achievement ambition appreciation believe in yourself caring character class and grace commitment common ground compassion confidence courage courtesy dedication determination devotion encouragement excellence foresight forgiveness friendship generosity giving back gratitude hard work helping others honesty hope humility ingenuity inspiration integrity laughter leadership learning listening live life live your dreams love loyalty making a difference motivation opportunity optimism overcoming patience peace perseverance persistence preparation reaching out respect responsibility right choices rising above sacrifice sharing soul sportsmanship spread your wings stewardship strength teaching by example team work true beauty trust unity vision volunteering

Your Everyday Heroes

The following hero stories have been tagged with Commitment

Terry H

Terry Hitchcock is my Hero. After tragically losing his wife to breast cancer and struggling to raise three young children on his own, Terry Hitchcock seized on an idea. He wanted to accomplish the impossible: run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring attention to the incredibly difficult lives of single-parent families. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Vanessa B

Vanessa B is my mother she is so amazing to me because she has always been there for us. We have been through some very hard times when we had no food or shelter, but she was always a good and caring mom. She would give her life for us. That's why she is so amazing; because she is so strong. I hope my kids feel this way about me some day as well. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Paul S.

My dad has been in the Army Reserve for 25 years and he is extremely patriotic. I never understood why my dad wanted to die for his country but he tells me all the time that 'someone has to do it' and that he 'would rather die in battle defending his country and its people than of old age.' To see him put that uniform on every month makes me proud to know that my dad cares enough to die for peo... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Angela R.

Looking through the values I saw so many that described my mom, starting with ambition and going down the list. Not one but all describe my mother. She is truly a hero in my eyes, not like Hercules, but one that a lot of people would take for granted everyday. A mom that dedicates her life to her children. My dad is gone in the war and she is trying to go back to college and still raise two gir... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Othella And Bill S.

My heroes just happen to be my parents. Mom and Dad have always been there for us kids through the rough times and the good times. My parents were foster parents to many children for over 40 years and have only retired due to the ill health of my mother. During their lifetime, they have brought joy to children who have not seen any and have shown compassion, courage, commitment and caring for e... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Joy And Jeff Y.

My heroes are my parents. They have been married for 33 years. My mother is an extremely talented writer and musician, which gifts come with a passionate personality. My father is an attorney, a humorist and a very cerebral thinker. At times I thought no one with the differences my parents had could make a marriage work in this world. But they did and they do. They work though it together. That... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Charles S.

Chuck is my husband of 22 years. He came into my life when I was 16 and he was 17. My mother was dying of cancer and my father already was deceased. I was a lost person with no support. This man cared for me and married me and works so hard. He was working two jobs and going to college. We have three beautiful children and because of my traumatic childhood, I have emotional problems and he stic... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Bertha P.

The hero is my mom. She has been caring for my dad who has been sick for many years. Her commitment to her has been an example to many people. Just recently she has spent seven days sleeping on a chair by his hospital bed. My dad is 67 and she is 72. Although she has been through so much with my father's health, she has never complained and maintains a spirit of a true hero. She has made many s... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Kirin P.

He is the principal of The Galaxy Education System which has a group of schools in Rajkot, Gujrat State, India. He started the school way back in 1982 with less than 100 students; I joined him then. In these past two decades, he has changed the face of this city. He is so committed to education, and is not afraid to experiment. TGES is a school that children love... it has warmth...it has extre... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Calvin S.

My husband had a dream and founded StoryTellers of The American Frontier (SAF). A non-profit organization with a Western Frontier premise that would help him reach young people, especially troubled teenage boys, just as the TV western heroes of the past had inspired him. They literally saved his life. His mission was to take the best of the TV Western heroes’ character, integrity and work... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Jean And Al T.

I am nominating Al and Jean, now in their 70s, for the utter compassion (as well as courage, determination, and commitment, and sacrifice) they have shown in caring for their now 29-year-old grandson, who is paralyzed from the chest down, with severe cerebral palsy and mental retardation. They have loved and nurtured him tenderly (while taking care of all of his daily needs including catherizat... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Rouney P.

So many times I have watched this man endure emotional pain beyond belief. And yet he continues every day to persevere and find focus to aid others in dealing with their own pain of many different situations. In May of 2004, I lost my 21-year-old daughter to a tragic car accident and this man inspired me to go on, to be strong and find acceptance of her passing. This man is my Daddy, my mentor,... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Ulysses C.

Mr. C. is a Math/Science teacher at a sixth grade center in Fort Worth, Texas. He developed a math program that has grown each year since its inception at another Elementary. He took it to a second elementary school and in 2000, he took it to his current school where he teaches the at-risk students. Mr. C. funds the snacks and diskettes that he distributes for free to anyone that asks so they c... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Bryant L

Born and raised in Cabrini Green, Chicago's most notorious housing project, Bryant beat the odds and became a person that everyone can look up to. Raised in an extremely impoverished community where he shared a one-bedroom apartment with four others and where friends and family were continually being lost to the streets, Bryant resisted the negative influences around him and excelled in school... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Betty B.

My hero is my mom. By the time she was twenty six she had six kids. She stayed at home with us until the youngest was eight. She always made sure we were as safe and secure as she could. She was fourteen when she had her first child, and was a grandmother at thirty. Every one is always welcome in her house. Until this day she works a part time job and keeps her house neat and clean. She inspire... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Ken G

My dad is my hero, not just because he's my dad, but because I’m fairly certain that he's a hero to everyone he's met. The other night he took me out to ice cream and we sat by the water talking. When I went to school the next day, I mentioned how my dad had taken me out. My friends were so “weirded out” by this. One of them said "what do you talk about with your dad?&quo... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Anastasia H

My mom has been through everything awful that you could possibly imagine happening in life. As a child growing-up she endured many challenges within her family, school and community. She and my dad got married then and had my brother before my mom was even 20. They were low on money and had a little house in the neighborhood where I was born. My mom stuck with herself and the family after every... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Isaias G

My hero is my brother, Isaias. Right now, he is studying at the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Sociology and International Relations. In his free time, Isaias is always going to George Washington Community School and the Christamore House, teaching inner-city kids about leadership, and he is always telling them to stay in school and off the streets. He encourages them that if they s... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Christopher &Amp; Andrew L

My younger son, Andrew, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He and his older brother, Christopher, have become so involved in fighting this disease by making others aware and raising funds to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They are my heroes because they make me so proud of them. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Nancy (Mom) R

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: COMMITMENT

John M

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: COMMITMENT

Jared M

My hero is my husband. While stationed in Iraq with the Marines during the 2003 invasion of Baghdad, he left his covered position and ran 400 yards, through enemy and friendly fire, to rescue an Iraqi civilian. Once he reached the man, he had to get both of them back to a safer area, so he picked the man up and carried him the 400 yards back to where his fellow Marines were. On their way back, ... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

David N

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: COMMITMENT

Dennis D

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Gwen W

Mrs. W often took care of my twin sister and me. She lived across the street and must have noticed that we had a difficult family life. She was patient, kind, and treated us as if we were her own children. She taught me how to create a good family life, how to be loving mothers, and how to help others. During my teen years, my family moved away and we lost touch with Mrs. W. I think about her... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Jennifer M

Jennifer started volunteering with AIDS service organiztions (ASO's) over 10 years ago. She has given her adult life to bettering the lives of those infected with or affected by AIDS. She is now the CEO of Aid for AIDS of Nevada, and is a hero to those in this city who need a hand up, not a hand out. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Heather M.

Heather M. has a son who was born without developmental disabilities, but who began to have seizures as a toddler. He has had multiple surgeries, but to this day, he still has up to 30+ seizures a day. Heather founded "The Buddy League" for kids in Dallas County, Texas, who have limitations - physical and cognitive - who would otherwise never know the joys and feelings of success th... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Tara D.

At the age of 25, she had a massive stroke. The doctors had told her family that she may not ever walk again. The stroke left her brain 80% destroyed. Two years later she is able to walk. She has worked very hard to regain what the stroke had taken away. She is a hero in my eyes. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Estephania And Esperanza

These sisters are my heroes because they created Project Literacy, a neighborhood tutoring program where middle school students are helping elementary age kids with reading. After learning that their own middle school, ranked nearly last in Denver and the state in all areas on the CSAP (standardized test), the girls wanted to help. With the support of the non-profit group YouthBiz, Estephania a... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Jim R.

Jim coached a TOPSoccer for kids with special needs. He also started the Prom For The Stars, an annual dance for young adults with disabilities.The Saturday soccer games included snacks and a banquet at the end of the year with special trophies. He found sponsors to help with the Prom and many of the dresses and tuxedos for the young women and men were donated by individuals and businesses in ... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Henry M.

My hero is a man named Henry. He has always been the one I can run to in times of need. He has shown me that a father is someone who you can trust and rely on, not necessarily one who helped create you. My mom died unexpectedly when I barely turned 13, and my biological dad has never really been in the picture. So Henry became like a father to me, and is someone I have always been able to talk ... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

My Friend

In my late 30's a friend of mine died of cancer. She fought for 6 years and suffered through numerous treatments. In my late forties I was told I had cancer. For two weeks I kept it to myself. I had decided not to fight it. I told no one. One night while chatting with a friend on line I typed the words that made it real. At that same moment another friend arrived at my house the soul purpose of... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Wendy B

Wendy B. was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June 1998. Rather than succumb to the effects of this illness, Wendy decided to inspire others and raise awareness of MS by climbing the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each of the seven continents). She has succeeded in conquering five of the seven already, having climbed Vinson Massif in Antarctica in January 2008 - the first woman with M... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Nancy B

Nancy B. is a hero because she helped inspire three miles of kindness! Nancy has served public schools for 44 years in North Texas. As Director of Guidance for Rockwall, TX, she was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Rachel’s Challenge program at every level in Rockwall.Her passion for the kindness and compassion initiative led to the first K-12 program of its kind i... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

John H

This is my father. I am sure that all children think that their father is their hero but mine is extraordinary. When I was two years old, in 1963, my mother died of bone cancer. She left my father not only heartbroken but the father of five children. My extended family rallied together and made the decision that the children would live with various family members because my father was a tra... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Jim And Marti D.

As a new parent, I hope to inspire my child the way my own parents (Jim and Marti) have continued to inspire, advocate, and support my dreams. Over the past thirty-years, my parents have stood by my side and motivated me to become the women I am today. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Daniel D

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Jeff M

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: COMMITMENT

Brandyn G.

My hero is my brother. Although he is no longer alive he is still my hero. He wasn’t my real brother, he was actually my foster brother but he treated me as if I was his “real” sister all the same. He passed away at the age of seventeen. At the time he was working a full time job and getting his GED at the same time. He was told that all he had to do to get out of foster care ... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Prem R

My hero's name is Prem. He has created the Prem Rawat Foundation to show solidarity with people in need and suffering from lack of water, food or natural disasters. At the same time he spreads good values and appreciation for life by traveling around the world to deliver very inspiring talks. That's how I came to know Prem. I met him in 1973 when he was just 15. At such a young age he had alrea... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Lacy C.

My fiancée Lacy is my hero. She is determined and confident, no matter what anyone says. She is strong, both emotionally and physically. Lacy is a very persistent individual, and does not let any thing anyone says get her down. She is strong willed and always does what is right. Lacy is an honest to God angel. She is protective of those she cares about, even if she doesn't know them that w... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Fred M

In Uganda, AIDS orphans and abused children take the streets of cities, hoping to find enough to eat by begging, stealing and searching the garbage dumps. Fred is a college student in Jinja who likes to play tennis and listen to music...and to save street kids in his spare time. Once a month, he gives over 100 kids a bath, shaves their head to keep them more clean, hands out whatever used clot... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Kelli

My sister, Kelli, is my hero. She has overcome a lifetime of hardships including physical and emotional abuse, substance abuse and poverty. Today, she is a clean and sober single mother of five daughters. Though she works full time and takes phenomenal care of her 5 children, she still finds time on the holidays to take plates of food to less fortunate people she knows throughout the city. She ... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

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: COMMITMENT

Vince D.

My hero is my father. My mother left my father when my two brothers and I were very little. My father single handedly raised all three of us and put us through four years of college. Today, we are all successful career oriented individuals who have him to thank. He has provided me with the courage to face anything without fear of failure and reminded me that you can succeed against all odds... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Mom

My mom is my hero. There are many people who inspire me but my mom seems to have all the qualities of all those people wrapped into one.I was born into a middle class family. My dad and mom worked six days a week close to ten hours every day. My mom woke up at 5am every morning to make breakfast for my dad before he left for work.Then my brother and I would wake up and cry that we needed a diff... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Nurses

My hero is every nurse who works 12 hours straight… Exposing themselves to illness and emotional stress…Sometimes on weekends and holidays…Sometimes through the night… Often putting their own needs and even some of the needs of their families aside…To care for the sick who are sometimes confused, scared, frustrated, sad, angry, and not at their best… And stil... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Karen

Karen is sick with an "incurable" form of cancer. Her now ex-husband lost all their money in day trading. One of her two adopted children has a learning disability that may never allow him to live alone. Still, instead of feeling sorry for herself, a victim, or helpless, Karen started her own business and is taking care of herself and her children. She fights off her daily fears and m... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Wanda M.

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: COMMITMENT

Ryan And Cindy K.

In 2002, Ryan Kerr was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer. His mother, Cindy Kerr, began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face. He loved it and she began making pillowcases for other children with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Ryan was a most remarkable young man. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12, his life w... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Christine B

I think Christine is my hero because she has shown commitment by sticking with Christopher through thick and thin. They have been through mostly everything: through racial comments, family issues, and school. I look up to Christine because she has showed commitment to her boyfriend. Even though it is not marriage, it is still a life of commitment. read more→
Values: COMMITMENT

Dax L

Dax is a two year old boy fighting Leukemia (AML, Type M7) which is a cancer of the blood. He has had two bone marrow transplants but there is nothing else the doctors can do. His favorite holiday is Christmas although he is not expected to live that long. His story has inspired millions of people all over the country and the world to put up Christmas lights in his honor. They have helped Da... read more→
Values: COMMITMENT