Linda Tran-Blanchard has a proud and fascinating family history.
"I am just the messenger in the story," said Tran-Blanchard. "The true heroes are my parents and my grandparents."
Forty-one years ago, Linda Tran-Blanchard's grandparents escaped South Vietnam with their nine children, daughter-in-law and baby granddaughter. They were among the many refugees who fled Vietnam by boat, searching for a better life.
"To make the decision to leave on the 20 metre-long boat with 430 other people," said Tran-Blanchard. "And not knowing if you're going to survive the rough sea journey, that's just remarkable."
The actual boat they were on broke down and Tran-Blanchard's grandfather jumped into shark-infested waters to repair the propeller.