CNN Heroes Backstage live blog

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CNN Heroes Backstage live blog

The top 10 CNN Heroes of the year were honored December 2 during a star-studded gala at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. See how the night unfolded, from the red carpet arrivals to the much-anticipated announcement of the CNN Hero of the Year.

Blog curated by Steve Krakauer, Kyle Almond and Dorrine Mendoza, with help from JD Cargill on the red carpet.

Watching #CNNHeroes and @andersoncooper interviews and thinking about my future foundation I dream of running. #inshaAllah

by deazare via twitter 12/3/2012 2:01:52 AM
Want to donate? See the links above.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:03:26 AM
by CNN Backstage edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:03:51 AM
Here's Adrien Brody earlier today on the red carpet. He's talking live now on CNN, presenting the first award.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:04:11 AM
Adrien does his own charity work - here are some details.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:04:42 AM
10 incredible #CNNHeroes being honored this year. Watch @CNNHeroes now on #CNN and follow along online at http://CNN.com/backstage.

by CNNSitRoom via twitter 12/3/2012 2:05:02 AM
@arjaysmith and I just finished doing carpet for #CNNHeroes event we are honored to be here supporting. Photo by @abelleacosta
by dorrine.mendoza on Dec 2, 2012 at 9:03 PM

by dorrine.mendoza 12/3/2012 2:05:06 AM
Tune in RIGHT NOW and see who will win the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year award! #teamwanda @CNNheroes Airing live on all CNN channels...

by The Josh Project via twitter 12/3/2012 2:05:51 AM
Good evening everyone. The stage is set, the red carpet has been rolled out and soon we’ll be honoring the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2012.

“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” will be airing live on CNN’s global networks at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Stay with us throughout the night and join the conversation as we discuss the latest news from Los Angeles before, during and after the show. And let us know what you’re thinking. Leave your comments in the window on the right side of this page.

And if you're watching the show and find yourself inspired to contribute to these Heroes and their great causes, click here to donate. Google's waiving all the transaction fees.

by Kyle Almond, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:06:35 AM
@andersoncooper takes the #stage at #cnnheroes. Photo by @peterbarile
by dorrine.mendoza on Dec 2, 2012 at 9:06 PM

by dorrine.mendoza 12/3/2012 2:07:51 AM
You're doing yourself a disservice if you're not watching #CNNHeroes right now.

by mSaraniti via twitter 12/3/2012 2:07:55 AM
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research analyzed data from 1,200 students in two Florida school districts. Researchers found that child caregivers were at a significantly higher risk for anxiety and depression.

Learn more about the issue in this story from CNN's Jacque Wilson: Young caregivers put life on hold

by Kyle Almond, CNN 12/3/2012 2:08:30 AM
I think one of the heroes helping children will win. Raising children well by itself is like moving a mountain in retrospect. those who have kids know and most kids today have no idea. Way to go Heroes!Mr.SmythDec 2, 2012 at 9:03 PM

Malya Villard-Appolon is a rape survivor dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence in Haiti. It takes a lot of courage and determination to tell others to go out of silence. “Do not be afraid to say that you have been victimized”,,, and when the victims seek help, she offers supports through her organization. Helping victims of sexual violence in Haiti!!!IcaDec 2, 2012 at 9:02 PM

by dorrine.mendoza 12/3/2012 2:08:31 AM
The CNN Hero being featured now: Connie Siskowski. She supports young people who have to take care of an ill, disabled or aging family member. Since 2006, the group has provided assistance to more than 550 young caregivers in Palm Beach County, Florida.

by Kyle Almond, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:08:38 AM
Watch Connie Siskowski's acceptance speech, live now on CNN. First hero of the night...

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:08:53 AM
Tune in to @CNN right now to watch @CNNHeroes live... then meet the CNN Hero of the Year tomorrow morning on @StartingPtCNN! #CNNHeroes

by Starting Point CNN via twitter 12/3/2012 2:09:11 AM
Siskowski: "It’s no secret that the kids you just met are the real heroes. There are still too many people who don’t know that these children exist. Thanks to tonight, many more do."

by Kyle Almond, CNN 12/3/2012 2:09:48 AM
One note - if you liked those behind-the-scenes web videos, you can expect more as the show goes on. As the heroes and celebrities come off stage, some will say hello to all of you.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:10:30 AM
Time again to cry like a baby while being inspired and grateful for all of the incredibly generous heroes living amongst us. #CNNHeroes

by Tom O'Leary via twitter 12/3/2012 2:11:21 AM
10 mins into #CNNHeroes awards and I'm already tearing up! Extraordinary people being honored. Turn on @CNN. We can all learn so much.

by DanielleCNN via twitter 12/3/2012 2:12:03 AM
First TRIVIA of the night: What year did CNN Heroes start? (leave answer in the comments)

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:12:19 AM
Are you watching #CNNHeroes All Star-Tribute? Show us how you watch on your tablet, phone, or TV! p.twimg.com/A9J_Eo4CIAA2sU5.png

by CNN Mobile via twitter 12/3/2012 2:12:41 AM
Correct trivia answer Falco!

2007FalcoDec 2, 2012 at 9:03 PM

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:13:04 AM
Yep, already shed my first tear. Congrats, Dr. Connie #CNNHeroes!!!

by Ashlyee Hickman via twitter 12/3/2012 2:13:23 AM
No child in the US should have to drop out of school to care for a family member. - #ConnieSiskowski http://aacy.org #CNNHeroes

by StephNBCLA via twitter 12/3/2012 2:14:05 AM
Ran Into my #TrueBlood crush !!! @Janina lockerz.com/s/266029287

by Cullen Jones via twitter 12/3/2012 2:14:10 AM
Viola Davis is introducing the next CNN Hero - she is involved in many causes herself. Here's one of those.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:14:36 AM
Bout to go on CNN to perform.

by Phillip Phillips via twitter 12/3/2012 2:14:45 AM
Toda la @FundacionJuanfe viendo @CNNHeroes apoyando a @Cataescobarr ..vamos por el oro!!

by Fundación JuanFe via twitter 12/3/2012 2:15:30 AM
Second Hero of the night: Razia Jan.

Jan operates a free school for girls in Afghanistan, where many terrorists will stop at nothing to keep girls from getting an education. There were at least 185 documented attacks on schools and hospitals in Afghanistan last year, according to the United Nations. The majority were attributed to armed groups opposed to girls' education. See full story

by Kyle Almond, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:15:40 AM
#CNNHeroes "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the World" Nelson.M

by 4ever_Virgo via twitter 12/3/2012 2:16:17 AM
CNN hero support! pbs.twimg.com/media/A9KADIRCcAAumxn.jpg

by The Josh Project via twitter 12/3/2012 2:17:18 AM
Raza Jan honored by #CNNHeroes for educating young girls in Afghanistan. Tune in to support heroes like Ms. Jan.

by zeinobagijr via twitter 12/3/2012 2:18:08 AM
We also have three Young Wonders being honored tonight - the first one will be honored in just a few minutes.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:18:12 AM
For many girls in Afghanistan, the simple act of walking to school can be a life-threatening journey.

"You close the door behind you, and you enter a war zone," said Nushin Arbabzadah, an American-based author and scholar who was raised in Afghanistan.

Full story from CNN's Allie Torgan

by Kyle Almond, CNN 12/3/2012 2:18:40 AM
by Kyle Almond, CNN edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:19:22 AM
Anderson Cooper is talking about Malala now - here's the latest on her story.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:20:54 AM
More on Malala's recovery - Anderson just read a note from her, live on CNN.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:22:00 AM
Remembering last yr's #CNNHeroes w/ Hero @iburobin cc @cturlington @cnnheroes @bumisehat #everymothercounts
by dorrine.mendoza on Dec 2, 2012 at 9:20 PM

by dorrine.mendoza 12/3/2012 2:22:31 AM
by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:22:52 AM
I'm skipping "Walking Dead" for this!Chauncey RichardsonDec 2, 2012 at 9:13 PMDelete

by dorrine.mendoza 12/3/2012 2:23:53 AM
David Spade is speaking now live on CNN. He made a major donation to the Red Cross last year.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:24:19 AM
Here's the message from Malala Yousufzai, as read by Anderson Cooper after Razia Jan's acceptance speech:

“Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support. I thank the people that supported me without distinguishing religion and color. People have actually supported a cause, not an individual. Let’s work together to educate girls around the world.”

According to Malala's father, she is reading books and walking again as she recovers from her injuries at a hospital in the UK.

by Kyle Almond, CNN 12/3/2012 2:24:47 AM
Lindsay Lohan joke from David Spade...happening now.

by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:25:03 AM
if you're not watching #CNNHeroes, you're missing out on an inspiring program. Seriously, just DVR Homeland. Claire Danes won't mind.

by Jack Gray via twitter edited by Steve Krakauer, CNN 12/3/2012 2:25:05 AM