Byron Marshall:

Black Collar Biz

Hello South Florida, have I got a treat for you! I bring this story all the way from the wonderful state of New Jersey. I would like to introduce to some and present to others Black Collar Biz. Byron Marshall (BCB) has been writing and performing music for the most part of 15 years. Giving back to the community has been a focus of his and his team at ‘Top Of The Globe’ for quite some time now. In 2011 he performed before an excited crowd at the TLAKollabo AIDS Benefit held in New Jersey. He was received well and that opened the door for other great performances the following year. 2012 was a busy year for Mr. Marshall as far as giving back. In 2012 B.C.B, while ONLY accepting money for travel was blessed with the opportunity to perform at the Jersey Fresh Graffiti Jam, African American Pride Festival, Woodbury Arts Festival & Windows of Soul.

Peter Tebow

The Unsung Hero Behind The Hero 

Written By Nicole Mckeen and Kim Wilmath

In a world far from touchdown passes and autographs, at a weekly Campus Crusade for Christ meeting, a chapter his dad started in 1966, Peter Tebow’s larger–than-life little brother, Timmy, and his parents sat in the auditorium balcony during the sermon of this unsung hero. A recent graduate of the UF Engineering College, Peter is a leader when it comes to those looking to him to findanswers to heavy questions like “Is there a God?” and  “What do I do with my life?”

Sandra Muvdi

Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation

Written By Stu Opperman

The Fort Lauderdale woman was the mother of an active, precocious 7-year-old, Jessica June, when in October 2003 she took her daughter to the doctor with what seemed to be flu-like symptoms. The diagnosis, however, was much worse: acute myelogenous leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. By that evening, little Jessica was in a coma and would never regain consciousness. Days later she was removed from life support. Jessica June Eiler would spend only four nights in the hospital before passing away.

Dr. Jeffrey Plunkett

Finding a Cure for Paralysis Starts With Baby, or at Least Kid Steps

Written By Cynthia Lechan-Goodman

In the new state-of-the-art laboratory inside unassuming St. Thomas University in Miami, works Dr. Jeffrey Plunkett, Assistant Professor of Biology. Jeff believes the path to curing any disease is making sure that undergraduates are inspired with math and science. And he happens to be working on a research project on the next step in curing spinal paralysis. “It takes a group of scientists to really attack a problem from all different angles, stepping out of the box and thinking about different perspectives. We’ve got to go outside our knowledge base,” explains Dr. Plunkett. That is why he includes undergraduates and especially inner city kids in his daily considerations.

Darius Weems:

Darius Goes To The Carribean Thanks To Ellen "The Generous"

Written By Cynthia Lechan-Goodman

Brothers and brotherhood–intertwined with love and blood for centuries. A special bond of friendship, support, rallies together in revelry and devotion to a cause. For Logan Smalley, befriending two brothers while volunteering at Project Reach, a summer camp for children with special needs, propelled his life in a brotherhood experience that has surpassed even the merry men, the three musketeers and embodies the spirit of the1969 Hollies song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

Philanthropy at Its Finest:

The Entrepenuer, The Pizza Champ, The Rock Star and The Beauty Queen

Written By Rachel Galvin

In today’s tough times, it is hard to remember to give back to others; yet, there are those among us that have always and will continue to always keep a helping hand free for those in need no matter how trying the times. DUO Magazine had the privilege of talking to three such persons who had gathered at one event all in the name of philanthropy… and good pizza.

Eileen Friedman

"The Picture of Health"

She’s not just a pretty face and a “Picture of Health” finalist. Even a full length movie couldn’t keep up with Eileen Friedman and document all of what has created her inspirational healthy appearance. Joining ten other women who were chosen by ABC and Prevention Magazine from thousands of “healthy” women, Eileen didn’t need this recent recognition to feel like a winner. “I’m in the grateful mode every day,” she reveals. But she also cautions, “What you see is not always what you get. Health is not only the outside; it’s the inside. It’s your life.”