Carrie Kohan Story

At 34, Kohan was a stay-at-home mother of a young daughter (Nakita). Her husband (they are now divorced) owned a home-building company and took care of every detail of their life that happened outside of the home.

But Carrie's life was changed dramatically by a terrible encounter.

Unknown to her at the time, Kohan's neighbour was a three-time convicted pedophile. One day he entered Kohan's home and attempted to molest their daughter, who was two at the time.

Kohan intervened and saved her daughter before he was able to molest her, but that was the beginning of Kohan's new path in life. She spent two years trying to find others who were already advocating against pedophilia but found nothing.

After the incident, Kohan moved to Calgary. One day she heard a news report about two young children being molested in their homes and knew it was time to take action.

She phoned the premier's office (at that time the premier was Ralph Klein) and told them that she wanted to start an awareness campaign against pedophilia.

Kohan received an outpouring of support from Premier Klein and his staff, and that was the beginning of her 14-year and counting career as child advocate.

Kohan's life of dedicated philanthropic service really is the stuff of movies.

Kohan was surprised and obviously pleased about winning the Dorothy Daniels' award.

"My daughter actually nominated me for it, so not only was it wonderful to be nominated within our culture but also what a gift that was that your daughter thinks you're so wonderful that she actually nominates you," says Kohan.

Her two daughters are already showing the same ambition and spirit of perseverance as their mother. In addition to excelling in school despite the learning disability they share with their mother, the youngest also performs in film and the oldest has toured across Canada to speak about overcoming the learning disability the two girls share with their mother.

The message that Kohan most wants to emphasize to youth is the you really can do anything you want to with perseverance and dedication.

"I never thought-as a stay-at-home mom with a learning disability-that I would amend 12 laws in Canada and debate against some of the best lawyers of Canada."

But Kohan believed in her cause, faced her fears and she has changed Canada for the better.

Carrie brought her one Daughter and boyfriend Stephen Lecky song writers and singers who got up and entertained the members.

Nikita at 19 years of age has received numerous awards and has a very extensive resume. check it out at : www.NikitaKohan.com

See our Facebook page for a clip from Wednesday's meeting.