The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on to others. Throughout this site, you can pass things on to your friends, family or co-workers—anyone who might enjoy our site.
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People do extraordinary things every day. They share their time, resources, or love. They show incredible strength and courage. They inspire us by their example. Here are true stories about real-life heroes, written by visitors to the site. You can also share a story of your own hero.
My beautiful boy Nicholas was born at 32 weeks. A normal pregnancy is 40. Even though he was not that early he only weighed 2 pounds 4 ounces. Other than being little he was perfect. Then 10 days later tragedy hit. He had Necrotizing Enterocolitis which is a gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants. NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of th... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
It is with great honor to nominate Dr. DeAnn K., a Professor of Sociology at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette as an outstanding person. Dr. K. believes in the success of students especially those with disabilities. Her belief is that she will NEVER, EVER give up hope on a student regardless of the grade in her class. Because it is her philosophy that the achievement of the student shoul... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My sister, Carrie, is my hero. I always tell people, "She's a saint." She is. For several years now, Carrie has cared for developmentally disabled people in a group home setting. She does things on a daily basis that I couldn't even imagine - changing diapers, dealing with all kinds of problems, bathing and even lifting these grown adults who have the minds of toddlers. In spite of al... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
Mr. James F., a 7th grade science teacher, is my hero. He has been teaching a very long time and he has inspired so many people. He has taught the mothers and fathers of some of his students. He is my hero because over the years science is always going to be hard but he always pushed people to do the very best they could. He never yells. He always has patience. He would just look at you and rai... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
I have chosen my grandfather, Johnny, as my all-time hero. When you talk about perseverance, patience, and joy, grandpa was the epitome of all these. When my dad was two weeks old, Grandpa, a caboose man on the Rock Island Line, fell off the caboose and was run over by the train. He survived, although he was a quadriplegic. I would visit Grandpa, and he would try to speak. I am the only one who... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
My brother John is a hero to me. Though he is younger by three years, he set an example of unselfishness at a time in my life when I felt hopeless. It totally changed my perspective in life and I realized that it is the kindness that we show others that brings us a sense of worthiness.In the many years that followed I have been glorified for doing things for others. My simple answer as the reas... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
Her name is Sharone and she is my mother. She is my hero. She became my hero gradually during my lifetime. As I grew and matured I was able to recognize all that she has done for me, sacrificed for me, and taught me. I have a great deal of gratitude for who I am because of what I learned from my mother. When I was younger, I used to be offended when I was told, "You are just like your moth... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
At the time of my birth it was found that I had or should I say have a condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta and my mother was told I would not live beyond the age of three years. Well, looking back on my life now, at the age of forty-nine, I have to say that I got much of my strength from my mother. She was always there for me growing up and continues to be here for me, even today. Whe... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
She is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is my inspiration, my teacher, my mentor and my friend. She opened my eyes to the world not only because she taught World History, but also because she popped my "small-town-bubble" which closed me off from the world. After meeting her, I finally realized what a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating world we live in. She has inspired m... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
Frederick O., a Vanderbilt medical student, has drummed up support from numerous global health experts, high school, college and middle school students in the US to raise funds to build and run a clinic in the rural village of Lwala, Kenya where he grew up. The clinic provides care for a village with HIV prevalence of over 25%. In its first 5 months of operation, over 5,000 patients have been s... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
John has worked in the field of vocational rehabilitation for nearly 40 years. During the short amount of time that I have worked under his tutelage, I have found myself constantly in awe of the qualities he exhibits daily. John is the ultimate social worker, unwavering in his commitment to serving others. He is completely non-judgmental and dedicated to serving individuals who find themselves... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My grandfather, David, died in 1999; he lived only half a mile up the road from where I grew up in upstate New York. Every day, he would walk down to our house to bring my dad the newspaper. Along with the paper he would bring a small bag of treats for my two brothers and me. Sometimes it was candy, and sometimes it was pretzels or crackers. Western NY is infamous for having severe winter weath... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My dad is without a doubt my hero. He has always worked extremely hard to give my sister and me the things that he didn't have as a child. My dad is the most selfless person I know - always doing for others and never asking for anything in return. He and my mom put my sister and me through 16 years of private school, solely on a government worker's salary since my mom stayed home. My dad was t... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
My hero is not somebody who is known by many people. He is a schoolteacher with a goal to be an inspiration to his students, and to support them when nothing else makes sense. Although I didn’t have him as my teacher, when I came to him for help with my troubles, he gladly opened his arms to me. I think that he is an inspiration and a hero for teens of all backgrounds. I have never met ... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
My father is my hero...not because he is my father but because he has battled cancer ever since 2002. He just completed his 50 year anniversary at the only job he has ever known. He is still battling cancer but I see him every day working and fighting to beat this cancer with every bit of his being. I am so amazed at how much he can take and still keep going. I want so much to be just like h... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
Coach P is rough around the edges. He growls when he speaks and he is constantly yelling on the football field. He is hardest on me though. I always thought that it was because I was his son when in reality it was because he always knew how good I could be. There were times when quitting would have been so much easier than pressing forward. It was during these times that Coach P. showed his fat... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My hero is my husband. He is an amazing man, especially to me. We have been married 33 years and his example of showing love is unsurpassed. He is always kind, courteous, patient, and giving. He is very courageous when confronted with difficult situations. He helps guide people to improve their lives and inspires them to improve their character. He attends college part-time and helps stude... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
My hero is my sister, Ashley. From the moment I was born she has set a good example for me and has shown me how to do the right thing. She cares about my family and others a lot and is great at showing compassion and reaching out to those in need. She has followed through with her goals and now attends college in San Marcos. I plan to go to college too, just like her.Ashley stands up for what s... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My soccer coach, Jeff M. is my hero. He has showed me so much not only in soccer but also about my outlook on life. I am a usually a negative person about myself and the things I do. Every time I would do something wrong in soccer I would take it out on myself. He is the one who would encourage me after everything I did, good or bad. It really helped, and I started to play much better. I am now... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
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:
PATIENCE
Cherry is my hero. She lives each day not knowing if it will be her last. She fought breast cancer twice and had a breast removed. Now she is fighting liver cancer. She has done most all of the treatments out there. Her body is so weak, some days she can't raise her head. Her husband works so that they will have insurance, but this means he can't be with her every day. Nonetheless, Cherry alway... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My hero was my stepfather Bill. He passed away suddenly three weeks ago. When he was in my life and the life of my two young girls, he was there for us through everything. If I dropped my girls off at the babysitter and they needed medicine or diapers or anything, he would drop whatever he was doing and take it to his pride and joys - his granddaughters. My stepfather never failed us anytime... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My mother has been there through thick and thin. She was a single mother of me and my big sister. Working hard and still showing us great values. Then she re-married and had my baby sister. It was really rough for the family to go through so much change. I wanted to run away from everything that was happening around me. But I didn’t run away because I was able to talk to my mom about ever... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
My grandmother, Elizabeth, is my hero. She has taught me to never give up on my dreams or myself and has always been there for me when times have been tough. As my husband and I continue our journey to try once again to become parents, I am inspired and motivated by the dedication she had in this same process. My grandmother finally became a mother after five miscarriages. She inspires me and g... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE
As a child I saw my mother as anything but a hero, but when I became a parent I found out what a Hero truly is. I never realized that super powers could be wisdom, understanding, and patience when it comes to raising our children. It wasn't until my 21 year old daughter decided that my life style wasn't acceptable to her and wouldn't let me visit her or my first grandchild that I was told by my... read more→
Values:
PATIENCE