"I find my heroes down at ground zero, where the two towers fell. And above the clouds in outer space risking their lives for research. And all around me, parents and teachers who give all they have to teach us right from wrong. Police officers who fight to keep us safe, and firefighters who save our lives and home. And my grandfathers who bravely fought the war for our freedom. And all who are now in Iraq, I owe my life to them all. Thank you for caring one and all.” — Lauren Tittsworth

Lauren Tittsworth knows a little something about heroes. She’s been blessed to have them weave in and out of her life.

Born in Dallas 17 years ago, Lauren’s first brush with heroes came when she was adopted at six months of age by parents Cindy and David Tittsworth, both employees at Wilsonart. A few years later her family would adopt another child, Steven.

“My parents told me I was adopted when I was little,” she said. “The fact that they couldn’t have kids but adopted me and my brother makes them heroes. They could’ve walked away. I’m very lucky to have been adopted by such a good family.”

For 13 years Lauren has lived in Temple where she’s repeatedly come face-to-face with heroes including doctors who helped her overcome an illness.