LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Suzan Hooper's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

Ms. Hooper is such a giving person.  She is compassionate, empathetic, and loved by everyone who knows her. She makes sure everyone who works in the program has everything they need to see to the needs of the children. Ms. Hooper makes sure the parents are taken care of, as well. She goes above and beyond each and every day, coming in early or staying late if needed. When her colleagues suggest special projects they'd like to do with the children, she works to secure any necessary materials so the projects can be done. She always puts everyone else first, before herself! Ms. Hooper wears many hats in her position, from nursing children who scrape their knees, to acting as a life coach for her colleagues and students. She has the ability to pull everyone together towards a common goal while always adhering to very high moral standards.

"Ms. Hooper was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year and had to take a leave of absence to go through chemotherapy.  She has the most positive outlook of anyone we know," said her nominator. "Everyone rallied around her, and even while going through her difficult chemo treatments, she coordinated us from her home.  The parents and children asked about her on a daily basis.  Everyone missed her.  She would come in from time to time so we could all give her a hug and so the children could see her."

"Her cancer recurred, and she is now on another leave of absence to go through her second round of chemo," said her nominator. "She is a beacon of hope for all of us because no matter what happens to her, nothing gets her down. Her light and positive attitude outshine anything, and she has all of our love behind her.  The children and parents continue to ask about her.  Her many years of excellent service to R.B. Hunt Elementary speaks for itself. She is a rockstar! She has made a tremendous and positive difference in so many lives."