By Rachel Hoeing

Congratulations to the Top Ten Finalists in our Mother of the Year Contest!  You all have no idea how difficult it was for our team to choose only ten finalists out of all the nominations we received.  There were so many deserving mothers, but we finally narrowed it down to the group of women you will see below. 

Please take some time to read about each nominee and then vote for the one who you think is most deserving of the TMoM Mother of the Year Award.  She will receive $1500 worth of prizes, which you can read about here. 

Good luck to all our finalists!  They are listed below alphabetically by last name. Readers may vote here!

Martha Chica

What can I say about a woman who I consider my hero?  Every year as I look back and remember my childhood, I keep adding to the list the number of ways my mother is absolutely amazing.  We are grown now, my siblings and I, yet my mother continues to be the rock in all of our lives.  As she continues to learn and discover who she is on this journey of life, she also continues to offer her guidance to us, whatever stage of live we are in. 

An immigrant from Ecuador, she moved to New York at age 17, finished high school, and married my dad.  Tragically, when I was still a baby, my father fell from a ladder and broke his back, leading to a life-long battle with depression and prescription drug addiction.  My mother essentially became a single parent, taking on the role as both mother and father.

As small children, my brothers and I did not understand what was going on in our home.  We did not understand why dad slept so much, and why my parents fought so frequently.  We blamed my mother for our parent’s fighting. You see, because of the pain he was in, my father was not able to share parenting responsibilities with my mother.  She was always the one making sure homework was done, that we ate somewhat healthy, and that discipline was instilled. And so, she was the one who ‘nagged’ all the time, and dad was the nice, fun one.  On several occasions, I walked in on her crying in her room alone, after one of us would say something horrible to her. 

My father has since passed away.  He loved my mother until the day he died, knowing full well that it was his battle after the accident that ended their marriage of 22 years.  My mother combed his hair and kissed him goodbye on his deathbed.  She forgave him that day, told him she loved him, and cried for her first and only love. 

I have children of my own now, my mother’s only grandchildren.  I am always calling her for advice and comfort, and she is always giving, always supportive.  Sometimes she calls me just to say she is proud of me.  What I want most to give my children is what my mother gave me: unconditional love.  I want them to see me as someone who forgives easily, yet someone who is strong.  I want my children to know that I am proud of them, and that I will always fight for them.  That’s the kind of mother I have. ... Nominated by her daughter, Kristina

Lynette Forest

Lynette the lioness. She is a fighter!

My dear friend Lynette Forest is the strongest woman I know.  She is sweet, warm and welcoming, and so respectful of other people’s feelings.  She is determined and full of energy. No matter what, she takes her children to parks, playgrounds, museums, farms, anywhere they can breathe fresh air or culture. She has two boys, one is 5 years old and the other is 3. Her children have strong passions, even If they are so young. They seem like they already know what they want to do with their lives.

Lynette is originally from Australia, where her family still lives. Her parents are sick and she lives every day with this haunting thought, but despite that, she has always a smile on her lips. Her father is a fighter like her and they will both do anything to feel close and see each other.  Often times this means taking very long trips, which unfortunately come with many sacrifices. For Lynette, it was terrible having to leave her boys for a week to see her dad that was too ill to make it to the New Year. She did it anyway with a strength that I wouldn’t have had. She cried all of her tears during that trip. But her parents share her strong genes, because although they are weak and ill they traveled to US too to spend time with their beloved daughter and grandsons.

Lynette has a wonderful husband who works all day and night and then comes back home and plays with his children. Lynette also went through cancer and instead of asking for help she kept helping people, reassuring others about her health and always sharing a good word and a warm hug. I think she is unbelievably strong and that she deserves the title of mother of the year because she has all the qualities every mom would want to possess.  She is clever (she is well known in the field in which she used to work), sweet, beautiful inside and out, strong, good, and dedicated. Her wonderful family reflects her shine. ... Nominated by her friend, Nicky

Korey Hickling

"I used to get nervous before telling anyone new about Jack, but lately I've found myself wanting to shout it from the rooftops. Why? Because Jack is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me or my family. Because I now believe in true love, and I believe in miracles. Because I now know that my family can get through anything we may face, as long as we are together. Because I now know in my heart that all we have to do to make it in this world is just LOVE.” -Korey Hickling
 
Korey put it best when she said “Imagine you’re on a plane to France. You packed for France, you’re looking forward to croissants and the Eiffel Tower. Not only that, but you are ready for France: You’ve learned French, read guide books, and you have hotel reservations. And then, 8 hours into your flight, the pilot announces you’ll be landing in Finland in 15 minutes.” Last June, Korey was in labor and expecting her firstborn, Jack, in what appeared to be a totally normal, healthy pregnancy. It wasn’t until Jack's birth that she learned her son had Down Syndrome. Often, I wonder how I'd react to that situation. Korey handles it with grace, joy, dignity, humor, faith, maturity and love. She is an amazing mother to her son and works every day to give him his best life. That means being all the things that a new mom is, plus a dedicated physical therapist, nurse, defender, and advocate.

Outside her home, Korey is an ICU nurse at Moses-Cone in Greensboro, and she’s on the board of the Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro. She organized a relay team for Jack, just after he was born. It was simultaneously adorable, touching and completely awesome. Korey is someone who spends every single day caring for other people, and giving herself and her energy to others. Jack gets the lion's share, and Korey always seems to have more in reserve. This woman has spunk and grit, and she’s certainly mother of the year in my book. Korey keeps a blog of her new adventures and it is full of nuggets of wisdom, strength and humor. I urge you to read her blog (links to some fabulous posts below) in considering her for this award. She sure deserves it. ... Nominated by her friend, Stephanie
http://johnrhickling.blogspot.com/2010/07/pivotal.html
http://johnrhickling.blogspot.com/2011/03/upside-of-down-syndrome.html
http://johnrhickling.blogspot.com/2010/10/jacks-pack-attacks.html

Jenny Hobbs

Cathleen Killeen-Pittman

I recently met Cathleen and immediately felt a connection to her. She is so positive and easy to talk to. Not only is she smart and warm, she is also very real and honest. She speaks kindly to everyone and is a good listener.
 
Cathleen is the founder and executive director of A Step Ahead Academic Center in Clemmons. Once you set foot in the door, you can see and feel the warm and nurturing environment. It's obvious how much Cathleen loves children and wants them to succeed. She is also an employee's dream, because she cares so much about her staff and continually tells them how much she appreciates them. The families that come to the Center not only rely on her experience, but her generous support and attention. Cathleen also works for the school system where she evaluates 200 beginning teachers annually. She does so because she has a passion for education.
 
On top of this busy schedule, she and her husband homeschool their eight-year-old son. I know most of us would find it challenging homeschooling in general. She does it happily, while thriving in her growing responsibilities. When she talks about her son, her face lights up. You can tell how special he is to her.
 
All the while, Cathleen is coming through an almost three year cancer journey. From just meeting her, it's hard to tell what she has been through and how serious it has been. What is apparent is that she wants to support and inspire other women who are battling breast cancer. Cathleen is working on a book about her cancer journey in order to help newly diagnosed moms support their children.

Despite her career and her battles with her health, Cathleen feels her number one purpose in life is to be Jordan's mom. When she didn't think she could go on, he was her inspiration to keep fighting. Cathleen wanted to know she did everything she could to be here to raise her son. She has documented her cancer journey with journal entries and photographs to help him understand what is happening. Her concern during her battle was not for herself but for Jordan's well-being. She calls him the little love of her life.  Cathleen's positive outlook and can-do attitude are truly an inspiration. I think she more than deserves to win Mother of the Year. ...Nominated by her friend and colleague, Beth

Katie Knickrehm

Katie is the mommy of five (and soon to be six) children!  She is, not only a stay at home mom, but also a homeschooler!  Katie was a special education public school teacher in NY.  When they moved to NC, she began working for Merck as a pharmaceutical rep earning good money and with great benefits.  She soon realized that staying home to raise her children was much more important than a career that could be put on hold.  That was when Katie and her husband Mark decided they were going to home educate her children.
 
Katie and Mark's family is involved in several activities throughout the community such as a homeschool co-op, 5Ks, and helping those in need.  I know this first hand because Katie has been very generous with our family in more than one occasion, never thinking twice about lending us a hand (physically and financially) when my husband was laid off a fifth time these past three years that we've known them.  Katie's parenting and disciplining skills are the best I've ever seen, she is consistent and persistent!  The fruits of her labor have really paid off as her children are the most well mannered kids I've ever met and they are all under the age of 10!
 
In addition to homeschooling her children (and prior to becoming pregnant with number six) Katie began training to run long distance, overcoming obstacles like having a large family {she would wake at 5AM to train before the kids woke up}, and having to loose weight from the previous pregnancies...but she did it and she was able to run several 5Ks, triathlons, and even did a half marathon!  Katie is an exemplary mother, a caring friend, and definitely should be considered as Mother of the Year for TMom!  ... Nominated by her friend, Erika

Lakeisha London

Lakeisha London is a 22 year old, single mother of 2 young childrenwho has a heart filled with ambition. At one point in her life she was a full time student at Winston Salem State University, working two jobs, and at the same time, taking care of her children. It was then that it became overwhelming and she removed herself from college but continued working both jobs. Lakeisha wasn’t pleased with her decision about leaving school and had a desire to go back, but financial difficulties made it impossible.  Two years ago, something unusual happened on Facebook.  A man reached out to her mother claiming to be her real father.  Lakeisha was confused because she thought she knew her father.  Very intrigued by the notion, Lakeisha agreed to the DNA test that was requested by this man. If the results came back positive, that this man was in fact her biological father, then that void that Lakeisha had for so long would hopefully be fulfilled!

To Lakeisha and her mother’s surprise, this man was indeed her father.  With a new found happiness, Lakeisha and her father decided to meet for the first time.  While traveling the 4 hour distance to meet, she began to have car trouble.  Within minutes her car caught fire. Fortunately, she was able to get out in time.  With her only means of transportation destroyed, her new found biological father did what any father would do for their children and bought her a brand new car. Not only did she now have transportation to travel back and forth to see him, but he made it possible for her to continue providing for her children, now his grandchildren.  He also gave Lakeisha something that she had been missing since she left school… Hope!

After spending time with her father, and getting to know him, he inspired her to follow in his footsteps and join the military.  Not only did her father serve in the National Guard, but it was the only branch in the military that would allow her to keep full rights to her children while serving the country.  Throughout all the many challenges Lakeisha has faced, she has learned that when the elevator to success stops running, then you better take the stairs…. And check your Facebook! ... Nominated by her friend, Shaunda

Nancy Pierce

I would be delighted to nominate Nancy Pierce for the TMOM Mother of the Year award.  I've worked with Nancy for over 15 years and she is one of the most dedicated and hard working moms I know.

Fifteen years ago Nancy had a daughter, Andrea, at 28 weeks gestation.  Andrea had the usual ups and downs that you would expect from being a preemie.  But as she grew up they noticed that she had developmental delays, only physical in nature.  Andrea's body may be confined to a wheel chair (which she’s been “driving” since she was 3) but there is nothing disabled about her mind.

So why do I think Nancy deserves this award?  Even though Andrea is physically disabled, she doesn't treat her like it.  Nancy enrolled Andrea into a school with able bodied children.  She’s a freshman at North Davidson High School and absolutely thriving.  Nancy's taken to her to concerts (She deserves an award just for sitting through the Miley Cyrus concert alone), Disney World, sent her to a youth retreat last summer in Kentucky without her and countless day trips that "normal" children would experience.  Unless it's ensuring that Andrea has her handicap accessible needs met, Nancy doesn't think twice about showing Andrea the world.  Andrea is very mainstreamed; she has a Facebook account, loves going to school events and the movies. I've even heard Nancy talk about Andrea's "boyfriend".  When you hear Nancy talk about Andrea you would never know she is physically disabled.  That's never really part of the conversation.

Nancy has the best attitude!  I have never once heard her complain.  Most people would be bitter or angry if placed in Nancy's situation.  She's always maintained her sense of humor, faith in mankind and sunny disposition.  I know she makes sacrifices every day that go unrecognized.  As if her plate wasn’t full enough, several years ago she adopted Izzy who is now seven. Of course, my words could never encompass what is truly wonderful about Nancy.  She is one of the most amazing mothers I know.  I could only hope that if I were in her shoes I would be half the women and mother she is. ... Nominated by her friend and colleague, Jessica

Amy Petty

Ok guys & gals here it goes .. This story begins approximately 40 some years ago.  Once upon a time there was this beautiful child, 9 years old, who had a strange cancer growth. After "exploratory" surgery she was transferred to Baptist Hospital.  After many weeks of prayers and exams it was discovered the tumor had vanished!  A true miracle.

Years later, we witnessed another miracle as she was blessed with a boy and girl.  This Mom is supportive, understanding, resourceful, creative, a friend, caregiver,  and a wonderful cook.  She makes the most awesome pot of soup & homemade sourdough bread.  Her husband takes these meals to the train tracks, in the rain, to the homeless who seek shelter under the bridges.  On Sunday afternoons you will find her volunteering at the information desk at High Point Regional.  Even soldiers have benefited from her giving nature with gift boxes from home.  New Orleans & Haiti have seen her unselfish giving side in clean up efforts by leaving home for the unknown to help.  She is an incredible role model for her children.  As they were growing up, Mom was always there, volunteering at school and supporting their projects; even if the wasp nest did hatch out and the bunny rabbit she sent as a class pet had to be reclaimed because he was "humping" the children's legs!

I could go on and on about how her kids have gone off to College, one has now graduated, and how many of friends of her kids have also called her Mom with all the love and comfort she has offered them.  From homemade Chicken Pie to vacations with the family, this Mom is a hero and deserves to be honored as the Mom of the Year.  I know this because I have witnessed her along her amazing route and am proud to call her my Sister, my hero, my idol, my friend!  ... Nominated by her sister, Barbara

Patrice Williams

I wanted to nominate my nephew's wife, Patrice Williams of Kernersville, for your Mother of the Year award. After their first son, Gabe, was stillborn in April of 2008, Patrice and her husband Matt welcomed son Jonah in February of 2009. Jonah was diagnosed shortly after birth with (EB), a rare,genetic that necessitates that he be "dressed" in full bandages daily.

Patrice gave up her job to stay at home with Jonah, now 2, full time, and under her care he has blossomed into a happy, otherwise healthy, typical toddler. There isn't a single facet of Matt and Patrice's life that hasn't changed following Jonah's arrival. During many months of the year, they are house-bound because heat and humidity cause faster breakdown of Jonah's skin. Simple outings in public are often the source of unintentional distress for them, because people don't understand Jonah's condition and say or ask insensitive things. Dressing changes and baths take hours each day to complete, and they are painful for Jonah, but through it all, Patrice keeps a smile on her face and in her heart.

Patrice's blog  has been a tremendous outlet for her as well as a ministry to people around the world. Her faith and general sunny outlook on life have been an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people through the blog and also through articles in the local paper. I can think of absolutely no one who is more deserving of a Mother of the Year designation than Patrice. You can read a summary of their story here.
Nominated by her aunt-in-law, Katherine


Vote for your favorite mom here!