Mara Schieber
Chicago, Illinois
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Mara is an eating disorder and drug addictions counselor, who works with people every day to help them overcome their demons and improve their quality of life. She works with people from all walks of life and goes above and beyond to do everything in her power to help. Often times, people who struggle with eating disorders or drug addictions feel that their diseases are their fault, because they are a form of mental illness. Society can be very judgmental of mental illness in general, particularly these two because of the stigmas associated with the illnesses. Mara does an amazing job of helping people to realize that their disease is just that, a disease, and it is no one's fault. She has helped countless amounts of people discover what recovery can look like for them, and achieve these full, amazing lives they never imagined possible. Mara truly works miracles by showing compassion, kindness, tough love, and most importantly, hope, to people that many had already given up hope on. Mara is truly a hero because she will save your life, and then show you how to save yourself by never giving up on you, and teaching you to do the same for yourself. She is a walking blessing and is contributing to Tikkun Olam everyday by empowering others to live their lives and give back once they are healthy and whole again. All of the love she gives is a chain reaction which only creates more love in the world.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
Mara Schieber saved me from my disease by introducing me to a Higher Power, making me feel more connected to G-d. When I thought I could not make it another day, she acted in the most selfless, loving way by opening my eyes to the sheer damage my disease was causing me and everyone around me. She had hope for me when I didn't have it for myself, which challenged me to believe that there must be a reason for my existence. She helped me cherish myself and my life and want to reciprocate that to others in despair.