Community Award Runners-Up

Anne*
Anne is not yet 18, but has shown remarkable maturity in her approach to life and motherhood.

Anne suffers with an illness that sees her restricted to a wheelchair and she is raising her baby alone, after the baby's father left her during pregnancy. She is a dedicated breast-feeder and is attachment parenting.

Anne is incredibly knowledgeable as a parent and in general. She has a particular interest in green living and is trying her best to make the world a greener place.

She never complains, and continues to support all of her friends online no matter what life throws at her.
* Name has been changed.

Nic
Nic was a regular member of the iVillage pregnancies board while she was expecting her daughter in summer 2006.

Sadly, her beloved daughter was born more than 12 weeks early. Nic's online friends watched with admiration as Nic coped with this unexpected challenge and eventually her little girl was allowed home.

Then, as her first Christmas approached, the Nic's daughter caught an awful virus and tragically passed away on Boxing Day.

Despite her own terrible loss, Nic stayed an active member of the community, posting updates and helping other people with their babies and even coming along to a group meet-up.

Spirit of survival Runners-Up

Jenny
In February 2007, Jenny's beloved husband got up and went to work as usual. However, completely out of the blue, Jenny's husband died suddenly at work aged 36. There was no explanation. He was sadly one of the many people that die each year for no apparent cause, despite being fit and healthy.

Jenny has been left to raise their three daughters alone, the eldest was just eight at the time.

Jenny has carried on with life, remaining as upbeat as possible for her children, making sure they always feel safe and secure. All three daughters have had to undergo tests to see if they are likely to suffer the same sudden death as their father - so far the tests have been clear.

Naomi
Naomi was nominated by many of her online friends, who were all touched by her spirit and outlook.

Naomi was just about to undergo chemotherapy for her Multiple Sclerosis when she found out that she was pregnant. Naomi and her husband, Lee, were delighted but it did mean putting off the chemotherapy treatment.

During her pregnancy, Naomi suffered with SPD [chronic pelvic pain] then broke her ankle when she was seven-months-pregnant, restricting her to a wheelchair for the rest of the pregnancy. She then developed high blood pressure, and baby Kya arrived early!

Shortly after this, Naomi's mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and sadly died just two weeks later.

She has recently, finally, received the chemo treatment and has had a horrible Plasma Transfusion, keeping her away from Kya for a week.

Wonderfully, the transfusion and treatment has meant Naomi is starting to improve and can now walk a couple of steps.

One member wanted to highlight the wonderful support of Lee, too. "He is a self-employed tiler, and looks after both Naomi and Kya so fabulously. He makes both their lunch for them before he goes to work, stores it in a mini-fridge so that Naomi can reach it.

"He does the cooking, the cleaning and loves both Naomi and Kya to distraction.

"Truly an inspiring couple if ever I knew one."

Donna
Donna's son, Caden, was due in May 2006, but was born prematurely with serious health difficulties that have been ongoing ever since.

For many, many months into little Caden's life, Donna had to get up every half an hour throughout the night to give Caden his medication. She has been at his side for every bout of surgery and is always willing him on with her positivity.

Caden has had to stay in hospital many times, and Donna has to juggle his needs with those of her older child. Despite such a busy life, Donna always has time for her friends on iVillage and is always happy to offer advice, virtual hugs and support.

Caden still wears 'newborn' clothes and got his first tooth at 19 months. All the mums on the Mums' Club May 2006 message board are so proud of him and his fighting spirit and love of life. And, says a member who nominated Donna; "he gets this because of the love and encouragement that his mum has shown.

"She's never given up, never given into self-pity and she keeps Caden progressing with her devotion to him.

"He and his mum really do epitomise the spirit of survival."

Go back to: Community Awards 2008 winners.