Believe Project: $100 for a friend who never puts herself first

Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Michelle Herzau of Elgin.

Here is an excerpt of her pitch:

"I would give it to my co-worker Diane. I have worked with her for almost 20 years, and don't know anyone more deserving. A person's choice of career often defines who they are and as a registered nurse she inspires me. Diane's husband was killed in a tragic accident when her four children were very young. She raised them alone, working full time, all those difficult years. As her parents aged, she cared for them as well, spending countless hours and entire days on the weekend attending to their needs until their deaths. When Diane's daughter was going through a difficult time, she opened her heart, home and pocketbook so that they would have stability. After several years they continue to live with her. I have never known Diane to take even one vacation all these years or take time off for herself. She is at an age that she should be thinking of retirement, but she has no such plans. I would love for Diane to use $100 on something just for herself as a thank you for all she does. Diane is an inspiration to all of us."

• The Believe Project will mail a $100 bill each day to someone with a good idea for how to use it to do a good deed for someone else. Email us your pitch of 100 words or fewer (include your name, address and hometown) to specialevents@dailyherald.com.