In honor of Mother's Day, TODAY Moms is celebrating Mom Heroes, those everyday wonder women who quietly change the world. More than 700 readers submitted essays for our Mom Hero contest, and we wish we could give everyone a prize. Ultimately, the winners told us beautiful stories about mothers who are unsung heroes. Check back every day this week for a new winner.
Do you know a mom hero who deserves thanks? Send her a TODAY.com e-card or print out your own Mom Hero certificate.
By Rosemary Ruiz
My sister, Jennie Pascual, is my mom hero. Jennie was pregnant with her first child when our mom started having serious heart conditions due to diabetes. Because she was not working, my sister dedicated herself to taking care of mom at home and every single time she was hospitalized during that year. (My mom would spend 2 to 3 weeks at home and returned to the hospital for a lengthy stay.)
My mom passed away in 2005 from complications due to diabetes and heart surgery. Just five days before, Jennie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl she named Shennie. Shennie was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome a few months later. She was attached to a feeding tube and on a ventilator until her life ended just one month shy of her second birthday.
During the time Shennie was sick, my sister became a super mom. She educated herself on medical terminology, CPR and everything she could find that would help her take care of her daughter. It was because of research that my sister had done that the doctors were able to correctly diagnose my niece with Aicardi Syndrome.
My sister spent weeks on end without going home. She was at Shennie's side every single time she was hospitalized. When Shennie was home, my sister took care of her, maintaining a very strict medicine regimen, suctioning her, feeding her through the tube, cleaning her tube and so much more.
The loss of her daughter and her dedication to her care inspired her to become a pediatric nurse. My sister now has two boys. They are the most beautiful, happy babies that I have ever seen. All this, thanks to my sister's care. Because she is so dedicated to her boys, she hardly has any time for herself. She has gone through a period of tremendous weight loss, and I am sure she would love to have time to get pampered and go shopping.
My sister deserves the best. They used to tell me that I needed to be a good example for my sister because she looks up to me. In my case, I look up to her. She is my source when I need advice or just someone to talk to, laugh with, or cry with. She is the best mom in the world.
(Editor's note: Winner announced subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with Official Rules. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.)
Each winner of the Mom Hero contest will receive a free Xbox. But wait, there's more! Anyone with an Xbox can be a big winner this Mother's Day -- download the TODAY app on your Xbox and use it to watch TODAY videos, and you could win a trip for two to a Beaches resort. Click here for details.
For Mother's Day gift guides, video and more, check out our special section here.
More stories about inspiring moms and amazing kids:
Pronounced dead, revived by mom's hug
After the storm: Don't take a moment for granted