2006 Hall of Fame Winner and Finalists

In the first year of the Keep Going® Hall of Fame, we heard some truly amazing stories of people with the same spirit as the Energizer Bunny®. Here's a look at the 2006 Keep Going® Hall of Fame finalists and our winner, John O'Leary. Watch out, their stories just might inspire you!

John O'Leary - Saint Louis, MO 2006 Hall of Fame Winner

Nineteen years ago, life for a nine-year-old changed forever in a fire accident. John O'Leary had less than half of 1 percent chance of surviving burns on 98 percent of his body. Countless surgeries later, John is a survivor. Although the accident resulted in the loss of his fingers, John operates his own rehab business, participating in much of the work himself. A St. Louis University finance graduate, John is the proud husband to Beth and father to three-month-old Jack. He is active as a Big Brother and a chaplain at Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Truly, he exemplifies perseverance and a never-quit attitude.

Rudy Garcia-Tolson - Bloomington, CA

Born with a rare genetic disorder which prevented him from walking, Rudy decided to have his legs amputated at the age of five so he could live a more normal life. His optimistic and positive attitude helped him keep going and at the age of eight, he proclaimed he would be a Paralympian. He was right. At age 15, Garcia-Tolson became a Paralympian, winning a gold medal in the 200 meter Independent Medley in Athens, Greece.

Denise Walsh - Fairfield, CT

Helping others has always been second nature to Denise. Walsh, a Nurse Manager for 23 years and mother of four, assembles teams of doctors and nurses and travels to countries like Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Liberia and Haiti where they donate their own vacation time and medical supplies to help treat the poor. On a normal trip, Walsh and her team spend five days giving medical attention to over 1,000 needy children and adults.

Brenda Gilmore - Upper Marlboro, MD

Brenda is being recognized for her tireless effort to support her community. After a terrible car accident left Gilmore paralyzed, she took up wheelchair tennis and became a nationally top-ranked player. A desire to support her community and help children resulted in her founding the non-profit Prince George's Tennis and Education Foundation (PGTEF), which develops programs to enrich the lives of under-served county youth through productive activities. She works tirelessly to train the bodies and minds of children so that they may achieve their goals in life. Many have received scholarships to college and all have learned what it takes to succeed.

Nicholas Marriam - Clayton, NC

Nicholas is determined to make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children. After being diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma cancer, Nicholas had to receive chemotherapy every week, have spinal taps and take many pills. He missed two years of school and was very lonely. When he finished his chemotherapy, he wanted to help other kids, so he decided to start The Nickelby Project, which provides gift bags to help ease the worries and fears of children with a chronic or life-threatening illness. To date, thousands of gift bags have been delivered to local hospitals.

Donald Matney - High Point, NC

One week after retiring from 55 years in radio, Don began a new career. Now at age 76, he plays piano five days a week (gratis) at three retirement centers and the Regional Hospital. He plays the music of the 40's & 50's...if you can hum it, Don can play it. Don was blind at birth and spent his youth at the North Carolina School for the Blind where he received music training. As years went by he gained slight vision, but is still legally blind. He and his cane are instantly recognized as he walks or takes the bus. He is an inspiration to others for his optimistic attitude.

Christiane Oliveri - Oradell, NJ

Christiane is a mother, a hero, an on-the-go extra mile beacon of strength, courage and inspiration. She cares for a son with Muscular Dystrophy and her mother, age 94. She’s a do-it-yourself architect, landscaper, artist, chef and hospital volunteer. Although English isn’t her first language (actually, her fourth of nine), she single-handedly founded the first-of-its-kind, volunteer-run teen center in her town and donates proceeds to charities. She’s an icon of love, courage and generosity to everyone who’s lucky to know her, young and old. And to find her, look for the woman who’s always smiling.

Miriam Richards - Corvallis, OR

Miriam has overcome many mountains in her life including being deaf and having Multiple Sclerosis. Richards had a goal to become the first deaf person to reach the highest point in each of the 50 states. With only one remaining, Mt. Denali in Alaska, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. However, she did not let that get in her way. She climbed 15,600 ft. of Mt. Denali before turning back due to difficult weather – that is 77 percent of the way up the mountain! No matter what barriers Miriam faces, she continues to overcome them with her steadfast persistence. Nothing will stop her from achieving her goals.

Dustin Wilen - Frisco, TX

Dustin was only 4 1/2-years-old when he started martial arts training. Early on, Dustin asked his instructor how long it would take to get his black belt. His instructor told him that if he came every day, it would take him less than two years. Twenty-two months later, just barely six-years-old, Dustin earned his black belt. He completed 20 hours of community service; ran his mile in 9 minutes and 45 seconds; did 100 push-ups, leg lifts, crunches and squats; and wrote a book report and research paper. After the test, the evaluating instructor commented, "I wrote down here, Dustin Wilen-littlest guy-biggest heart."

Becca Robinson - Layton, UT

When Becca’s friend told her that being an astronaut was a boy’s job, it didn’t stop her, it motivated her. Becca developed AstroTots, Science Camp for Little Dippers, a free camp for at-risk girls, age four to 10. The camp was created to motivate girls who love science. Now in its fifth year, AstroTots is so popular that Becca has to turn away as many as 100 girls for some sessions.