Miss Teen Georgia 2007 Recognized for Bringing Pageants and Confidence to Cancer Patients

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $100,000 charitable contributions awarded to finalists; winner receives Volvo car for life

40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 21 -- Whether at home in Georgia or elsewhere, Jena Sims, Miss Teen Georgia 2007, brings beauty and celebration to hospitals around the country, by hosting pageants for children battling cancer. Sims has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is now in the running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards -- an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes across America.

Beginning today, the American public can visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and vote for Jena Sims. This democratic vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's hero search. Three winning heroes will receive $100,000 for their charities. One extraordinary winner will receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.

At age ten, Sims experienced cancer first-hand with the loss of both her grandfathers to the disease. Now as a freshman at Belmont University, Sims holds beauty pageants through her organization, Pageants of Hope, for children diagnosed with cancer to help boost self-esteem and confidence, and give them a turn in the spotlight in front of family and friends. Sims and other Teen USA representatives visit hospitals to host the pageants, where they give runway lessons, makeovers and awards to every participant, honoring each for a unique characteristic. To date, Sims has hosted 11 pageants and touched the lives of hundreds of children.

"We're putting them on stage to acknowledge all that they've been through and recognize what makes every single one of them unique and beautiful," said Sims.

Sims' goal is to host a pageant in all 50 states. She hopes to bring others the feelings of joy and confidence she has experienced while doing pageantry, "one tiara at a time."

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Once again, Volvo is inviting America itself to serve as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "Last year we had an overwhelming response with more than 700,000 votes tallied. This year's heroes are top notch. It will be tough to narrow the field down and pick winners, but Volvo is confident that America is up to the challenge. "

In the end, every vote counts. Ten heroes have been selected in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category. The voting period will determine three finalists in each category. Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and learn more about what the top 40 hometown heroes are doing to make the world a better place now and in the future. Most importantly, support Jena Sims with your vote and help bring more funding to your community.

Volvo Cars of North America leads the national initiative, honoring and rewarding local heroes with financial contributions each year. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners. One top hero in each of the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. One extraordinary winner will go on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero," and with it, a new Volvo car every three years for life.

A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is up for grabs this year -- but only America's kids can reach it. Volvo is elevating its annual Butterfly Award to its own youth hero category -- with a $25,000 prize for the winner and $10,000 to two runners up.

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com