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Your Everyday Heroes

The following hero stories have been tagged with Integrity

Kenda N

Kenda is a Hero as she has brought more joy, smiles and higher self-esteem to my young adult child and others like him. You see, Kenda created and directs "Movement E-Motion", a dance program for individuals with different abilities - young adults aged 13 to seniors with Down Syndrome, Autism and physical challenges. This lady, the artistic director of AZDance Group which is a professional c... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Alan T

Al was an educator who believed the best in kids and families. He was a highly regarded (and award winning) elementary school principal when I first met him and not too much later, I found out he had MS. He retired after 25 years and fought MS for his, too few, remaining years. He died a few years ago, far too young - but content that he had made a difference in the lives of countless childr... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Irven E

He was born in another era, before cars and phones and even radio. He quit school after the 8th grade because that's all the school there was, and then in 1917, at age 20, he went to war in France as a dough-boy. Raising a family in the 20s and 30s was tough since he was laid off from his railroad job with the coming of the depression, but he fed them without help from the government, somet... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Rhonda K.

After a bad childhood & no family; I lacked a huge concern for others. With no hope, I came to VCU as a lost freshman. Little did I know, my life would be changed forever by my advisor. Mrs. K. came into my life in August 2004 and I quickly bonded with her. I felt I could trust her, something not normal for me. Along the way she encouraged me, inspired me, and demonstrated humility. She kne... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

June And Grad W.

This couple is in their mid 70's and work together for good like the wings of a beautiful bird in flight. Whichever one is involved in a project, the other is there to help. Together they've been taking care of a hospice patient for over two years. They care for any stray animal that crosses their path, not only food but medical costs. June runs the elections board for our town, and Grad is org... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Tse Yuet M.

Tse Yuet, is father of nine daughters, Chinese butcher by trade, artist, inspirationalist, and is my grandfather. He came out of China to Hong Kong, then to Yellowknife and Vancouver and my ties with him start from Yellowknife at age three. I remember how he would teach me about the wonders of animals, the marvels of him weaving into life, from scrap plastic strips lively animals, animals mytho... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Dr. Harini P.

While the majority of physicians in our Baltimore suburb refuse to treat patients on Medical Assistance, Dr. Harini P. is a dedicated pediatrician who not only accepts these patients, but gives them excellent medical care and treats them with dignity and respect.She is always accessible to her patients, never too busy for to take a call from a concerned parent or to spend extra time during a vi... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Tauna S.

Tauna is one of the best people I may ever know; intelligence, kindness, acceptance, empathy, self-respect, values and tranquility all combine into her wonderful personality. She is only an 11th grader, yet her intellect and general compassion suggest more experience in life than many adults I know. Any stress that she may harbor during the busy days at school never disturbs her content demeano... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Dr. Robert B.

Dr. B. at Elmhurst College is an amazing history professor. He is extremely passionate about his subject as well as his students. When my friend's mother died of cancer, Dr. B. called my friend to see how he was doing and even came to the funeral. Dr. B. knew I was good friends with this guy and would continue to ask me how I was holding up during the ordeal. He wrote me an amazing recommendati... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Mattie D.

Six years ago my mother went through the most precarious time of her life, not sure if she would live or die. She was suffering the effects of Polycystic Kidney Disease, living with a set of kidneys and a liver no longer in operation. She was in great pain, afraid of the uncertainty of tomorrow and isolated three hours from family and friends. She watched patients come in and pass away. She rem... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Rowland H.

I would like to nominate my dad as my hero. He is the best dad anyone could ask for. He is currently in his third year of remission from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He battled the disease off and on for three years undergoing many tests, chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant. During the entire time he kept his spirits up and enjoyed his family and friends. When the doctors and ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

John L.

The hero I knew was my father, John. My ex-husband had abandoned my two children and me. My parents gave up their jobs and home and moved across the state to help me. We lived together for a long time as I struggled to make it. My father had headaches almost every day of his life. One day, I got a call from my mother that he had collapsed at work and was at the hospital. When I got there, he wa... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Justin P.

Courage. Character. Integrity. Inspiration. Selflessness.These are words describing my nominee, Justin - a former student of mine and an enduring friend. Justin is still dealing with a lot of medical and neurological issues that started a few years ago. However, he has been a true hero to me because of all that he still pursues in his life. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I present h... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Jaime P.

I call him my hero. He not only taught me everything I know about Martial Arts, but he also taught me how to love, and how to care. He wasn't just another guy in my life who did some great stuff and then slowly faded away. He was always there when I was in need of help. Whenever I was down, he was there to pick me back up and with that, taught me a lesson. Not only have I learned to value life ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Matthew H.

My husband Matt was the single father of three girls, all of whom have disabilities. Meghan has Down Syndrome, Molly has autism and Madeline has autism. He raised them with grace, dignity and respect for themselves and others. He undertook an enormous job and did it with love and did it well. The girls are so lucky to have him and I was lucky to have met him. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Emily W.

I would like to nominate Emily for being a hero. She is the perfect example for a hero because she shows her Theater Arts students respect, integrity, and kindness. Mrs. W. has helped many students become not only wonderful actors and actresses but helped her public school students become role models. Mrs. Emily W. is a great example for a hero. She has changed lives with her positive attitude ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Sam R.

Sam R. is a wonderful person. I have only known her for 5 years and she has matured in many ways. Sam grew up on a farm, and for the first 6 years of her life, she was home schooled. Now, at a prestigious private school, Sam still loves the freedom she experiences when she is at home. Being an animal lover, Sam aims to become a vet. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Jessie S.

Jessie S. I can't really describe her in a paragraph. She is one of the most influential and wonderful people in my life. Jessie is kind, thoughtful and an all-around pleasure to be with. She has an awesome character and strives to do well in every aspect of what she does. She is always cheerful and full of life. Jessie is my hero. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Nalliah K.

My father(1926-89) is my hero. He taught me to love fellow humans; not to harm others; to enjoy life with a sense of humour everyday; to learn everyday from everything or everybody; to thank god for all we have; to help others; to realise the truth and happiness; to enjoy cooking, eating, studying, working as well as talking and sleeping. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ethel M

Ethel is my aunt by marriage; she is my husband’s aunt. She has always treated me as someone special, and her kind and loving words have meant the world to me…Those words are what keep me going. I never have to do anything to hear her kind words, she just often tells me that I am her most favorite person in the whole world. She is over 80 years old, and has the heart of an angel. ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Maria R

My hero is my Gran, and my best friend. She gave me my Italian blood, for which I am very grateful. My Gran is like a friend as well as a grandmother, and I know she will accept me whatever my condition. We laugh loads despite the challenges we face at any moment. She is my inspiration for all I do as I strive to impress; though I know if I did nothing at all I would still be perfect in her eye... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Carter S

My Darling Son is My HeroA Poem to him, a soldier....To live so boldly, to dare and overcomeDaily dealings take a path that surprises...saddensLeaving God to make sense of the total sum To rise to necessity, giving yourself for usYelling commands follow down mazes of mayhemNo hindsight needed, beyond the sandy chaos To take the moment, and make it count for allBreathlessly regrouping, searching... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Jody H

I began singing as young as I can remember. And as soon as I could, I enrolled with the best music teacher in town. When I started with her, we could immediately tell our political and religious differences.Through her teaching me, however, we have discovered that we have more in common than we could have ever imagined. We are both determined, passionate, and willing to do anything to achieve o... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Chris H.

Chris was hit head on by a drunk driver at 7 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2005 on his way to work. He was instantly paralyzed from the neck down, was pronounced dead at the scene, revived and pronounced dead in the helicopter on the way to the hospital. Many more times he came very close to dying and had to be revived. Chris underwent 18 surgeries over the next few months. He could not breathe on his ow... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Christiane D

My roommate Christy recently gave up her high-paying position to dedicate her time to care for an 8-year-old boy with Autism. He is an adorable boy with a heart of gold, but definitely a challenge at times! Christy has nothing but patience with him and because of her efforts he has made amazing advances socially as well as developmentally. Christy has constantly put his needs before her own...B... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

George H

My Dad has been an English teacher for the past 50 years; he now mentors young teachers. I can't tell you how many times former students of his have told me that he was the greatest teacher they ever had.Growing up, my mother didn’t work and there were nine kids in our family, so we certainly did not live in luxury. Despite those circumstances, however, he never let us feel like we needed... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

John K

My husband, John, is my hero because he never stops giving. He does everything in his power to provide for our family without complaint. As he faces his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan he carries a positive and uplifting attitude that enables us to look forward. Without him, our lives would be bleak. He gives of himself and his resources to those around him in need, and to those who are u... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Cliff &Amp; Shannon F

Cliff and Shannon have adopted three children, all siblings, from a troubled home. These children are all under the age of five and the oldest has autism. Cliff and Shannon love these children unconditionally and are raising them in an environment of security, love and understanding. Without much money or high-paying jobs, Cliff and Shannon struggle mightily to provide for these children but t... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ben F

Ben was my hero as he fought in WW2, a pilot in the Pacific Theater. Ben homesteaded in Wyoming and later built up several thriving businesses in Utah, along with his wife, Rita. Rita and Ben raised eight children who are all successful. Together they have helped many people throughout the years, both financially and spiritually. Perhaps the greatest challenge and chance for heroism has come ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Paul B

My hero is my Dad! I have always thought of him as such just because he is my Father. I admire him for living his life according to his own hopes and aspirations. At 75 years of age, he still embodies all the compassion and drive that he has possessed his entire life. Perhaps because I myself have matured I can see many of these traits more clearly now. My Dad is a believer in all that is good... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Dayna S

Dayna was born with a rare disease called schizencephaly. This disease has restricted her from walking and talking since she was a baby. Dayna is now 16 and has surpassed her disability beyond anyone's imagination. Her perseverance and character have inspired me as a leader in my school community. For Dayna, there are no limits or boundaries that she can't cross. She has participated in school ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Debra H

My mom always wins the honor of hero for me. She's a three-time cancer survivor, including breast cancer in 1999. Through it all, though, I've never once heard her complain about what she's had to go through. When the rest of our family was upset, I can remember her response: "Don't worry. It ain't but a thing." She has a quiet kind of courage and grace that I've never seen in an... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Greg L

My hero is my husband Greg. My husband works long, hard hours on the night shift just to give our sons and me a better life. He is a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local hospital and he goes above and beyond his job requirements to make sure that his patients are comfortable, happy, that they feel secure and safe, and he is never too busy to sit and talk with them or lift their spirits. He ne... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Calvin S

Calvin is one of my co-workers and he has arthritis. What impresses me most, however, is that Calvin does not let his arthritis prevent him from doing what he loves. He’s always playing with his kids or supporting them in their endeavors. Although he works a normal job with average pay, he is determined to never let his kids or his wife down.Calvin is also a scoutmaster for a local Boy S... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Rashmi K.

My daughter is an ESL teacher. She teaches adult refugees who have never spoken English in their lives. She narrated me this one instance which brought tears of joy to my eyes. This is what she told me...this is her story in her own words."About a year ago, I walked into my classroom to prepare for my lesson only to find one of my students already there, 30 minutes early. My student, Hawa... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Catherine C

Catherine overcame a rare form of cancer, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg from the hip down. While she endured her battle with cancer and coped with her losses, she was also completing a second book on apartheid to achieve academic tenure, raising a toddler, fighting a convoluted health care system and losing her father to bone cancer. These days, she walks a mile to work ever... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Javier O.

Javier is my inspiration. Whenever I feel down it seems like I get a text message or a phone call that just brightens my day. He is always cheerful and happy and willing to help others through their time of need, even when he is having a rough time. He never has an unkind word to say to anyone and he just plain makes me smile all the time. Best of all - he likes me for me and not for who he thi... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Lou S.

His heart is made of gold. He goes above and beyond to ensure that he is understood. As a talented artist, he communicates his passion for telling a story through images. He seeks the truth and holds himself accountable to assure the accuracy of the story. He is an amazing person, he would give you the shirt off his back and do anything for you. He is an exception human being and I am a better ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Monica F.

My hero is my mom. She had me when she was in her teenage years and though she could have had a much easier life if she had given me up, she chose to keep me. She was faced with the difficult issues of being a single parent while finishing high school and college. She is now a very successful registered nurse and assistant manager of a bone marrow transplant center. I have lived an excellent li... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Chris R.

My hero is my best friend's brother, CSR. He died in a car accident in 2005. He was an amazing person. He was the first person who I ever saw be true to themselves, to the fullest. He made me see that being yourself is the best thing. We love and miss him. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Thomas T.

My dad has been working for an agency that cares for a large portion of Long Island's mentally retarded community since 1980. When he started out he worked as a direct care counselor in the one and only group home the agency had. He lived next to the group home, cooked dinners, bathed those who could not bathe themselves, and helped with many other day to day tasks. He also took the people t... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Duncan M C

I'm sure most people think (at least one of) their parents is/was a hero; I think my Dad was. A talented man, unassuming, creative, inventive, and unappreciated. I wish he was alive today, now that I am old enough to treasure him. One motto he taught me was "You're about as happy as you make up your mind to be." I always thought he made this up, but I understand Abraham Lincoln said i... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Janice A.

Mrs. Attaway teaches pre-algebra and algebra at a local middle school in my town and has taught thousands of students. Sure, she teaches the material that is required by law and makes sure that her students understand that material, but she does so much more than that. First of all, hardly anyone understands math so she teaches the material in a different way, understandable to every child. If ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Merlin E.

Prior to passing away in October 2007, Merlin dedicated his life to teaching, including spending 43 years as the Director of a week-long summer camp that taught leadership to high school student body leaders from all over Washington State. For 43 years, each summer Merlin left his family for one week because of his unwavering belief that our high school student body leaders will be the leaders... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Will S.

My hero is my husband, Will. He suffers from FSH Muscular Dystrophy, and has recently been diagnosed with a grade 3 (cancer) brain tumor. We have 2 little girls ages 3 and 4. My husband has been through a needle biopsy in his brain only to determine that his tumor is inoperable, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (ongoing). He has been hospitalized, and is bound to a wheelchair for getting ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Scott E.

Scott truly is "passing it on." He volunteers in prisons, providing workshops for prisoners ready to be released back into society. He has given 15,000 pairs of glasses to needy children and is doing a huge 7,000 person event in Utah, in which the proceeds will be distributed to the local churches to provide food and clothing to the needy. He is inspiring. Because of his influence, I ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Matt B.

Matt was an athlete, brother, friend, son, student, an all around great person, and my boyfriend whom I was in love with. He had earned his varsity letter in 4 different sports. Although he was an athlete, he was kind to anyone and everyone. When my boyfriend Matt passed away, one comment left on the memorial wall at my high school was "Matt was the reason I came to school everyday. He sai... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Tom V.

Tom is my father. He is my hero because he helps me through my life. He has helped me learn to read, to write, to do math, and how to use computers. But recently, he got arthritis. Now, we are not the richest family, so I raised money with my friends to help pay for the shots he had to get. Now he can play his favorite sport, hockey, again. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Kelly L.

My mom is my hero. Why? Because she has taught me all my life lessons. She has been through so much in these past few months, but although she was in a tough situation, she always made sure my siblings and I were okay. She always put herself last and let everyone else come first. She cares about people, and she never gives up. She pushes you to the best of your ability. She knows when you will ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Zurriane B.

Zurriane has volunteered his time as a Martial Arts instructor for many years to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. For the past nine years he has also volunteered his time as a defense instructor for women and a resisting aggression defense instructor for children. He is also my martial arts instructor and has helped me and many other young people to improve our lives and futures. He is m... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Faye H.

Faye...is an inspiration to many and does not even know it. Faye had breast cancer nine years ago. Faye dealt with this situation with a great deal of dignity. She was strong for her family and herself. She was back to work three weeks after having 23 lymph nodes removed. She has taught me a great deal in my 35 years. She never gave up and continues to be active in causes related to breas... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Clint M.

My hero is my husband. He is a peace pilgrim. He has never missed a day of work in his life. He has only ever had three jobs. He loves me, even when I am unloveable. He considers my son to be his son and raised my son to be like him. He is the most moral, ethical, intelligent man I have ever known. I don't expect to ever meet anyone better than him. He inspires me to be a better person. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Lisa H.

My hero is the most passionate person I have ever met. She is the embodiment of "Do what you love, love what you do." She is a person of greatness...someone I can only hope to be like someday. Lisa is a record holding high school and college athlete and coach. Her story lies in her unbelievable selflessness and compassion. Her best friend in the world battled anorexia and Lisa held ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Will M.

More than anything else, Will gives me hope. He looks for the good and upholds it in others. He serves, he walks his talk. He uplifts people. He takes meaningful action to make the world and the people in it better. He's real and speaks the truth. He has character. He's a good man. He provides meaningful, heart-full information to his readers. He loves his wife and family. He's living his visi... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Cameron A.

My son Cameron, now 13, was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer when he was 11. He has transformed his experience into an opportunity to help others. He is developing a magazine called Brain Candy! as a way to bridge young people living with brain cancer. He writes a weekly blog and does regular video blogs on YouTube. He has touched so many people. He is not only a hero to me, his papa, a cance... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Marc M.

When I reflect on the word “hero” I think of my father, Marc. For over 30 years my dad has been an ordained minister serving as a senior pastor in several churches. He has taught me about compassion and the need to serve others before myself. In everything that he does, he strives to be a blessing in others’ lives. Each Sunday, he greets every church member and visitor wit... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Rose D.

My grandmother is my hero. She was a proud woman that spoke her mind and put on no false pretenses. She was incredibly strong and passionate about her home and the nature around it. You either loved her or hated her...and I loved her. She instilled in me the values of her times and I can't say how much that meant. Sadly she passed away, but I carry her in my heart every day. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Stanley M.

Four days a week in Hutchinson, Kansas a miracle happens: 200-300 people eat a hot meal. The miracle worker is an unassuming woman named Stanley M. who operates the Christian Soup Ministry. For close to 20 years she’s never missed a scheduled day, never run out of food, never turned anyone away…and never accepted so much as a penny of government assistance.Some days there’s no... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Gene W.

My hero is Gene W. Gene has started more than a dozen companies in his lifetime. He started out working in the laser industry when it was still in its infancy in the 1940s. In his early days in Silicon Valley he often associated with pioneers of the era like Dave Packard and Bell Hewlett. Dave Packard in particular, was a major influence on Gene. Mr. Packard was often known to say “I don&... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

George R.

My grandfather—George R.—is my hero. He was born blind and against all odds he attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his BS. His seeing-eye dog was the first dog to graduate with a blind student. He also attended Carnegie Tech (Now Carnegie Mellon University) and received his MS in Social Work. He became the first blind juvenile probation officer in Allegheny, PA. He ju... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Georgia And Gentry

I have two daughters, Georgia, 13, and Gentry, 11. I can’t tell a story about someone being my hero without mentioning both of them. Just over a year ago I embarked on a campaign to win one of three vacancies on our city commission. Building social capital is my work, my passion, and my hope for our society’s future. Becoming an elected official was one way I knew to give back to my... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Halbert T.

What started as a job offer in the medical examiner/coroner’s office turned into a life changing event for a single mother of four children.Dr. T. was a leading national pathologist who worked on many notorious forensic cases with the likes of Henry Lu and Michael Boden. But what he was most was a very compassionate human being. The father of three children, one who had a severe disabilit... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Katie W.

One of my heroes, Katie W., was born with one arm and of Asian decent. She grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, and her parents neglected her and did not show her the love she deserved and needed. She was on the first girl’s basketball team that I coached. She joined us her 7th grade year and through her hard work and desire became a starter and played through her sophomore year... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Leina R.

My mom is amazing to me. She taught me about strength, hard work, and discipline. She became a single parent when I was about 11. I’m the oldest of four children. She worked very hard to provide the best for all of us. She cleaned the Catholic school we went to, so that we could go to school there. She never complained about anything, she just did it. She taught us about sticking together... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Luella H.

My mom, Luella H., who at 86 years young is today, the President of the local seniors’ organization and family matriarch. She loved learning and was my foremost teacher. She gave birth to 12 children in 16 years! She is a farmer’s wife and a church activist, yet still acquired her GED at 69. Her family tradition was that the “girls” went to school through 9th grade (the ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

My Best Friend's Mom

My best friend’s mom is the person that exemplifies so many wonderful values such as courage, helping others, humility, love, and faith. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 8 years old. She had double mastectomies, chemo, radiation…lost her hair, was sick and all the things so many women go through. She went into remission, it came back in other areas and she underwent m... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

My Grandmother

My grandmother (1912-1986) was a 1st and 2nd grade teacher. She lost her mother to influenza during the flu epidemic in 1919, and grew up as the “Cinderella” of the family: troubled dad and uncaring stepmom—not much love. Her aunts put her to vocational school when she was 14; it was a boarding school, she hated it withal her heart, because she was the only one who had to live... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Phyllis W.

This is about my baby sister, Phyllis W. The youngest of nine children, she was the epitome of the baby in our family. Everyone looked out for her, especially me. We were the closest in age and also best friends. At the age of 35, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 4. She had two small children and was a single mom. I remember going to the oncologist for the first time with her. Her on... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ronald And Lydia J.

My heroes are my grandparents: Ronald and Lydia J. They not only raised me but taught me that character and responsibility are more important than how much money you have, the college degrees you have earned or the job you hold. Your character is the foundation of who you are. As they say, “the true test of a man is his character.”I now try to instill this in my children. It is more... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Susan B.

A mother. A wife. A friend. Generous beyond expectation and committed to all of the things important in her life.Susan B., together with her husband, Mike, raised three sons. All the while, she gave them the spiritual support and guidance they needed, loved them deeply and unconditionally, and found the time to share herself with others.If anyone she knew had a need-however great or small—... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ursula G.

Ursula G., 90, my childhood dance teacher. Ursula taught modern dance at Colorado College in Colorado Springs for 40 years.I took dance starting at the age of 4. I was a pigeon-toed kid and my feet were corrected in my toddler years. The doctor suggested dance to continue my progress and improve my balance. Ursula was so positive with me as she was all her students. She made me believe in my ab... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Vivian R.

My hero, Vivian R., died last July of breast cancer. An older African American woman who never married or had any children, she devoted her life to helping others. I was fortunate enough to have known her for the past 30 years. Since she hired me as young 20 something year old working in the aging field. We came from different backgrounds and were as different as night and day, but we bonded fr... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Richard F.

Rich F. was a volunteer fire fighter and Prince George's County Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty on June 27, 2008. Rich was dedicated to his wife, their two small children, and to serving his community. He lived his life with purpose and service. He could always make you smile with his positive attitude. If you met him, you would consider him a friend immediately, as he would y... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Marcus M.

Marcus was a co-worker of mine for many years and I've never seen anyone so devoted to their job. I've often caught myself just watching him interact with customers. He's never met a stranger, and is an overall genuine and good person. He taught me that being cool doesn't mean playing the “tough guy,” and basically that you get what you give to the world. He's the best person I've e... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Earl R.

My hero is a person who always puts others before himself. He is always faithful to anything he undertakes and always willing to lend a helping hand. His word is his bond. He always goes above and beyond the call of duty. He works in Human Resources. He gives 110 percent to the project. He is always going the extra mile to help someone else. He sacrifices personal rest to provide service to the... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Matthew

He saves lives as a Combat Medic while protecting people. He is one of the smartest people I've met, and his heart is bigger than life. He has been deployed twice to Iraq, and has impacted people both times. He never thinks about himself, only others. By far, the world would be a better place with more people like him. He's my hero. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Henri L.

After surviving the concentration camps of World War II (a situation that could have destroyed one’s spirit) Henri came to America and served in our military. Through the G.I. Bill he received an education in the hospitality industry. With success in the hotel business he could have justifiably sat back and enjoyed life. Instead he founded Give Kids the World, an organization that grants ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Kelly K.

Kelly is a one of a kind person. With a heart that she opens to all, Kelly is counted on by many. But what really has set Kelly apart and made her my hero is her non-stop optimism and dedication. Kelly has dedicated her life to helping people, and to helping spread awareness for an array of causes.Let me start by giving you a brief history of Kelly's caring life. It really started from her birt... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Andrew M.

My hero doesn't have superman's strength or the ability to fly. He has a different kind of strength: the strength to beat all odds, the ability to soar with courage. His name is Andrew. He was a premature baby and was told that he would not make it. He had heart surgery at the age of 13 and now has a clean heart. Literally. He has never once showed defeat. He has only ever shown strength and co... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Shawn C.

I met Shawn a few years ago. She is my hero as she is everything I've ever wanted to be. Perfect, no...and doesn't claim to be. She's been challenged with life threatening illness more than once. She is a true miracle. Shawn has more inner strength than anyone I have ever known. She's helped me learn and taught me to grow from my mistakes. She gives me hope when I have none. She believe... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Travis Pastrana

In the summer of 2006 I desperately needed help. I was racked with worry. I was entering my 19th year of teaching in public education and I knew this would be one of the most difficult classes I would encounter. This class was well behaved, but most of them were not very motivated, especially when it came to school. I needed a role model that the kids could relate to. I needed someone who s... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Taylor

"A song for a heart so big, God wouldn't let it live."-Jimmy Eat World, "Hear You Me"I grew up with Taylor. He came to my fifth birthday party, and was constantly a visitor at our house. There where always whispers, talk of something bad that us children could never quite understand, not until many years later. We knew he was different, but to what extent, at first, we had n... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Deanna M.

Deanna McLemore, my mother, has given selflessly to our small farm community for over 45 years. As a nurse she has touched the lives of most families in the county, either caring for their elderly parents, their children, or anyone in between. She has given up time on the weekends and in the evenings, always off the clock, to go see someone who needed her. She has volunteered for Hospice, he... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Erin B

Erin B. has taught me that you don't have to be fake or selfish to be popular with your peers. She has come into my life and taught me how to be a better friend and a better person. She brightens every room she walks into, and makes a new friend with everyone she greets with a "Hello." read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Hope W.

Hope is a nurse currently working in Darfur with Doctors Without Borders assisting women and children in a clinic camp. Hope wears many hats as she works with cases of trauma/childbirth/rehabilitation; not to mention the general well being and survival of those she touches. She is my hero. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Renee B.

Whether your life is going well, or facing challenges, almost inevitably along comes a person who turns your world upside down--but for the better. They inspire you to be the best you can be, and always try to be even better every day. They do this without even trying. They simply bring out the best in you. For me, that Person was Renee. I adore her, and am so thankful that I have her friendshi... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

American Red Cross

I spent the last 2 weeks serving on the disaster relief operation for Hurricane Ike. While this is not my first with the ARC, I stand in awe of the tireless dedication of many other volunteers. Some of these have spent a significant portion of their life serving their country in times of disaster. One such gentlemen was on his 157th national relief operation. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

David R.

David is my daddy. Today is his 74th birthday. He is my hero. Daddy adopted me, my younger sister and my little brother, when I was 12 years old. There is something very special about a parent that will take on someone else’s children, shower them with love and raise them up as their own.My dad’s first wife passed away with a brain tumor and he was left with their two young girls, a... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Wally G.

Wally is one of my personal heroes because he helps people--me specifically--know where to look to find true happiness and how to have peace in the home. He's constantly creating things to educate people about how to have healthy families. I've watched him change at least a hundred lives and heard how he's helped train others to do the same. He's amazing. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Jason L.

My daddy is my hero. I think he is the best dad in the world. An example of this would be the first time I rode a bike: Crash Boom Bang! I had a very bad wreck! He hustled to me into the house at a very high speed and totally took care of me. He picked me up and dusted me off. My dad is the best!!! read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Rachel S.

My hero is Rachel Scott. She was killed in the Columbine shooting, the first one killed. Before she died, she always made sure to included everyone and anybody in whatever she did. She helped numerous kids before they hurt themselves. Because of her example, I am in the program Rachel's Challenge. Compassion, pass it on. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Monte R.

My husband is my hero. We married in 1991. We had nothing but happiness and love for one another. After a few years of working different jobs, my husband decided we needed to do more to be successful and achieve our goals. In 1998, he decided to go to college, get a degree, and find a job that he enjoyed that could also support his family. In 1999 we had our first child, a beautiful baby g... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Lou A.

I have worked with Lou for 11 years. Even though he is over 15 years younger than me, I consider him to be my mentor. He is wise beyond his years. He has taught me and my co-workers positive values for living that have made our lives richer in so many ways.Basic values, like:How to treat peopleHow to dig inside deep and pull out that desire to do a good jobHow to live life with purityHow to und... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ken C.

Ken has taught me a lot. He has taught me to have a positive attitude, to never give up, and to work for everything. Kevin is the Principle at my middle school. He has encouraged us to Watch the Foundation for a Better Life videos everyday in advisory. He also has made my life easier from the first day I started at his school. Ken is my Hero. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Joyce M.

When I was twelve, mom became a single parent and raised my sister and I completely by herself. As the daughter of an Appalachian brick mason (and one of seven children), my mother was no stranger to tough and meager times. How she managed to keep us in stylish clothes, Nike’s and well fed on a modest income of near minimum wage is astonishing. For as little money as we had I never felt... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

A.J. V.

He has been my best friend since fourth grade and has always stuck up for me. He makes me laugh when I am in the worst mood. He makes the unpopular kids at school feel like they are really important. I wish I could strive to be more like A.J. because he has really made a difference in many people's lives, including mine. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Priscilla B.

She is the best sister that I could ever have. She is always there for whenever I need her. Every time I see her I get I smile on my face. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Cheryl R.

Cheryl is my mother. She has always been there for me, supporting me in everything I do. She is just a great and loving mom. One day i want to be like her. I love my mom. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Monte R.

Monte R. is my dad and he has made a huge difference in the first 13 years of my life. He has helped me throughout life and through hard ships. He has never given up on me and has always done what is best for me. If I were to pick anybody to be my hero and help in the future it would most likely be my dad. There is always room for a little more kindness to be given, and every time, my dad fills... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Kaitlin W.

Kaitlin is my sister. She inspires me to be the best athlete I can be. She accepted a full ride athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama to be a gymnast. She worked hard every day to be one of the best gymnasts in the world. She was a gymnast from the time when she was 6 years old to just recently, when she retired after graduating from college with her bachelor's degree. She always te... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Bobby B.

Bobby is my baseball team’s coach. He has shared his life stories and influenced me in every way he can. He has encouraged me to take a better path than he took in some areas, and he has always tried to make my life better for me. He has the character of a true leader and the heart for the perfect friend. This is why Bobby is my hero. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Lisa M.

Lisa was a mom who lived on our street. Everyone loved her, and had a lot of respect for her. She had two boys and a husband. She lived everyday to its fullest and always had a smile on. Then one day she found out that she had breast cancer. It took her by surprise, but she kept on living…she had a family to live for. She went through chemo, radiation; and she even went to Mexico for a tr... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Amanda R.

I have a mental illness and Amanda R. is my social worker here in Kansas City, Missouri. Although for the most part I'm okay, I have certainly put Amanda through the ringer for the four years she's been my social worker. I've definitely confused her, and in my mind I'm sure I had her going crazy. There were days where I would leave 10 or 11 messages on her voice mail that she would discove... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Colin F.

I have never have met Colin at all or even talked to him but I heard about his story. Colin died in a car accident on January 20th, 2006. After his death people started to come forward with stories about how he quietly performed small acts of courage which saved their lives, the lives of friends, and the lives of their siblings. He never sought recognition. He never did these things to be popul... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Patrick Henry H.

Patrick is a remarkable young man who was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, making him unable to walk. Additionally, two steel rods were surgically attached to Patrick's spine to correct scoliosis.Despite circumstances that seem overwhelming to you and me, Patrick has overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student. Patrick ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Tam L.

Tam is a refugee survivor who traveled across the ocean to get to safety. He first landed in Thailand, then Cambodia. Tam then later migrated to the USA. He worked hard as a bus boy and had only a bicycle as a means of transportation to and from both work and school. When Tam first arrived here he did not know how to speak English. He had to learn from the basics of the language. Despite al... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Kathryn And David S.

These parents lost both their son, Andrew, and their daughter, Abby to cancer. In honor of their children, Kathryn and David have worked hard to establish a foundation to financially assist families of terminally ill children. The foundation aims to provide enough income for one or both parents to stay home and care for their sick child during what could be their last months of life. Although t... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Ramon R.

Ramon Ramos is a retired National Basketball Association player originally from Puerto Rican. He studied in Puerto Rico at Colegio San Jose and in the United States at Seton Hall where he is now a basketball legend. Ramos began to play in 1985 for the Indios de Canovanas franchise. At first he sat the bench but eventually he became one of the key players. In 1987, Ramos played in Puerto Rico's ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Larry S.

Larry is a resident in Greenwich Village and he spends almost all of his day collecting money for various causes and organizations; for example, The Fight Against AIDS. He does all of this despite his mild mental retardation.Larry has raised over $10,000 for local charities over the years. Larry is very persistent. When he goes to the doctor for a check-up, he is asking him to donate money to ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Roberta S.

This is a story about my Aunt Bobby. She was the most loved person I ever knew. As a boy I remember visiting her and her husband Bob, son Randy and daughter Patty at their Gross Pointe home in Michigan. I arrived one summer after school had let out. I found a family filled with love and a home that ran smoothly though it still had the usual family drama. The big difference in this home? Th... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Naomi D.

My hero is a girl I know at work. She started there about 6 months ago after being out of work for over a year. She has some developmental and learning differences that make it hard for her to do math and cash registers, so she couldn't get hired in a lot of places, particularly in retail. But she's told me that everyday during that year with the exception of maybe 10 days, she was out looki... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

My Mother

My mother is my hero because she chose me. I am the only adopted child out of four children; all three of my siblings are my mother’s biological children. So why me? You don’t just adopt a child in 1965 with no story. Yet here I am—a part of the most wonderful family you could ever dream for. My mother made me who I am, she taught me right from wrong, she stood proud no matter... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Unknown

Sadly, I do not remember my hero's name. She went to preschool briefly with me in Calgary, Alberta.Like most children, I did not understand the concept of sharing. If I wanted something, I would kick and scream until I got it. Looking at children now, I see that they're generally the same way.But this girl was different.If we were playing and I wanted her toy, she would gladly give hers up and ... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Sonny H.

After clicking nearly all of the values below, I realized how much my former boss, mentor, and friend is a hero to not just myself, but everyone he interacts with. Sonny puts together academic programs at a huge California university campus. Sonny’s favorite program is in July, and he especially loves the teens who attend on scholarships. He literally will not sleep until he gets everythi... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Melissa C.

My hero is my history teacher. She has been an inspiration to so many people. She lives on a pretty meager teacher’s salary yet donates over half of it to charity foundations. She hasn't done anything particularly extraordinary that I know of. But she doesn't have to. Her values and her character make me want to be exactly like her. Isn't that what the true meaning of a hero is though? So... read more→
Values: INTEGRITY

Randy

My hero is a wondrous man named Randy Pausch. His entire life, he has been a symbol of greatness and integrity. Even as he discovered he had cancer, he chose not to mope and dread the inevitable.Instead, Randy became an embodiment of hope and eternal optimism. His memory still lives on today and continues to inspire millions, just as he has inspired me to never give up, no matter what. read more→
Values: INTEGRITY