Philadelphia Girl Named Semifinalist in National Hero Award Program for Raising Money for Children With Cancer

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; Local youth hero could win $25,000 charitable contribution

10 Butterfly Award Semifinalists Selected; Vote at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 26 -- Ten-year-old Crystal Soriano from Philadelphia is one of 10 top hometown youth heroes from across the country being recognized in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Soriano is a semifinalist in Volvo's national search for, and celebration of, hometown heroes and with enough votes, she could be in the running to win up to a $25,000 charitable contribution.

This year, Volvo selected 10 heroes from thousands of nominations in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category created in memory of Volvo for life Award winner, Alexandra Scott. Soriano has been selected as a top 10 youth hero, and the American public is invited to learn more about all 40 heroes and vote for their favorites at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ now until Jan. 7, 2008.

Soon after doctors diagnosed 10-year-old Crystal Soriano with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), she underwent surgery to have her arm amputated to stave off the spread of the disease. Only two days after her surgery, and despite her new disability, Soriano made cupcakes and personally delivered them to the oncology clinic and the surgery department to say thank you to her doctors and care providers. Inspired by another young Philadelphia girl and cancer patient, Alexandra Scott, for whom the Butterfly Award was created, Soriano then went on to create Crystal's Cupcakes to raise money to help children with cancer. Even a subsequent surgery didn't stop Soriano, and only one day after a major operation, she continued baking cupcakes for her project.

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.

"Our youth heroes are particularly inspiring because they show that no matter what age you are, you can make a very big difference," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "We're thrilled that the Butterfly Award has its own category this year, and encourage the public to visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ to learn more about these ten incredible kids and what they're doing to make the world a better place. And of course, support the heroes with their vote."

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment. Each will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. 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.

The Butterfly Award winner will receive a charitable contribution of $25,000, two runners up will receive $10,000.

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.