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Laura Neale, Second "Hero-In-Training Overcomes Tragedy To Gain International Recognition As One Of Eight New Comic Book Hero Characters!

This Newspaper Article Documented the Tragedies That Struck the Neale Family When Laura and Sarah Were Severely Injured By a Drunk Driver December 8, 1993 by Ralph Zuranski   The sickening screech of tortured rubber against rough pavement startled early morning Los Angeles commuters and residents. The frightening sound was a forewarning of impending tragedy.   In the blink of an eye, the thunderous explosion of sound caused by two autos colliding announced the beginning of the ultimate, unthinkable, nightmare chain of events for an innocent family. The hearts of witnesses ached at the terrible sight before them.   Waves of anger and disbelief washed over the bystanders. People raced to aid of the seriously injured young girls. Strong arms imprisoned the drunk driver, as he attempted to run, blocking his escape.   Laura and Sarah Neale were on their way to school. Now they lay trapped in the twisted wreckage of their parents car. Both were screaming in pain, grief and disbelief. The irresponsible young man who caused the accident was too drunk to care; too inconsiderate to comprehend the devastating consequences of his drinking and driving.   The thoughtless actions of this drunk, uninsured driver, who was on probation, resulted in a tragedy of devastating proportions. The lives of the Neale family had been violated and brutalized at the deepest levels. They did not have "Uninsured Motorist Coverage" on the girl's insurance policy. The guilty man would not pay one penny. The victims would be made to suffer even more. This was a cruel, unexpected financial blow.   Laura had been sitting on the top of the world. She was one of eight children chosen from thousands to appear in "Defiant's Good Guys" comic book about the fictional lives of young super heroes.   Now this beautiful, kind, loving fifteen year old writhed in terrible pain. Her back was broken. The L1 vertebrae had disintegrated. The powerful shearing forces of the crash were beyond belief. Her sister Sarah's elbow was crushed.   Their parents, Cindy and Ted were devastated by this unexpected, incomprehensible turn of events.  They suffered in agonized silence. They were unable to help Laura as she fought an intense battle against total paralysis, her body wracked by incredible pain.   As Laura lay immobilized in her hospital bed, Jim Shooter and the staff at "Defiant Comics" were stunned and dismayed by the bad news relayed by a grieving father. Each of the thousands of children entering the contest had found a special place in the hearts of the "Defiant" staff.   J. Clark Smith told me emotionally, "The children's letters were so poignant. Many exposed the injured hearts of many young people brutalized by a viscous and cruel world."   The eight contest winners had been adopted into the "Defiant" family.   Many prayed for Laura and desperately wished for her complete recovery. The staff immediately sent a large get-well card composed of the original cover artwork for the "Good Guys" and a gorgeous,  stuffed animal. This gesture was a magnificent display of their love and concern but it paled in comparison to the magnitude of the disaster.   The "Good Guys" kickoff promotion was only two weeks away. The big question was, "Would Laura survive the ten hours of dangerous surgery required to repair the severe trauma to her spine?" No one even considered the possibility she would be able to attend the function.   Laura's spine required the fusing of three bones in her back. She would have three stainless steel rods in her spine forever. Bone fragments were surgically removed from her hip and rib to build a replacement vertebrae. All her organs were temporarily removed from the body cavity during the delicate surgery. Laura bravely fought for her life on the operating table; tenaciously clinging to the fleeting hope of a normal future.   During this long, horrible ordeal, Laura was given morphine to help control the unbelievable pain. Once she was released to go home, she could only take Tylenol. Other stronger pain killers made her sick.   Laura's insides hurt terribly. They were bruised during the operation. She could hardly eat or hold down food. Laura was forced to begin walking and standing immediately. Most of the time was spent sitting in a wheel chair fighting the pain and trying to sleep.    Laura refused to become discouraged, bitter or angry. She decided to focus on good. Laura made up her mind that she would be there, on stage, when Jim Shooter introduced the eight "Good Guys" to the world. She knew that a lot of kids who read the "Good Guys" comic were expecting her character "Flex" to triumph over this tragic event.   November 27, the big day, arrived in a blur. Laura proved she possesses a special, heroic level of courage and determination. She survived the 60 minute drive to "Mile High Mega Comic Store" and stood on stage with the other children long enough to be introduced as a Good Guy. Then she sat bravely in her wheel chair for over an hour signing autographs for the adoring fans.   Everyone was so of proud Laura, especially her parents. The "Defiant" staff and fans were impressed and inspired by this girl's strength, stamina, perseverance, fortitude and love. She is a true heroine, just like her character "Flex."   Cindy, her mom, said joyfully, "It feels really good. I am just so happy that Laura is here. She has always been a good guy to me. Now she is a good guy to everyone. This contest has really helped. She lives day-by-day and hour-by-hour because of the accident. Today she has been able to go one step above."   Ted Neale said gratefully, "It is very, very exciting as I stand here watching her enjoy being a celebrity for a little while. It is neat thing she is doing. I think she is a little awestruck at all this. It is kind of overwhelming. I just thank God she can be here. It is amazing how everything worked out. All I can say is that God is good."   After working with and interviewing most of the "Defiant" staff over the last six months, I believe they are the moral leaders in the comic industry. They are dedicated, caring individuals producing quality stories. Their efforts to inspire young and old alike to live good, responsible lives are making the world a better place.   The "Good Guys" comic book and the ongoing contest to find new Heroes is transforming the minds, hearts and spirits of young people. They single-handedly are creating a grass roots movement designed to inspire young people to become real-life Heroes in their homes, schools and communities. It is about time someone caused people of all ages to discover and implement the human qualities and actions that make Heroes out of ordinary people.

 

"Read the Original Article That Created The First 'In Search Of Heroes^™' Program In The Coronado Eagle Newspaper"

by Ralph Zuranski

 

What is a Hero or Heroine?

 

How does one arrive at this exalted position? According to "Big Brain," my talking "Franklin Language Master," the attributes are the same for both sexes. Heroes are individuals admired for their achievements and qualities. They especially demonstrate the courage to conquer fear or despair. Where are the Heroes of today, when the world needs them so desperately?

 

Are we the audience and the major news media equally responsible for the lack of publicity for Heroes?

 

Have you ever wondered, "Why is there such a focus on traumatic, violent and frightening events?" Does a steady diet of this material perpetuate fear and despair?

 

Do we experience a vicarious thrill from the misfortune of others?

 

Are our senses dulled, ethics corrupted and morals so jaded we require greater quantities of violence and shocking events to stimulate our interest? I still remember when one murder caused social outrage and community activism!

 

Too many people today are apprehensive, frightened by things beyond the edges of perception.

 

They are afraid of many things. Riots, wars, terrorist acts and natural catastrophes are increasing in frequency and intensity.

 

Physical and emotional abuse, chronic diseases, financial failure affect every family to different degrees.

 

The consequences of unremitting fear just don't go away by themselves. The quality of life decreases dramatically when all hope is lost. Something positive must be done. A solution is to locate and publicize real-life Heroes in these fearful and perilous times.

 

The tremendous need for inspiration and positive role models increases exponentially with each horrific act and devastating event.

 

Experts believe a factor of ten times as much positive stimulus is required to overcome one negative event.

 

How many people are desirous of reading and seeing uplifting articles about people triumphing over human trials, tribulations and misery?

 

Are there any real-life Heroes laboring to help solve the immense social and environmental problems facing humanity?

 

I believe the answer is an emphatic yes! Heroes are everywhere!

 

They are ordinary people determined to serve and help others; to make the world a better place. Daily, across the face of the earth, people willingly assist family members, friends, and strangers.

 

They compassionately minister to the injured, poor and sick.

 

They Help Enthusiastically, Responsibly, Optimistically, Exceptionally and Socially (HEROES), with no fanfare, demand for recognition or public acclaim. These humble people of every race demonstrate the loftiest qualities of humanity.

 

Hopefully the news media will publish and broadcast these stories. The goals of the program will be to:

• Identify and praise local Heroes.

• Educate people about Heroes and heroic action.

• Inspire young people to want to become Heroes.

• Help young writers and photographers develop and perfect their writing skills.

• Receive published credit for their writing, art and photo contributions.

Extensive research has proven individuals often meet or exceed their own and other's expectations.

 

When children envision themselves as Heroes, heroic action is not far behind. Public recognition and concrete rewards for excellence are a wonderful incentive for young people. Every person can benefit by creating a Hero or Heroine within, to help them deal with the difficulties of life.

 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

 

The creators of the "In Search Of Heroes Program" have the desire to inspire young children to dream, to imagine themselves Heroes. These people are working hard to create vehicles for the dreams of teenagers to become reality. As in the book "Dune," the dreamers must awaken. People need to believe they can make their dreams for global peace, joy, prosperity and love a universal experience. The heroic example of others is a prerequisite.

 

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." Dr. Albert Schweitzer.

 

If you want more information about the "In Search Of Heroes Program," contact Ralph Zuranski: 619-866-4764.

 

"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." Demosthenes

 

Click the links below to see the photo album history of the program.

Click Here for the photos of the many people who helped make the "In Search Of Heroes™" Program a success.

 

Click Here to see the newspaper articles, business letters, faxes, mind-maps and PowerPoint presentations from the original "In Search Of Heroes™" Program.

 

Click Here to watch the video interviews of original local and national heroes.

 

Click Here to see the testimonials of those involved.

 

"Ralph realized in the year 2001 that the internet is the perfect vehicle to spread Good News world-wide instantly and inexpensively!"

 

He started attending internet marketing conferences in 2001, searching for the most successful copywriters, marketers, legal experts and software creators to help develop the training material for the new program. To pay his way at the conferences, Ralph photographed speakers and attendees.

 

He then created theme websites for each event to educate others about the "In Search of Heroes™" Program.

 

Click Here  for links to the Internet Marketing Photo sites to see the photos and the speakers sharing their wisdom through the captions under each photo. The message is so much more powerful when you combine words and photos of the speakers. The photos of attendees and the speakers created a definite sense of community where individuals were able to match the names on business cards with the faces of the people they met at the events.

 

"Leaders in the Internet community offered to help create the training course that will make the 2007 'In Search Of Heroes™' internet marketing program an international success!"

 

Many of the top internet experts were recognized as Internet Heroes by Ralph Zuranski. The leading internet professionals, copywriters, marketing experts, lawyers and asset protection specialists and software developers, volunteered to help create the training material for the In Search Of Heroes™ Program. You can benefit from their amazing wisdom by reading their articles published daily in the "In Search Of Heroes™" Blog.

 

"The Internet Marketing Training Course will include copywriting as a primary focus because of the incredible power of words to transform people's hearts and minds."

 

Many of the top copywriters like Ted Nicholas, David Garfinkel, Michel Fortin, Joe Vitale, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, Vicky Heron, Alex Mandossian, Craig Garber, Craig Perrine, Troy White and Carl Galletti volunteered to be interviewed and create course material for the program. Many have kindly offered the use of their educational articles at no cost to the visitors to this site. Every day new articles are posted on the "In Search Of Heroes™" Blog for your reading pleasure.

 

"Using the newest internet technologies along with the application of the best marketing wisdom and most effective copywriting techniques, the program will be an important vehicle for generating income for community programs that need funding."

 

The internet leaders want to teach young people how to use the power of words, audio, video, blogs and podcasting to promote "Good News" about local heroes and their businesses or the companies they work for.  When these individuals receive the recognition they deserve and their businesses generate greater income, because of this valuable exposure, they have the time and money to make a beneficial difference in their community.

 

"Once students learn how to write copy, develop websites and work with audio and video, they can help small businesses in their community generate income through he internet."

 

Working as interns in different businesses will give students the experience they need to excel in the business world after they graduate. The community works together to benefit everyone, especially those in the greatest need.

 

"The 'In Search Of Heroes™' Internet Marketing Training Course will revolutionize the learning experience for students."

 

The interviews of the copywriting and internet marketing super stars will be transformed into a course that includes the videos, audios and text. The material will be presented in multiple learning formats so each person can benefit from the information presented in the way that stimulates and enhances their ability to learn. We will use mind-maps and brain balancing images and colors that appeal to how boys and girls brains and left and right hemispheres process information differently. These advanced techniques of teaching will insure, "No child is left behind!"

 

"Health Heroes will help young people to feel like Heroes...to discover their own Heroic potential within, to have a clear mind, plenty of energy and balanced emotions"

 

Many health professionals volunteered to help young people look and feel their best by sharing the secrets of health they discovered during their medical careers.

 

Doctor Michael Borkin, NMD is a leader and pioneer in research on hormones and how to balance them. Click Here to read Dr. Borkin's article about stress.

 

Doctor Dean Howell, NMD created a therapy called Neurocranial Restructuring that balances all the bones in the body and skull so the entire body can work the way it was designed to. Click Here to listen to Dr. Howell's health heroes interview.

 

Richard Merbler is one of the top rolfers in the world who transforms people's bodies and emotions for the better through deep tissue massage.

 

Doctor Joseph Edward Allen, MD is one of the finest family medicine doctors in the world. He is helping my mom and dad stay alive after they suffered catastrophic illnesses in the middle of 2004, congestive heart failure for my mom and a massive paralyzing stroke for my dad. I am very grateful for his kind and compassionate care for them.

 

Doctor Ralph Miranda, MD is a leader in medicine and a well-known speaker and teacher at medical conferences.

 

 Doctor Bob Martin, MD is a leader in sports medicine and has worked with student and Olympic athletes.

 

 Doctor Robert Rowen, MD is personally responsible for medical freedom by making a stand for the residents of Alaska when he, Governor Hickel, Senator Ward and others fought to make beneficial therapies available for residents.

 

Doctor Jonathan Wright, MD has been a pioneer in nutrition and wrote some of the first books on this subject.

 

"These are the thought provoking questions students will ask local Heroes in their community."

1. What do you want out of life in ten words or less?

2. What is the dream or vision that sets the course of your life?

3. How important is it to stay focused on your primary goal?

4. Do you follow your hunches and intuition?

5. What specific philosophy or philosophies guide your life and decisions?

6. What is your perspective on goodness, ethics and moral behavior?

7. What place does the power of prayer have in your life?

8. What principles are you willing to sacrifice your life for?

9. Are your actions and goals consistent with your beliefs?

10. Is it valuable to have highly charged emotions about achieving your goals?

11. Is it useful to take a positive view of setbacks, misfortunes and mistakes?

12. Is optimism valuable?

13. Do you maintain your sense of humor in the face of serious problems?

14. Do you take time out of your day to feed your subconscious positive thoughts about you, your goals and dreams?

15. Do you have the courage to pursue new ideas?

16. Were you willing to experience discomfort in the pursuit of your dream?

17. Is it beneficial to make decisions quickly?

18. Are you slow to revise or reverse an important decision?

19. How were you able to overcome your doubts and fears?

20. Do you readily forgive those who upset, offend and oppose you?

21. Do you experience service to others as a source of joy?

22. When was the lowest point in your life and how did you change your life path to one of victory over the obstacles you were facing at that time?

23. Was there anyone who helped give you the willpower to change things in you life for the better?

24. How important was it to believe your financial dreams would eventually become reality?

25. Why is it valuable to know exactly how much money you want to have in your bank account and when?

26. What is your definition of heroism?

27. Did you ever create a secret hero in your mind that helped you deal with life’s difficulties?

28. What were the qualities and attributes of your secret hero or your real life heroes when you were growing up?

29. Who are the HEROES in your life now?

30. How important is it to have trusted friends or a master mind group to bounce your ideas off?

31. How do they make a positive difference in your life?

32. Who do you feel are the real heroes in our society today that are not getting the recognition and rewards they deserve?

33. Why are HEROES so important in the lives of young people?

34. What are the things parents can do that will help their children realize they too can be HEROES and make a positive impact on the lives of others?

35. How do people become heroes?

36. How does it feel to be recognized as an Internet HERO?

37. Why do you think you were selected for this unique honor?

38. How will being recognized as an Internet HERO change your life?

39. How are you making the world a better place?

40. Do you have any good solutions to the problems facing society, especially racism, child and spousal abuse and violence among young people?

41. If you had three wishes for your life and the world, that would instantly come true, what would they be?

42. What do you think about the In Search Of Heroes Program and its impact on youth, parents and business people?