Local family receives prizes from #SabasHeroes contest

Cole Ludwig, 11, received a new pair of Wrangler jeans for himself and his mom thanks to the #SabasHeroes giveaway from Saba’s Stores and CLN.

American Charities

by
Carolyn Sostrom
04/12/2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cole Ludwig, 11, received a new pair of Wrangler jeans for himself and his mom thanks to the #SabasHeroes giveaway from Saba’s Western Wear stores and Cowboy Lifestyle Network. The contest ran in December and asked entrants to post a photo on social media of their “Personal American Hero” who makes a difference in their lives. Three winners were chosen including Cole’s grandmother, who nominated Cole as her hero.
Linda Ludwig, Cole’s grandmother, said Cole inspires her. Cole was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart #SabasHeroes didn’t completely develop. Cole faced three major heart surgeries in his
childhood – the first when he was only 3 days old. Cole uses a wheelchair and also has a genetic disorder, cerebral palsy, hypothyroidism and epilepsy. He makes regular visits to numerous doctors including a specialist for catheterizations to help identify and repair any heart issues. Cole also has a service dog that helps monitor his seizures.
“Cole has been my hero since he was born because he pulls through everything with a smile on his face,” Linda said.
In February the Ludwig family enjoyed a shopping trip to the Saba’s store in Mesa on Superstition Springs Boulevard. Cole apparently inspired the Saba’s staff too. Initially, Cole’s prize was a pair of Cinch jeans. But once store staff met and spent some time with Cole, they decided to give him an extra gift of a belt too.
#SabasHeroes Contest winner Linda was also slated received her prize of a pair of jeans,
which she gave to Cole’s mom Yvonne. Yvonne chose a pair of Rock and Roll jeans. During this trip to Saba’s, staff learned that Cole’s dad works for the Gilbert Fire Department. The Saba’s team wanted to thank him too, and gifted him with a brand-new pair of Justin boots.
“Cole just loved this event,” said mom Yvonne. “He’s worn the belt every day since. He was thrilled.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Last Updated on 04/12/2017 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.