18 Illinois People To Remember From 2018

At the end of every year at Patch, our Illinois team likes to remember some of the best "people" stories we've told throughout the year. What started in 2016 as a "16 People to Remember from 2016" feature has grown by one in the three years we've been doing this.

So here are 18 people to remember from 2018.

Cortlon Cofield, who as a teen lost both of his parents, is now a financial advisor catering to the needs of millennials. Read more via Tim Moran / South Side Chicago Patch

Ayden Cazares, a 6-year-old who set up a Facebook page to fight bullying, has a simple message: be kind. Read more via Shannon Antinori / Plainfield Patch

Robert Sniegolski has reached the 40-year milestone at Sertoma Centre. Read more via Lorraine Swanson / Alsip-Crestwood Patch

Jonathan Charbonneau, known as "Superman" for his appearances in parades and events in Glen Ellyn, was able to stay in his longtime apartment thanks to a massive effort of kindness from members of the community who love him. Read more via Lisa Marie Farver / Glen Ellyn Patch

Bushra Amiwala, is the youngest person to ever run for the Illinois' 13th District. Read more via Jonah Meadows / Skokie Patch

Dan Johnson, a U.S. Army Major, was reunited with a stray dog he befriended on a NATO mission at O'Hare Airport. Read more via Lorraine Swanson / Oak Lawn Patch

Dorothy Straughter, a Beverly neighborhood woman who picked up quilting after age 50, has now been featured at venues throughout the city. Read more via Tim Moran / Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch

Tyler Cepkauskas was named an "Everyday Hero" by The Mix 101.9. Read more via Andrea Earnest / Homer Glen-Lockport Patch

John Siakotos retired after owning a popular Oak Lawn grocery store for 47 years. Read more via Lorraine Swanson / Oak Lawn Patch

Anjum Coffland, remembers her twin children who were shot to death last year. Read more via Amie Rowland / St. Charles Patch

Barbara Pohrte, a nurse in the surgical unit at Advocate Trinity Hospital, talks about her job. Read more via Cassie Richardson / South Side Chicago Patch

Jim De Simone retired after nearly 40 years as a barber in Oak Lawn. Read more via Joe Collins / Oak Lawn Patch

Hector Nunez, a singing pastor has survived a "miracle" battle with oral cancer. Read more via Amber Fisher / West Side Chicago Patch

Chala Holland, the Lake Forest High School Principal, dropped a few rhymes in a school rap battle. Read more via Jonah Meadows / Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch

Seamus Hehir survived a 50-foot fall from a cliff. Read more via Andrea Earnest / Lemont Patch

Brittney Prehn, a woman who was struck by lightning, has amazed even doctors with her quick recovery. Read more via Amie Rowland / Crystal Lake-Cary Patch

Homer Warren, who was once a panhandler turned his life around and credited the MorningStar Mission for the change. Homer died this year. Read more via John Ferak / Joliet Patch

Amy Wu moved here from China to pursue her engineering dream. Read more via Howard Ludwig / South Side Chicago Patch

Also See: 17 People To Remember From 2017; 16 People To Remember From 2016; 10 People To Remember From 2015