HERO MOMS TO KNOW | December 2014

She is cherished by her family and admired by the community. She demonstrates strength, courage, and concern for others. Meet the hero inside these local moms....

KRISTINA MASTRINO, NAPERVILLE

Drew's Family Fest for CURED/Drew’s Drive for Comer’s Kids

Inspired by two of her children fighting an auto immune disease, Kristina created Drew's Family Fest for CURED to host an affordable event for families while raising much needed research funds and awareness for Eosinophilic Diseases. In addition, Kristina founded Drew's Drive for Comer's Kids; collecting toys during the holidays for children, like her son, who spend many long days at the University of Chicago's Comer

Children's Hospital.

AMY MCCURRY, CLARENDON HILLS

Committed to Community

Amy worked as a special education teacher in D181 before becoming a full-time mom of four beautiful children. Raising a child with Down Syndrome has propelled her journey further by using professional and personal experiences developing a Special Needs Ministry at her church, championing athletes at Elite Stars Gymnastics, volunteering for Knights of Columbus, contributing her talents as a member of the Infant Welfare board & working as a Parent Liaison through school district's Family Resource Network.

MEGAN DRANE, AURORA

Official Photographer for Autism Society of Illinois

As an award winning Naperville photographer, Megan Drane has the opportunity to offer her gifts to support special needs families. Her company, Firefly Nights Photography is the official photographer for Autism Society of Illinois and the studio has been named Director’s Choice by Stories of Autism. Having a son with Asperger's Syndrome, Megan honors Autism Awareness month each April by providing no-fee mini-sessions and waiving minimum order requirements.

KATHLEEN MANNING, WHEATON

Aidan’s Army–The Aidan Manning Memorial Foundation

Kathleen established Aidan’s Army - The Aidan Manning Memorial Foundation after losing her 3-year old son, Aidan, to a malignant brain tumor. In an effort to provide hope to other children with Medulloblastoma, Kathleen supports research and treatments that may one day lead to a cure by organizing annual fundraising events such as an Aidan’s Army team in the Batavia Triathlon and a Candlelight Bowl with proceeds benefiting pediatric brain tumor research at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

-Photos Submitted

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