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 path.

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 veterans.

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 or sober-living house.