila and in most other provinces. Penaflorida fought his way out of that lifestyle and started the DTC, Dynamic Teen Company. 

I wanted to share his success story with all of you in the hopes that at the very least, you'll cast your vote for him as a CNN Hero. I also hope that you'll read more about his story and the company he started, and perhaps donate to his cause or forward it to your friends and family the world over. Sharing his story may inspire others to follow suit in their homeland or help Penaflorida out. I know his story has touched and inspired me. I will share his (along with many other everyday heroes I know of) story with Micro one day in the hopes that it will teach my son something about pain, suffering, determination, and success. A lesson we could all benefit from.