Cheryl's story, "Miya" won in the category of Outstanding Feature -- Soft News. The Gracie Award is a national award that recognizes superior quality in writing, production and programming.
"Miya was one of the most courageous women I've ever met," says Cheryl, "and I'm so thrilled on behalf of the memory of Miya and her family." The story of Miya Rodolfo-Sioson began seventeen years ago when she was paralyzed from the neck down by a stray bullet in a shooting rampage at the University of Iowa. In spite of her disability, Miya persevered to have a fully productive life, which included working for the Berkeley Commission on Disability. Her activism helped other disabled people lead lives full of courage and respect. Miya was even honored by Governor Schwarzenegger for her work. But in 2007 she had to put her efforts on hold when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Always optimistic, Miya was sure she would survive.
The story of "Miya" aired on ABC7/KGO-TV on ABC7 News at 6pm on Friday, November 28, 2008. Miya and her family gathered together to watch the celebration of her achievements. Sadly, she passed away five days later on December 3, 2008.
This is Cheryl's second Gracie Award. She was honored with her first award in 2002 for a story on battered women who kill their abusers. She is a multiple Emmy award winner. Currently, Cheryl anchors ABC7 News at 11am and 5pm and hosts the Emmy award-winning public affairs program "Beyond the Headlines." Additional information about The Gracie Awards(r) can be found on their website www.thegracies.org
