» HISTORY
» PEOPLE |
San Diego native Deora Bodley was just 20 years
old and studying Psychology and French at Santa
Clara University when she was killed on September
11, 2001. One of forty people who died on United
Flight 93 when their plane was hijacked and crashed
to the earth in rural Pennsylvania, Deora's too-short
life shone exquisitely bright.
With warm brown eyes and a friendly smile, Deora
made friends easily. She had that special sort
of personality; she loved working with animals
and people. She especially loved kids. Not
only did she visit local high schools to discuss
HIV/AIDS with her peers, volunteer at both the
Special Olympics and The Helen Woodward Animal
Shelter - she was a coordinator and volunteer
for America Reads, a literacy program for elementary
school students. More than 68 kids had a personal
association with Deora. Pretty amazing, huh? |
|
Debby has worked for Copley Press for more than 25 years and
a past volunteer worker with Landmark Education. At Landmark,
she focused on transformational work within team management
and leadership programs. Her leadership skills were recognized
in 2001 when Debby produced one of the largest and most successful
course in the history of San Diego, with more than 150 participants
experiencing transformation. Debby became active in Read All
Over after her eldest daughter, Deora Bodley, was killed in
the attacks of September 11, 2001. Raised in Westland, Michigan,
Debby now lives in San Diego with her younger daughter, Murial,
and their Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon, Uta.
A native San Diegan, student and artist, teenager
Murial Borza loves math, Spanish, art and animals –
especially cats. Her sister Deora’s death was a terrible
shock to Murial, as the two were very close. In the time that’s
passed, Murial has proven herself a powerful young woman –
capable of accomplishing things many people couldn’t.
This includes delivering a speech on the anniversary of her
sister’s death in front of 5,000 people, and viewed
by millions of people from 85 nations across the world. In
that speech, Murial stood tall and requested One Minute of
Peace in honor of those who died on September 11th. To honor
her, Murial was named as Chairperson of Read All Over, and
used her artistic skills to design RAO’s original bookplate.
In addition, Murial is the proud owner of a new cat, Lailana.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, 12-year-old Brant Whiting
is an avid golfer, surfer, baseball player and rock climber.
In September, 2002, he gathered his classmates and started
Read All Over. Brant saw it as a way to thank the doctors,
nurses and firemen who saved his life after he suffered an
asthma attack and went into cardiac arrest. Brant, who nearly
died, knows he was given a second chance at life. As a result,
he is committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Brant's natural leadership skills and positive personality
have invited and inspired many different people to join him
to do the same.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small the contribution
is," says Brant, "one hour, one book, one smile
- it all makes a difference in someone’s life.”
Lisa Whiting, D.C. retired from her chiropractic practice
to raise her five daughters and her son, Brant. In addition
to focusing on her family, Lisa serves as the Chairperson
of Health and Safety for the Orange County Chapter of the
American Red Cross. She is a Red Cross CPR and Emergency Response
Instructor Trainer and spends much of her time volunteering
to educate others in Emergency Preparedness. When not in the
classroom, working with Read All Over or assisting in her
husband’s orthopedic practice - you'll find Lisa on
the sidelines of her children’s sporting events.
|
