Curtis Canyon
Building Supervisor, Cynex, Inc.

About this Everyday Hero

Curtis Canyon is the Maintenance/Property Supervisor and Manager of six apartment buildings in Detroit. In addition to rising from an entry level position to a managerial position and developing a wide variety of skills in his profession, he is known for going the extra mile to provide excellent service and solve tenant problems in an inspiring manner. Curtis has a very challenging job and faces each task with pride and professionalism. The six buildings equate to approximately 320 apartments and over 500 residents. The buildings are located in the heart of Detroit and were generally built in the 1920’s. He knows the buildings and his job so well that he can "hear" leaks before they are noticed. His cell phone rings continually as he makes himself available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for tenants. His buildings are full, and according to his tenants, many are in the buildings "because of Curtis."

He is a role model for the City of Detroit as the young tenants and employees look to him for leadership. His peers describe him as: hard-working, loyal, honest, patient, smart, pleasant, trustworthy, marvelous, dependable, genuine, and heroic. His co-worker said, "He taught me all that I know and he has been a great role model."

Charmain Jefferson-Ford
D.A.R.E. Officer – Southfield

About this Everyday Hero

Officer Jefferson-Ford was The RARE Foundation’s first awarde in January, 2000. She’s been with the Southfield Police Department since 1988, and after she attended the State Police Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (D.A.R.E.), she continued to teach its program in the Southfield Public Schools. "There are so many things that Officer Ford does, not just for the Police Department, but for the community. It’s definitely not just a job for her.", said her nominator Lt. Shawn Rowley. Officer Jefferson-Ford has demonstrated a tireless dedication to her job, treating it as a 24/7 commitment to the children and families of her community. She has made herself a presence beyond the classroom, frequently spending lunch with students and even helping parents with their drug problems. Children and parents alike describe her as exceptional, compassionate, genuine and sincere. Her students, many of whom have spent their lives in troubled neighborhoods, say she has been an inspiration in their lives.

Dr. Jerome Horwitz
Research Scientist, Karmanos Cancer Research Institute

About this Everyday Hero

For over 44 years, this dedicated scientist has been quietly committed to discovering breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Through tireless efforts he finally discovered the most successful drug treatment to date for AIDS. Big medical prizes alluded him though, because his discovery occurred in the early 1960’s long before AIDS arrived on the scene. Because his new compounds didn’t work to interrupt the rapidly dividing cancer cells, as he had hoped, they were "put on the shelf" and nearly forgotten. History may prove that Dr. Horwitz’s discoveries improved the lives of more patients then those of any other health care professional in Michigan. "What we’ve succeeded in doing is changing AIDS from a fatal disease to a chronic disease", says Dr. Horowitz.

According to Dr. William Peters, his employer and nominator for the RARE award, "Dr. Horowitz exemplifies what a career in science should be. He has been dedicated, persistent, humble, thorough, insightful and altruistic. He is a gentle mentor and still able to give captivating presentations on the newest drugs."

Dr. Deborah Korzon
Psychologist

About this Everyday Hero

Dr. Korzon has been called an "entrepreneur of the heart" because she has married the idea of a start up business with the special needs of the mildly developmentally disabled. Dr. Korzon started "On My Own" in Columbus, Ohio more than 20 years ago. She started the Michigan chapter 9 years ago, and both programs have been very successful. Her programs have proven extremely valuable not only for its members, but also for the many family members because as a result of her efforts many of her members actually do successfully live on their own for the first time. Her dedication and sacrifices to "On My Own" are exceptional. She has not only inspired and developed this exciting program that does so much for so many families in need, but she has done it while facing all the challenges common to any entrepreneurial start up enterprise, including tasks such as fund raising, public relations, administration, teaching, and clinical support. She is described by her peers as: hard working, committed, learned, empathetic, charismatic, funny, caring, down-to-earth, unselfish, successful, proactive, creative, dynamic, special, selfless, leader, and a rare find.

George Madison
Director, Child Development Center

About this Everyday Hero

George is the founder, owner, and director of the Child Development Center in Highland Park, a community that has exemplified the problems of urban cennters. George’s story is one of dedication to the community through his work. After working in the Cass Corridor, which is well known in the Detroit area for the homeless, and after working in Highland Park during the past forty years, at the age of 79, George is not looking to retire. Instead, he intends to "refire." He has been offered opportunities in more prosperous neighborhoods and positions, yet he is dedicated to serving the needs of the Highland Park families. He is seeking to expand the program by purchasing surrounding land to develop an advanced playground for the children. He does not slow down, starting his workday at 4:30 a.m. only to take a mid-afternoon nap as a break. Peers describe George as caring, hard working, dedicated, faithful, energetic, and concerned. His wife Bertha, a retired grade school teacher in Detroit and his daughter Paula continue to work at the Center.

Marye Miller
Director, Older Person’s Commission of Rochester

About this Everyday Hero

Marye Miller has worked for the Older Person’s Commission of Rochester for more than 30 years where she currently serves as the Director. Marye has a history of making a difference through her sacrifice, hard work, and leadership. Under Marye’s leadership, OPC started the Meals on Wheels Program, Frail and Elderly Program, and classes in ceramics, jewelry making, woodcarving, knitting, aerobics, wood shop, bridge, computers, painting, Weight Watchers, and others. The Meals on Wheels Program prepares and delivers 141,147 meals daily for the homebound and another 36,063 meals on site to 2,904 seniors covering 270 square miles. While OPC has grown tremendously, Marye continues to work diligently to meet the growing needs of the elderly. She starts her day at 6 a.m. and often works evenings and weekends. The daily tasks include: administration of the staff and volunteers, fund raising for private support, social work, and budgeting for the various programs. Her peers describe her as: persistent, focused, warm hearted, dedicated, an excellent mentor, honest, compassionate, inspirational, energetic, enthusiastic, and a pioneer. Perhaps her coworker said it best, "I wish you could put her in a copy machine and make more of her."

Bonnie Smith
Administrative Assistant

About this Everyday Hero

Bonnie is a receptionist with Jay Alix and Associates in Southfield, Michigan. In addition to more than 16 years of dedicated service to the company, she is especially known for her creativity, caring, and motivation to go above the "call of duty." Among her achievements Bonnie developed the "Comfort Package" program to help employees and their families in times of need. The goal of the program is to make a gentle and comforting difference in the lives of individuals or families whose lives have been altered because of a life-threatening illness or other unforeseen difficult circumstance. The care package is not just a card and flowers. It is in-depth attention to the most urgent needs of the associate and their family. Some of the personalized packages have included homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, motivational and informational tapes and books, movie rentals for kids, massages, facials, and special dinners. Her employer stated, "With three offices and over 125 employees, Bonnie makes sure everyone feels welcome and knows all of their families by name. She adopts people in her life and provides inspiration."