Our Greatest Person feature, a nationwide project hosted by Patch.com and the Huffington Post, recognizes truly special people who've contributed to the betterment of the community. 

The local stories on this page are part of the Greatest Person of the Southland series published on the south suburban Patch network.

‘I’m A Lucky Person With MS’: Runner Raises Money for a Cure

 Sylvia Kemp’s attitude about multiple sclerosis is summed up in the necklace she wears that reads: “I Have MS. It Doesn’t Have Me.” She raised over $16,000 for the Walk MS in Orland Park. May 4, 2012, on Orland Park Patch

Tom Kataras: 'One of Homewood's Great Ambassadors'

Tom Kataras has been a key player in Homewood for decades. A week before his retirement, we're taking a look back on his contributions to the community. April 26, 2012, on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch

Teacher Trains 5-Year-Olds to Think Like Entrepreneurs

A Chicago Heights teacher believes the right time to teach children to be responsible with bank accounts, and other entrepreneurial needs, is kindergarten, at her new academy for middle and low-income families. April 12, 2012, on Chicago Heights Patch

Marathon Man: 'It's Just My Attempt to Get Rid of This Disease'

 After his son was diagnosed with leukemia, Carl Allegretti began running to fight cancer. On April 16, the Frankfort resident will run the Boston Marathon to raise money for research. April 11, 2012, on Frankfort Patch

Gary Cheney's Vision: People Helping People

A childhood of hardship—diabetes, blindness and a friend’s untimely death—shaped the man Gary Cheney became. The creator of the annual ShareFest made him a local leader who continues to help countless people in need. April 9, 2012, on New Lenox Patch

For a Can of Food, Teens Teach Dance to Kids

Sandburg students Jennifer Coners and Viktoria Rekasius combine their passions for dancing, working with children and helping people in need into a dance class for kids. A canned food donation is all that’s needed for entry. March 31, 2012, on Orland Park Patch

9-Year-Old Mokena Girl Shaves Head for Cancer Research

Lauren Peterson, 9, of Mokena, will be shaving her head this Friday for a St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser for cancer research. Help her reach her fundraising goals. March 20, 2012, on Mokena Patch

Oak Forest's Kachlik a Chip Off the Family Helper Block

Oak Forest senior Courtney Kachlik defines the word 'teammate" and works outside the athletic arena to help others. March 14, 2012, on Oak Forest Patch

Vet’s Injury Inspires Him to Use Alternative Medicine on Animals

Evergreen Park veterinarian Dr. Joe Whalen owns LePar Animal Hospital and along with general veterinary services. He specializes in alternative medicine. March 6, 2012, on Evergreen Park Patch

Teens Create Hope Out of Scraps and Stuffing

Two Mother McAuley High School freshmen from Oak Lawn took a whimsical idea to sew stuffed animals into a memorable philanthropic effort, making gifts for people in need of simple acts of kindness. Feb. 23, 2012, on Oak Lawn Patch

Getting Pretty for PAWS: Mother-Daughter Duo Beautifies For a Good Cause

A local mother and daughter are looking for groups of kids and teens who'd like their makeup done. The only catch? Participants must agree to donate to a local nonprofit, primarily PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park. Feb. 22, 2012, on Tinley Park Patch

Oak Forest Man Donates 190th Pint of Blood, In Memory of Daughter

Forty years after losing his 3-year-old daughter to leukemia, Jim Watson continues to help others—and honor her memory—by donating blood. Feb. 13, 2012, on Oak Forest Patch

Louis Melvin Irons: From Chicago Heights to Tuskegee and Back

Louis Melvin Irons didn't speak about his Tuskegee Days until six years ago. His own children didn't know their father was part of Tuskegee History. Feb. 2, 2012, on Tinley Park Patch