I'm a fan because I have an incredible amount of admiration and respect for Barbra. I love her music, but frankly not nearly as much as her honesty, integrity, drive, compassion and generous heart. By staying true to her soul and becoming who she has become, she has inspired me (and I'm sure many, many others) to truly commit to becoming the best woman I can become.

I share an incredibly similar childhood with Barbra, although I was born later on in the mid-70's and my father was with me until I was seven.

By watching Barbra's interviews (thanks to video sites online!), watching her Harvard speech (many times thanks to C-Span!) and "feeling her" in her films; especially Yentl and The Prince of Tides... it opened up a side of myself...a part of my soul that I was sure had been destroyed, taken from me as a child. Since I "found" Barbra this past year (I only had the album 'People" until then (and a few singles) and had never seen any of her films!) and really immersed myself in her art, I have started to realize my own true potential as a woman, as an artist, as a citizen of the world. My life has drastically changed for the better.

Her wisdom, intelligence in business, boundless creativity and most of all, her music and films have enhanced my life, and even changed the way I perceive myself. So, my thanks to Barbra...who after so many years, is still affecting change in the world and in the hearts and souls of people...of women like me.