Sophia Stallone

Sophia Stallone ( ())

My hero is my sister Sophia Stallone because she is a beacon of hope and persistence that I strive to emulate. She is a hero in my eyes because her strength, courage, and ability to overcome huge challenges in her life inspires others. She has shown me how to be strong when dealing with many different obstacles. Sophia is my older sister who lives at home with me and my family in Los Angeles, California. She was born on August 27, 1996 in Miami, Florida with a dysfunctional heart.

When she was just two months old, she had her first open heart surgery. Growing up, she was not like other kids because every six months she had to have her heart checked. This could have made her feel isolated and depressed, but she rejected these feelings. She always felt she was different than the other kids since her health was more fragile than theirs, but she never relished in other's pity or wanted special treatment. In fact, she often was the one to support and assure everyone else that she would be ok, when she didn't even know if she would be.

At sixteen she had to have her second open heart surgery. At this age, most kids her age only care about boys, school, and what they're going to do over the weekend. Sophia was different. I believe that not knowing her fate fostered a mature and wise mentality beyond her years. Instead of being egocentric and thinking only in the now, she often anticipates the bigger picture of life, and as a result she is a more caring person

In addition to her health problems, she has also had to overcome bullying. As a result she has had to move schools. Instead of allowing herself to be negative, she chose to be optimistic and make the best of her situation as she has always done. Because she is so caring and genuinely nice, she immediately adapted and made many new friends. It seemed like life finally decided to be generous with good fortune.

However, after only being at the school for one month, her doctors told her she needed another open heart surgery before the end of the year. Just when everything started to be normal, life had once again thrown her a curve ball. She took this news in stride and never let the prospect of surgery waver her unyielding optimism and bubbly personality. Therefore, her strength and perseverance in maintaining this positivity makes me proud to call her my hero.