Read, Watch or Listen

Stories were sent to us in different formats—Audio, video and written. If you’d like to view stories for any of these formats, use the links below.

Written Stories
Video Stories
Recorded Stories

Share A Story

Do you have a good values-based story to tell? It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

My Issues are Nothing

My name is Christopher, and for 10 years I've been a member of the children's service club called Optimist International. I will become the volunteer Governor of the Illinois District in October, and hope that my leadership will increase the Illinois membership. In July, Illinois Optimists spend a day at a camp in Lake Bloomington for children undergoing cancer treatment. We sponsor a day of games and fun so they can be just kids again - not kids who battle a serious illness. The first event I assisted with was a relay race. The boy I was helping had a brain tumor and was blind. I thought he'd pass on the race, or ask for help. Not so - holding his cane like a lance in front of him, he took off at full gallop. He may not have run the fastest or straightest race, but he ran with the heart of a lion. He later said he was tired, because he had chemo that morning. What a hero! Suddenly, my own issue of unemployment seemed small, and I was reminded again that it is giving that we receive.

Submitted by Chris L.