MISSION VIEJO
Jon Wagner-Holtz, 17, who founded Kids Konnected to offer friendship and support to children of cancer patients, is among eight people to be honored with the ninth annual America’s Awards. The awards, announced Thursday, were created by author and minister Norman Vincent Peale. They single out Americans who personify the nation’s character and spirit.
Jon started Kids Konnected when he was 11, after his mother was found to have breast cancer; she has since recovered. His group has grown to 12 chapters and serves 2,000 children on an annual budget of $200,000.
The America’s Awards winners were chosen from 688 candidates nominated by the public. They will receive $1,000 from the Positive Thinking Foundation at a ceremony in Indian Wells, Calif., on Jan. 30.
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