Ten people who improved the world we live in

Jane Seymour

Children's Advocate
Yes, she still has long chestnut-colored hair and that come-hither look that made her such a beloved heroine in the '90s TV show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. But make no mistake, beneath Jane Seymour's sultry exterior beats the heart of a stalwart child advocate who works tirelessly to help abused and vulnerable kids. As international ambassador for Childhelp USA, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, Seymour, 53, travels around the world raising awareness and money. "My number-one priority in life is children," says the mother of four and stepmother of two. "I realize that I've been given many gifts, not least of which is my ability to communicate on behalf of people who don't have a voice." To that end, in 2004 Seymour renewed her commitment to the American Red Cross Measles Initiative, which vaccinates children in Africa against the deadly disease. Two years ago, when Seymour traveled to Kenya as part of the initiative, the result was 14 million children vaccinated in one week. "I believe that children are our most endangered species," Seymour says. "We can eradicate measles from the continent of Africa with a program that costs less than $1 a child." No Hollywood diva she, Seymour reminds us that the power of celebrity—coupled with compassion and dedication—can yield incredible results.—Elizabeth Enright

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