Phoebe Rose Mattera
Community Hero 2005
Photography, painting, filmmaking and fashion design rank high on her list of preferred interests—15-year-old Phoebe clearly has an affinity for the “artist’s way.” She also loves her toy poodle, Audrey, Krispy Kreme donuts, hip music groups like Zero 7 and Coldplay—as well as school subjects like History and English. But most of all, she loves helping people and finds great satisfaction in volunteer ministry.
Since Phoebe was six years old, she’s been fighting the daunting challenges of Cystic Fibrosis. Her mother, Amy, says Phoebe has faced multiple surgeries, bad news, chronic hospitalizations, constant pokes and prods—all with the quiet courage and true grit of a hero. She loves life completely and has never let her disease change that.
To Phoebe, a hero is someone who inspires and encourages others to do good things. “I’m hoping I can have that kind of positive effect on people.” She urges teenagers like her to keep an optimistic outlook, stay determined to live life, and most importantly, take it day by day. “You’d be surprised what a great change those things can create for you.”
