RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Faces of Hope, an organization whose objective is to celebrate life and raise money to assist children's needs, has announced the release of a new book, entitled "12 Heroes Among Us," that shares the story of 12 courageous children from around the world and their amazing stories of courage and survival. This inspirational book shares the children's amazing testimonials of hope, courage and survival and captures their unique gathering with Grammy award-winning singer and humanitarian Celine Dion in Montreal to celebrate their lives and raise money for children around the world.

Four children from the US and eight others from around the world, including Canada, were selected as the focus of this year's "Faces of Hope," a year-long celebration of life. In addition to the book, Faces of Hope has also released a family calendar, dedicating one month to each of the children. Both the book and the calendar capture the spirit and heart of these young heroes along with Celine in a collection of beautiful photos. With the same inspirational theme, Hallmark(R) has joined forces with Faces of Hope to proudly offer motivational greeting cards and seasonal musical cards as well.

North Carolina resident Anna Williamson, who can be found on the book's cover with Dion, has lived with spina bifida, a birth defect that typically results in paralysis and other complications. With a radical surgery performed while still in the womb, Williamson is now a growing eight year old who has exceeded the expectations of the medical community. Other young heroes featured have overcome equally traumatic experiences including horrific vehicle accidents, surviving violence and the deaths of their parents in natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami.

As part of the launch of the book several of the 12 children shared their amazing stories along with Celine on the Oprah Winfrey Show which aired on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Proceeds from the products will benefit different children's causes supported by Celine Dion and UNICEF.

To learn more about the book, calendar or greeting cards please visit www.facesofhope2008.com.

About Faces of Hope

Faces of Hope is a series of international events whose objective is to celebrate life. This year, the organization has chosen to underscore the courage of 12 children from nine countries throughout the world. These 12 children have survived incredible dramas, and today they are coping well and want to share their experiences with other young people and their families. As in past years, the Faces of Hope team has had the unique opportunity to be able to count on Celine Dion to realize these events. These stories of extraordinary courage, the breathtaking exclusive photos of Celine with our little heroes, and the ways to help Faces of Hope continue the activities and help children in need. Proceeds from the products will benefit different children's causes supported by Celine Dion and UNICEF. For more information about Faces of Hope and to view products for purchase, please visit www.facesofhope2008.com.

SOURCE Faces of Hope