2007 Hall of Fame Winner and Finalists

They have embraced life with a never-quit attitude. They inspired us and made us smile! These Keep Going® Hall of Fame Finalists showed passion for their causes, determination in the face of challenges and spirits that never stopped.

Melanie Goldish - Hoffman Estates, IL 2007 Hall of Fame Winner

When her son was diagnosed with cancer Melanie knew that it would be a tough fight, but she also recognized it was a fight of a different sort for her other children. As a result, she decided to do something about it and founded SuperSibs!, an international non-profit organization designed to help kids whose siblings are sick to cope and feel special while they – and their families – deal with the difficult situation of treatment for their loved one.

Todd Huston - Tulsa, OK

Although Todd lost his leg in a boating accident more than 30 years ago, it hasn’t stopped him from pressing ahead and pursuing his interests – especially mountain climbing. He set a world record for climbing the highest points in all 50 states, breaking even the record held by a person with two legs by more than 35 days. Always willing to inspire others, Todd travels around the world speaking to people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures to spread his message of hope, strength and perseverance.

David Freeman - Grand Marais, MN

David Freeman organized WildernessClassroom.com to educate children about unique parts of the globe with the intent of inspiring an ethic of conservation and environmental responsibility. Today, 3rd through 8th graders follow David’s treks, while the organization provides weather data, photos, podcasts, notes, quizzes and worksheets to participating classrooms. In its early days just five classrooms followed his treks, now David is in contact with more than 900 teachers and 30,000 students all over the world.

Christian Bagge - Cibolo, TX

Having lost both of his legs in Iraq, Christian set his sights on a recovery that would include running with President George W. Bush – a feat that exemplifies his “never quit” attitude. He met that goal in June 2006 when he joined the President for a run at the White House. A purple heart recipient, and now a spokesman for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, he also campaigns for the Wounded Soldier Project, which raises public awareness and offers support for wounded service personnel.

Molly Barker - Charlotte, NC

A four-time Hawaiian Iron Man triathlete, Molly founded Girls on the Run International, a non-profit organization designed to prepare and educate girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The innovative program, which now has active chapters in more than 150 cities across North America, involves training 8- to 12-year-old girls for a 5K event and includes self-esteem boosting lessons that enhance their social, physical and mental health.

Jeff Lambin - Gardnerville, NV

When his brother spent time in the hospital with nothing more to do than watch television, Jeffrey wanted to give other kids in similar situations a way to keep their hands and minds busy.  As a result, he built “Kids Kart,” a rolling wooden cart with toys, games, books and crafts, and delivered it to a local hospital.  Since then, he has secured $75,000 and product donations to build and stock 15 additional Karts and has delivered them throughout northern Nevada and California. 

Rebekah Kiser - Colorado Springs, CO

Rebecca’s mission is to help women in Africa who suffer from fistula, a condition that affects women who give birth before their bodies are fully developed. Women in this condition are often abandoned by their husbands and tribe, and walk miles over mountain ranges to the one hospital in Ethiopia where they can be treated. As a result, Rebecca has dedicated herself to creating a safe place where she works to feed, clothe, house and educate the women as they wait for surgeries to correct their condition.

Bess Wilfong - Saint Louis, MO

Bess founded Angels Arms, an organization dedicated to providing housing for foster families that are willing to take in sibling groups. A foster parent herself, Bess quickly learned how difficult it was to find homes where siblings could remain together. She and Angel Arms provide virtually no-cost housing and a variety of resources for foster families – especially those who are willing to take in sibling groups. To date, more than 75 children – including 18 sibling groups – have called Angels Arms home.

Joy McKee - Huntsville, AL

Joy McKee has taken what was once a two-person department and transformed it into a community-wide network of 12,000 volunteers with the sole mission of keeping Huntsville clean and green. She even started a litter hotline, which has resulted in 1,500 warning letters issued to alleged litterbugs. Huntsville, Alabama, is now one of the “Top Ten Green Cities,” according to the Green Guide, thanks to Joy’s dedication and diligence.

Walt Medicis - Jamesville, New York

The words "never quite" certainly mean something to Walt Medicis.He began teaching his ballroom dancing class while serving in the Navy during World War II. Now, sixty years later, Walt is still teaching and his classes at Syracuse University are packed with students anxious to learn how to dance. Students young and old eagerly gather to learn the latest dances including the Cha-Cha, Salsa, Fox Trot, Tango and more.