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Your Everyday Heroes

The following hero stories have been tagged with Giving Back

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Alan F.

Alan is a wonderful man who works as a high risk obstetrician. He has saved countless mothers and babies, and he does it every day. Alan does such wonderful things every day, and he doesn't go around flaunting it. He says he's just doing his job, but he's really giving back to the community, and saving lives each and every day of his fantastic life. read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Edward M.

This amazing citizen not only was awarded two purple hearts for heroic acts in World War II but truly possesses a golden heart. Every day, Edward's mission is to show compassion and love for all. At 84, Edward is incredibly active and responds to anyone who needs help whether it is of physical or spiritual nature. He has been a blessing to thousands and continues to serve mankind. Edward gently... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

De Anne S.

I first met DeAnne after signing up to volunteer at her clinic. She is the Director of a Doctors' Free Clinic in Utah and has been for seven years. She is one of the most dedicated women I have ever met. She has taken care of over 12,000 patients since the doors opened back in 1999. She never turns anyone down regardless of their wants. It's a difficult job when you are raising a family of four... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Susan M.

I met Susan through her now deceased husband, Art. Art was severely physically disabled from polio early in life. He was never psychologically disabled thanks to the love of Susan and wonderful parents who raised him like a poss-ability not a dis-ability. I worked with Art and Susan through their organization. Art was an empowerment coach, teaching people with all kinds of challenging circumsta... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Samantha Hope A.

Samantha-Hope is one of a kind. She has given everything to see that recovering alcoholics and addicts have a better day. Her work in forming the WeRecover Foundation, SoberCity, and HopeNetworks has changed the life of over nine million people to date.Samantha is known throughout the country as an unafraid force for the protection of children; access to help for addiction; and environmental ch... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Amutha S.

She is standing at the entrance of a company with files. Oh, perhaps she might request employment expressing her disability, one might think. Only half of this is truth. She is seeking employment, not for herself, but for others like her - other physically challenged women. She hasn’t had her left forehand right from her birth. She used to visit remote villages and identify challenged wom... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Larry V.

Larry is the president of a Business Exchange. He is a graduate of Purdue University and Harvard Business College. He has dedicated himself to his community all his life. He is a deacon of his church, involved with the Boy Scouts and serves on multiple realtor boards. Most importantly, he has dedicated himself, traveling all over the state, to promote the importance in community involvement in ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Joshua B.

Joshua a young Youth Leader and a 4th Year high school student of Zamboanga del Norte National High School. He often organizes activities for the benefit of the Philippine National Red Cross. He organized several Tree Planting Activities, for he believes it could help Mother Nature’s security. He also has great concern to health of his fellow students and works to help them. I consider hi... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Mary F.

Mary is a Search and Rescue canine handler for a federal rescue team. She has two dogs currently, Jake, a World Trade Center veteran, and Sage, a Pentagon veteran. All three of them recently returned from a 10-day deployment in the Gulf Coast zone following Hurricane Katrina. Most of the training and expenses are out of her pocket as well as the donated time. Someone once asked her why she does... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Steven W.

Steve W., Rufus King High School’s hero, selflessly devotes time, talent and treasure to better the school and its students. A man of deep integrity, he embodies the qualities of the National Honor Society chapter he runs: scholarship, service, leadership, character. Spending 12 hours every weekday and often weekend time to ensure top-notch teaching, Steve demands his students’ best... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Jena S.

Jena is the 2005 Miss Junior National Teenager and is a sophomore in high school. She is taking her crown, sash and title and using it to teach other teens across the nation about volunteerism and how much fun it is. For six years Jena has volunteered for the American Cancer Society and has raised over $50,000 so far. Winning this title has given her the opportunity to travel and speak about wh... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Donald D.

Don is my hero not only for the courage and faith demonstrated while he was dying of cancer, but more for the courage and faith demonstrated by his service to the Lord. He gave his all - serving the people of Haiti. He established a 24/7 emergency medical clinic treating burns, a food program feeding over 5,000 people a week, he built homes (for free to them) and put over 100 families into thei... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Sergeant First Class Kelly N.

SFC Kelly N. was one of my Drill Sergeants in Army Basic Training. As can be expected, she was extremely tough... but she also taught us recruits our place and instilled that crucial sense of discipline and respect for those superior to us.She is my hero because she taught me my true calling/place in the world: in service. She challenged me to push my limits and exceed them.I love SFC N. becaus... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Helen C. A.

Helen has dedicated her life to serving humanity. She is a founding member of the Halfway House Movement, which now has six refuges across the city and of the St. Paul Area Development Corporation (SPADC), an all-volunteer, charitable organization. She is a former National "Social Worker of the Year" and Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work Fellow/University of Louisville. SPADC has ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Donna H.

When the transitional shelter for children opened around the block from my house, my mom wanted to help the children who were placed there. So she started a program to teach kids quilting. Not only are they able to express themselves creatively, but they are able to create something they can keep. Many of these kids have no possessions of their own, so to have something that they created is tru... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Terrance S

My hero is my dad. He is in the military. He is deployed for the second time. I miss him and love him. read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Sharone O

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: GIVING BACK

Nicole D

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: GIVING BACK

Frank L

About a year ago, my nephew Trevor and I took my dad, Frank, a World War II veteran, out to see an EA17 World War II Bomber. My dad had served as a tail gunner on a B17. While we toured the plane, Dad began telling us stories of his experiences. As he spoke, two people nearby drew closer so that they could listen to what he was saying. Soon, the group of two became a small group of many gathere... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Frederick O

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Titus C

My husband Titus is my hero and my inspiration. He had a tumultuous childhood, and after becoming homeless at 17, went on to graduate high school and become successful in every job he holds. Titus is now in school to become a firefighter/paramedic. He hopes to soon have the knowledge that will enable him to save lives other than his own. In addition, he knows this career will help him create ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Sona M

In 1997, Sona’s dear friends had an extremely premature baby. Sona asked how she could help, and they asked her to help keep friends and family informed. Sona turned to her background in IT and web design and created a private, personal website for the family. The website kept everyone up-to-date, and allowed people to share their love, encouragement and support to the family facing th... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Carly And Molly

Carly and Molly are not your ordinary sisters. Though they are just 13 and 15 they founded Hives for Lives, a non-profit organization that sells honey and honey products, and donates all profits to the American Cancer Society. Carly and Molly, who grew up helping with their grandparents' beekeeping hobby, started Hives for Lives in 2004, as a way to honor their grandfather, who died that year o... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Austin

Austin is my hero. After he learned of Africa's fifteen million AIDS orphans through his family's sponsorship of two Ugandan children, he became determined to help on a larger scale. Austin spoke with the relief organization World Vision, and realized he could use his love of basketball to help address the problem. He decided to shoot free throws and ask people to sponsor him with donations. Th... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Erin K

Erin is the reigning ‘Outstanding Teen Madison County,’ and she is truly outstanding. Erin's platform issue is ‘Raising Teen Awareness Against Girls Bullying Girls.’ It is her goal to educate teens and parents of the horrors of girl bullies. She has a forum where girls and parents can discuss their issues and she is starting a support group. She always defends the un... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Camryn B

Camryn is 6-years-old and was impacted by her brother Cooper’s amputation of both feet at 23 months old. She wanted to help children like Cooper. Camryn decided to draw a picture, which was later put on a t-shirt and sold to profit Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Cooper was treated at one of these hospitals for free. Camryn raised over $10,000.00 with her t-shirt sales. I believe thi... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Julia

Julia is my hero—she organized Showers to Go!, a program that provides personal care products for needy community members. Julia learned at school that personal hygiene is one of many challenges faced by the homeless. The next day, Julia took the contents of her piggy bank to her teacher, asking that she give the money to a homeless person in need. Instead, her teacher challenged Julia to... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Sarah H.

Sarah is my aunt and she is my hero. Sarah is my hero because she is very giving and loving person. When I was 2 or 3 she took me in because my mother could not raise me. My whole family could have gone to a foster home but she took all of us in. She raised me, my 5 sisters and 2 brothers as her own. She now has a child of her own and is a single mother for my two sisters, my cousin, and me. Sh... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Jane A.

Jane A. started the Hull House in Chicago in 1889 as a community center offering support to the children and adults in the neighborhood. She was a broad thinker and activist and helped bring a number of great facilities to her community including: night school for adults, kindergarten classes, clubs for older kids, a community kitchen, a coffee house, a library, a gymnasium, an art gallery, art... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Rachel L

Rachel is the founder of GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Service), an organization which helps girls who have been commercially exploited. The girls she fights for often come from foster homes, single family homes - those the rest of us have written off and the legal system does not adequately protect. Rachel works to get them out of the life, to believe in themselves, to finish school ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Bob R

In l988, Bob R. halted a very lucrative career to follow his passion of helping others. He started a non-profit organization, called Renaissance Enterprises, to bring professional music and the arts to our nations forgotten seniors, the developmentally disabled, the handicapped, and others. This is not a glamorous endeavor and he has dedicated his entire life to this! read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Bobbie D

Bobbie D. graduated high school third in her class in 2004. Even though she could go anywhere, she went to Africa to help run a program known as Second Chance for Darfur's Kids. She is still only a college student yet instead of finding a way to pay for college textbooks, she finds ways to raise money for dictionaries to teach refugees in Egypt how to read and write. She is a true inspiration t... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Doris G

In the late 1970's, Carroll Park was a block of crime and dirty deeds in inner city Philadelphia, so bad that one could not pass through during the daytime. But one day, a group of residents decided to change that. They entered the park ready to change it for the better. With paintbrushes, rakes, brooms, and determination as their tools, this group transformed the park from a disgusting area... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Terry F

Terry F. lost his leg to cancer and then his life while walking across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Every year thousands of people all over the world walk to honour Terry and raise money in his name. The walk takes place during September. He was a young man with a vision that lives today. His courage inspires many people, he was a hero to me and I honour him in my life every day. ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Chrystal R

Chrystal had a really tough childhood. From being hungry to abuse, she held onto her hopes and dreams from a young age. When she was eight she decided she was meant to help people. At the age of sixteen she was doing more volunteer work than anything else. When she was seventeen she even represented California at meetings at the United Nations and was the leader of the state for a Humanitarian ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Jimmy

Jimmy was the cousin everyone looked up to, the Head Honcho, the cousin who was always there to help the little ones along. He accepted everyone for who they were and what they had to offer, no matter how different they truly were in their life or how they appeared to others. Right up until his life ended a short time ago he was still helping others to find their way. He was a teacher and ha... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Ray K.

On May 20, 2007, off-duty volunteer fire captain Ray K. acted selflessly and heroically to save the life of a resident in a burning home. Ray learned of a residential explosion only a few blocks from his own home. He went to the address and learned that an individual was injured inside the home. With the assistance of a police officer and another individual, Ray entered the burning home. With l... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Anonymous Hero

I don't know my hero by name or even remember his face. He's one of those unnamed and unsung people who do a good deed not for the recognition but because it's the right thing to do. I was 16 years old, going through possibly one of the hardest times of my young life, sitting in the passenger seat of my mother's car in the middle of the summer at an intersection in Mexico while visiting family.... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Eric S.

Last Friday the most amazing thing happened to me. For several months I had been training with my sister to run a half-marathon. It was my sister’s first half marathon and both of us decided to use the race as an opportunity to raise money for causes we cared about. My sister raised money for cancer research and I raised money to start a scholarship fund for my friend’s daughter, C... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Joseph S.

My husband Joseph Shipp Jr. was my hero. He died at age 32 in a hit and run accident that left me on my own with our three wonderful boys. He was always there for me and the boys. He cared for others by helping them get their cars fixed, so they would have transportation. He was a man of great faith an shared that with everyone he met - young or old. He has been greatly missed by all of us, but... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Ryan

My hero is my husband Ryan. He is my best friend. We have been together for over 8 years and we also have been apart for a long time because we lived on two different continents before we got married. Ryan is the most wonderful person I have ever met. He is always very committed to what he does – at work and at home. People like to be around Ryan because of his amazing personality. He is ... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

Henry N.

My hero is my 14 year old son. A year ago he sustained several devastating injuries including traumatic brain trauma. Today, he goes to school with his friends, works hard at lots of therapies and tutoring, and gives back the love that his adoring family constantly sends his way. He does not complain or feel sorry for himself. His spirit and his laughter are as strong as ever while he works har... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Cassidy M.

My hero's name is Cassidy, but I rarely call her that. I call her Marty because she has eyes like Marty Feldman, but only when she puts stress on them to make me laugh. She will do anything to make someone laugh and make the people around her happy. She is absolutely hilarious. I can go to her crying my eyes out and by the time she's done with me I am literally rolling on the floor laughing. Ma... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK

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: GIVING BACK

Gloria S

I was first introduced to Puppies Behind Bars when I watched a special on Animal Planet. This non-profit organization is the brainchild of Gloria Gilbert Stoga. Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) is a program in which specially-selected prisoners from participating prisons are trained in the preparation of a puppy to become a service dog for the handicapped, a service dog/companion for a handicapped v... read more→
Values: GIVING BACK