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National TV Just 1st Step For 'Mom' Finalist

Tribune photo by CHRISTINE DELESSIO

Lisa Couture, of Wesley Chapel, was one of 15 semifinalists in the America's Favorite Mom competition, sponsored by Teleflora.

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 24, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - In the past few weeks, a Wesley Chapel homemaker has been a semifinalist in a national competition, appeared on national television, and met Donny and Marie Osmond. In the process, she inspired countless people across the nation.

And, according to Lisa Couture, she's just getting started.

Couture, a Meadow Pointe resident, was one of 15 semifinalists in the America's Favorite Mom competition, sponsored by Teleflora. Couture's husband, Ron, nominated her for this contest, which, according to the contest Web site, was devised in honor of the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day.

"I told my kids I would be happy whether I won or not," Couture said. "This has been such a cool experience."

From a field of more than 15,000 nominees nationwide, Couture was notified in early May that she was one of 15 semifinalists in the contest; and one of only three in one of the competition's five subcategories, the COE - Chairman of Everything - Mom.

The title seemed to suit Couture, who has three children, 7-year-old son Dominic, 6-year-old son Ryan and 4-year-old daughter Madison. Due to a bout with roseola and a high fever at 18 months, Couture has fought a lifelong battle with amblyopia, a condition that impairs her vision. She has been legally blind since 1987. She has walked with a cane since 2004, and is unable to drive. Her peripheral vision also has failed her; she experiences triple vision and now sees only a limited amount of color, in her left eye.

Despite these obstacles, she serves as a full-time mom for her three children and also helps to care for her father Joe Staney, who is recuperating from a heart attack he suffered in December; he and her mother Corey live nearby in her Meadow Pointe neighborhood. Couture earned a master's degree in finance, and belongs to both the Meadow Pointe Moms Club and a retreat planning committee at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, where she attends. In addition, she recently lost 100 pounds.

On May 9, the nation heard Couture's story when she appeared on "Today," where she was interviewed - along with other COE Mom finalists Gwen Beauchamp and Courtnee Stevenson - by Ann Curry.

"I felt an instant bond with the other mothers," Couture said. "I felt like I knew them."

The mothers lent each other support as they each relayed their own messages about motherhood.

"What I really wanted to convey was that no matter what obstacles, big or small, a mother faces, she can still let her children know every day how important they are to her," Couture said. "And I want to show them, like I show my kids, to never give up."

After the show, she was whisked off via airplane to Los Angeles, where the America's Favorite Mom television special - hosted by the Osmonds - was filmed May 10.

Couture's mother, her husband and children also were flown in for this special event; a special treat for Ryan, who enjoyed Donny Osmond's performance in a filmed version of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

"Ryan is Donny's biggest fan," said Madison.

Couture also enjoyed meeting the Osmonds.

"Donny said to me, 'You inspire me,' and I burst into tears. He gave me this big hug and I sobbed on his shoulder," she said. "And meeting Marie was amazing, just incredible."

Ultimately, as revealed on the television special, Gwen Beauchamp won the title of COE Mom. Patti Patton-Bader of Pasadena, Calif., won the title of America's Favorite Mom. As a semifinalist, Couture took away a $10,000 cash prize; Teleflora floral bouquets; a gold America's Favorite Mom necklace; a Marie Osmond "Dancing With the Stars" doll; and a Kraft gift basket.

"This has been a great experience," she said.

Back home in Meadow Pointe, Couture was treated like a celebrity at the community garage sale, and at a Double Branch Elementary School ceremony where son Dominic won a PRIDE Award for academic excellence.

In the future, Couture plans to go into teaching, and perhaps to write a book and speak about her experience.

For now, she wants to continue to nurture and inspire her family.

When she asks Madison who she most enjoyed meeting in California, Madison replies, "Mommy, I enjoyed meeting you."

LISA COUTURE

SOME BACKGROUND: Chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 mothers nationwide, Lisa Couture of Wesley Chapel made it to the semifinal round of the America's Favorite Mom competition, sponsored by Teleflora. People voted for contestants online at www.nbc.com.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Teleflora's America's Favorite Mom contest, devised in honor of the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, was meant to honor mothers who make outstanding contributions to their families and communities.

WHAT'S NEXT: In the future, Lisa Couture plans a teaching career and may become a motivational speaker; in addition, she would like to someday to write a book about her experiences.

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