She lost her home during Hurricane Katrina. But 63-year-old Myra Lewis refused to give up. She's used to fighting the odds. As the mother of a special needs kid, Lewis was told when her autistic son was just five, that he wouldn't be able to learn. He's a gifted artist now, and finishing up his Associates Degree in Fine Arts. Despite the hardships that the New Orleans native has had to deal with, Lewis, a self-described homebody, thinks she is one of the luckiest people alive. She's the winner of this year's HGTV Dream Home Giveaway, worth $2 million. Along with the beautiful, Pueblo-style home near Santa Fe, New Mexico, the prize package includes a new GMC Terrain, and $500,00.
Lewis, a former science teacher and Peace Corps volunteer is joining us on CNN Newsroom Saturday at 4pm Eastern. Tune in to learn what she did that helped her get the home of her dreams. Share your thoughts, and we'll share some of them on the show.
I am very happy to see this deserved woman win this home...I entered as well and my story is compelling but not nearly that of this woman who was blessed with this wonderful gift...Congratulations Myra Lewis, pretty dry weather where you're going! (had I won, I would have definitely put a nice cool pool in!..just a suggestion)
good for you Myra. May God smile on you and your faith and good-heartedness forever
Congratulation!!! You truly deserve it! Makes me think of all the poor people of color who play the lottery but never win. I hope that you use your opportunity to help some else who u know is struggling to succeed. May God Bless U!
These are the types of stories that need to be more prominent in the news, rather than weeks of focusing on runaway brides or mothers drowning their children. Myra may possibly be suffering from post-traumatic-stress-syndrome from her losses and her winning and especially her being able to tell her story may be the best medicine for her soul.
Paul Harris
Author, "Diary From the Dome, Reflections on Fear and Privilege During Katrina"