Written by By Jane Hutcheon, Special to CNN
CNN’s Hero of the Year 2018 list has been narrowed down to 10 finalists, and now the votes are open.
This year’s event will be televised live in the United States on CNN at 8pm ET on Thursday June 7 and follow at 3pm EST on CNN International . All 10 winners will receive a $50,000 award from DHL, one of the official sponsors of the CNN Hero of the Year Awards.
The finalists come from all walks of life, but share a common thread of “striving to create real change in communities,” explained Pamela Kyle, the US vice president of DHL.
CNN’s Hero of the Year 2018: The 10 finalists
“We’re proud to highlight our partner DHL Hero of the Year finalists who are committed to making the world a better place through courage, compassion and leadership,” Kyle added.
The finalists are:
Helen Habibina , who is championing the cause of Congolese orphans.
, who is championing the cause of Congolese orphans. Leah Hanrahan , who was left with a prosthetic leg after being injured in a remote mine blast.
, who was left with a prosthetic leg after being injured in a remote mine blast. Kamal Shahani , who started Camp Bombay — the first residential camp for disabled and socially disadvantaged youth and adults in Pakistan.
, who started Camp Bombay — the first residential camp for disabled and socially disadvantaged youth and adults in Pakistan. Julie Cook , a father-of-three who launched a coaching program for women to build and sustain their self-esteem and confidence.
, a father-of-three who launched a coaching program for women to build and sustain their self-esteem and confidence. April Odae, whose innovative agriculture project (surrounded by much opposition) is helping to eradicate elephantiasis.
, whose innovative agriculture project (surrounded by much opposition) is helping to eradicate elephantiasis. Fumile Bandele , who is helping to eradicate a cervical cancer killing disease among her Malawian village.
, who is helping to eradicate a cervical cancer killing disease among her Malawian village. Adam Busby , whose work has helped raise awareness and fight against child trafficking.
, whose work has helped raise awareness and fight against child trafficking. Lin Zhan , who is saving lives in a small village in Vietnam.
, who is saving lives in a small village in Vietnam. Stella, who is helping children at risk of trafficking and violence.
who is helping children at risk of trafficking and violence. Lee, who is using her healing powers to provide medical treatment for children.
all in aid of UNICEF
Now, it’s time for you to make your voice heard and help us pick the CNN Hero of the Year 2018.
Over the coming weeks, this year’s finalists will be blogging about their passion and what makes them so special.
CNN will look back at the stories of these heroes as we reach our decision on who will win this year’s top award.
Thanks to the generosity of many of our sponsors, we are also pleased to launch a fundraising campaign for one of the finalists. In return for a $10 donation, CNN will match it dollar for dollar — up to $500,000. Donate at http://www.cnn.com/charities/civic-leadership/cnn-hero-of-the-year
Stay tuned for a special section on June 6 to see the finalist videos and to learn more about the finalists.