Congratulations to the following winners of Memorial's 2010 Spirit of Women Awards!

Elayne Swafford

Young Person Role Model

At just 11 years old, Elayne Swafford has raised more than $1,800 for the American Heart Association through calling, writing and face-to-face fundraising. Since the age of 4, Elayne has donated clothes to a shelter that helps girls who have had to leave their homes. She donates her unopened birthday gifts so that other children can open new toys on special holidays, and serves meals for seniors at local facilities. She is truly a role model for other young people across our community.

Judith Rubleske, R.N., Nutritionist

Community Hero

Judith Rubleske is a community leader with a passion and commitment to sustainability, food security, nutrition, fairness and inclusion. She has initiated an Earth Friendly Eating Event, and a neighborhood Unity Garden that she and more than 25 other volunteers cultivated in a lot that had stood vacant for nearly 40 years. Through the Unity Garden's national motto "We're growing more than just vegetables," she has succeeded in bringing a diverse neighborhood together for a common purpose. She is truly a grass roots success.

Jeannie Derrow, R.N.

Healthcare Hero

Jeannie has single handedly taken celiac disease awareness, education and support to the next level in our community. She wrote and printed a booklet for those newly diagnosed with celiac disease that provides resources, and works to improve in-patient care for those who must have gluten-free food options while hospitalized. She also began a "Living Gluten Free" support group, and sends out a monthly e-newsletter. She demonstrates gluten-free cooking seminars and is always happy to answer questions for those living a gluten-free lifestyle.