Overview

We think of heroes as extraordinary people in remarkable situations, like the firefighter who rescues the tenants from a burning building, the pilot who lands a disabled plane and saves the passengers, and the taxi driver who speeds a pregnant woman to the hospital just in time for her baby's birth. These people are certainly heroes, but there's another kind of hero, one that's rarely mentioned in the news or on the Internetthe quiet hero. All heroes share similar qualities: bravery in the face of hardship, and sacrifice for the benefit of others. Quiet heroes devote themselves to improving people's lives, often without recognition, and we depend on them just as much as we do on those who risk everything for us. What both have in common is that they ask: ""What can I do to make life better?"" One such hero is Charles W. Denko, biochemist, physician, researcher, husband, and father. Charles was born in poverty, and at age one was stricken with polio, which left him with a severely crippled leg. These circumstances shaped him, but couldn't keep him from becoming a respected scientist. Brilliant and caring, Charles led a life of service to his scientific field, his community, his family, and to everyone he chanced to meet. There are lessons for all of us in this story of a quiet hero who followed the best of his own advice: ""Work at something importantand love it!"" (Includes some photos of Charles Denko and family, courtesy of Denko Family archives.)

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9781879384989

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Reviews

An inspiring lifelong journey of learning that reflects Chuck's humility, intellect, and compassion, and demonstrates how he turned every difficulty into opportunity. It was a joy to know this man of great intelligence who was also truly humble and concerned about those around him. Charles N. O'Data, Vice President Emeritus, Geneva College Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania -- Charles N. O'Data Charles n. O'Data This is a good book about a very good man. It presents an image of a humble man who can inspire us allthe kind of person who gives us hope that we might have a chance to reverse the deterioration of values reflected in the current wave of thoughtless human greed. William J. Cashman, former editor and publisher, Beaver Beacon -- William J. Cashman William J. Cashman Charles Denko is an extraordinary role model who overcame formidable obstaclespoverty and poliowith Herculean initiative. Charles H. Grace, attorney, engineer, writer -- Charles H. Grace Charles H. Grace

Author Information

JOANNE D. DENKO, prizewinning poet, journalist, and public speaker, was the wifenow the widowof Dr. Charles W. Denko. She is also the mother of three sons, grandmother of six, and a physician by profession (psychiatrist by specialty). In each of these roles and relationships, she has been alert to experiences appropriate to write about in psychiatric journal articles, nonfiction books, and poems. Joanne's late husband taught her the rudiments of scientific writing, and she found his comments and suggestions invaluable in all of her work. Committed to the literary and cultural life of her community, Joanne Denko leads a local ""Great Books"" discussion group. She has also served as the Cleveland area secretary of the Mensa Society. Joanne Denko lives in Ohio.

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