Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Anyway, Be kind anyway, courage, Hero, HeroLife, kindness, positive on April 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Meet the hero pediatric surgeon who not only performs life-saving surgeries but also eases the anxiety of his little patients by riding with them to the OR dancing. His compassionate and creative approach spreads joy and comfort to children and their families during a stressful time.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Hero, HeroLife on April 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »
a hero- is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Hero, HeroLife on April 20, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger is a retired American airline pilot who gained worldwide recognition for his incredible skills and calm under pressure during a harrowing emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York City.
On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger was piloting US Airways Flight 1549 when the aircraft struck a flock of birds just moments after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. The birds caused both engines to fail, leaving the plane without power and in a perilous situation. With little time to react, Sullenberger made the decision to perform an emergency water landing on the Hudson River.
Sullenberger expertly maneuvered the aircraft and communicated with the air traffic control tower as he prepared for the landing. He made sure to minimize the risk of injury to his passengers and crew, and he even walked through the cabin of the plane twice to ensure that everyone was safely evacuated before he himself left the aircraft.
The successful landing and evacuation of all passengers and crew on board was widely hailed as a miracle, and Sullenberger was celebrated as a hero for his quick thinking and bravery.
In the aftermath of the incident, Sullenberger became a highly sought-after speaker and advocate for aviation safety. He used his newfound fame to push for increased training and better safety protocols for pilots and crew members, and he has continued to work to improve the aviation industry in the years since.
Today, Sullenberger is retired from commercial aviation but remains a highly respected figure in the industry. He has authored several books, including his memoir “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters,” and he is a frequent commentator on issues related to aviation safety and human performance. His heroism on that fateful day in 2009 continues to inspire people around the world, and his legacy as a skilled and courageous pilot will live on for generations to come.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged community, help, Hero, HeroLife, humble, kindness, positive on April 19, 2023| Leave a Comment »
The smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. That’s exactly what happened when a hero dry cleaner in a small town offered to clean the clothes of unemployed individuals for free in preparation for a job interview.
It all started when the owner of the dry cleaning business noticed that many of his regular customers were struggling to find work. He realized that the cost of dry cleaning their interview outfits might be a significant burden for them, especially when they were already facing financial hardship. That’s when he decided to take matters into his own hands.
The hero dry cleaner put up a sign in his shop window offering free dry cleaning services for anyone who was unemployed and needed their clothes cleaned for a job interview. He didn’t make a big deal out of it or seek any publicity, he just wanted to do what he could to help those in need.
The hero dry cleaner’s gesture didn’t just help those in need, it also had a positive impact on the community as a whole. People felt proud to live in a town where such acts of kindness were commonplace, and the dry cleaner’s business saw a surge in customers as a result of the good publicity.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. It also shows that businesses can have a positive impact on their communities by finding ways to give back and support those in need. The hero dry cleaner made the world a little bit brighter for those he helped.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Anyway, Hero, HeroLife, sportsmanship on April 18, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Mark Andrews, a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has become an inspiration to many in the diabetes community. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age, Andrews has never let his condition hold him back from achieving his dreams. Instead, he has used his platform as a professional football player to motivate others and show that anything is possible.
Andrews’ success on the field speaks for itself. He has the most receiving touchdowns of any tight end since 2019, and he has been named to the Pro Bowl twice. But it’s his off-the-field impact that truly sets him apart.
Through his advocacy work, Andrews has become a role model for young people with diabetes. He regularly mentors children and teens, sharing his own experiences and offering advice on how to stay healthy and active. He has also written about his journey in publications like USA Today, using his platform to raise awareness and educate others about Type 1 diabetes.
For Andrews, it’s not just about being a successful athlete with diabetes. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing others that anything is possible, no matter what obstacles they may face.
“There’s a lot of people breaking that mold and showing people that we can do anything and we can be just like anybody else,” Andrews said in a recent interview. “We just have to do more than the average person. That’s one of the things that drives me is going out there and showing people that hey, I’m a Type 1 diabetic, but I’m going to go out and compete with the rest of them.”
Andrews’ message of perseverance and determination is one that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you have diabetes or not, his story serves as a reminder that we all have the power to overcome adversity and achieve our goals.
As we navigate the challenges of daily life, it can be easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. But with the right mindset and a willingness to work hard, we can all accomplish great things. Mark Andrews is living proof of that, and his example is one that we can all strive to follow.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged courage, Hero, HeroLife, riseabove on April 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Dale Beatty, a National Guardsman who lost both of his legs after a landmine explosion in northern Iraq, was able to build a wheelchair-accessible home through the help of the Iredell County Builders Association and volunteers. With John Gallina, a friend and building contractor who also served in the National Guard and was with him in the Humvee, Beatty founded Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit that modifies or helps provide homes for disabled veterans, which has helped 30 disabled veterans so far. The organization will assist any disabled service member who was wounded during military service, regardless of the war they served in.
How Purple Heart Homes Helped Kevin Smith:
Kevin Smith is a Vietnam veteran from Newton, North Carolina, who suffered knee and back injuries in an accident aboard an aircraft carrier. For decades, he endured dozens of operations and gradually became more reclusive – in part because he was afraid of falling down his front steps, which didn’t have a handrail.
“For 35 years, no one cared,” Smith said.
But when Purple Heart Homes built a wheelchair ramp in front of his home, it changed his life. The physical improvements made it easier for him to move about safely, and the goodwill gesture deeply touched Smith.
“(They) made me realize that I had value and worth and that I meant something,” he said.
Now Smith socializes frequently with his neighbors and other veterans. He says it’s all because of Purple Heart Homes.
“They jump-started me back into life … (and) said welcome home,” Smith said, tearfully. “It’s great to be home after 40 years.”
The why:
For Beatty and Gallina, their work is about giving all veterans the same level of respect.
“Regardless of when you served, where you served … we’re all the same,” Beatty said. “They just need to know that somebody does care about them.
“We wouldn’t leave someone behind on the battlefield. Why would we do it at home?”
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2013/02/14/us/cnnheroes-beatty-veterans-homes
Check out the Purple Heart Homes website at purplehearthomesusa.org
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Anyway, Hero, HeroLife on April 5, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Situational factors are a crucial aspect of heroism, as heroes often find themselves in situations that require them to take quick and decisive action. These situations can vary widely, from natural disasters and accidents to acts of violence. In each case, heroes are called upon to think on their feet and respond quickly to the needs of others.
One of the key characteristics of heroism in the face of situational factors is the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. Heroes often have to make split-second decisions, and the ability to remain level-headed in the face of danger can be the difference between success and failure.
Another important aspect of situational heroism is the willingness to take risks. Heroes often put their own safety on the line in order to help others, whether it be rushing into a burning building to save a trapped individual or intervening in a violent situation to protect innocent bystanders. This willingness to put themselves in harm’s way requires courage and a strong sense of duty or responsibility.
Situational heroism is not limited to physical acts of bravery, however. Heroes may also find themselves in situations that require them to take a stand against injustice or to speak out on behalf of those who are marginalized or oppressed. This type of heroism requires individuals to have a strong sense of empathy and a willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or criticism.
Situational factors play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions of heroism. Heroes are often called upon to act in unpredictable and stressful situations, and their ability to remain calm, focused, and willing to take risks can make all the difference. Whether it be physical acts of bravery or speaking out against injustice, situational heroism requires individuals to have a strong sense of empathy, courage, and a willingness to put themselves on the line for the sake of others.
Posted in Hero, Qualities of a Hero, tagged Anyway, Be kind anyway, Hero, HeroLife, riseabove on April 4, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Andi Callaway founded the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation a few years after her 6-year-old son was diagnosed
DANVILLE, CA — When Andi Callaway’s son was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a category of rare kidney disorders, one of the hardest aspects was the uncertainty that came with it. Nephrotic Syndrome is an umbrella term for a number of symptoms that vary highly by patient, so it’s hard to map out a proper course of treatment.
“It’s so individual for each child, that it’s kind of a matter of guess and check, so there’s no way to really know other than trying the medication to know whether that medication will work, and then once they’re on it, there’s really no way to know if it’s working,” said Callaway, an Alamo resident whose 16-year-old son has been dealing with Nephrotic Syndrome for over a decade.
“This disease is so frustrating for the parents because it’s infuriating, there’s nothing you can do, your child is so sick, their whole life has changed, there’s no information or answer or way to fix them. There’s not even really a plan, where you can say, ‘OK, this is our plan for the next year.’ It’s just changing constantly, so the constant disappointment and stress of it was really overwhelming so to me getting involved in it and doing something filled that need for me as a mom to try and help.”
Callaway started helping where she could, but she grew to realize that there was no single organization to provide comprehensive support to victims of the disease. In 2017, she founded the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, a now global organization whose main goal is to provide support to the families suffering from this condition.
“Our mission is to support the children diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and their families and the ongoing search for a cure, but really our first and foremost priority is to serve the child and the family,” she said.
The foundation also supports research through active collaboration with several labs. They also help facilitate large clinical trials, sometimes through providing transportation to the location of the study. This year, the foundation also anticipates funding its first research grant of around $10,000.
These programs are expensive. The programming budget is about $500,000 a year, almost all of which comes from private donations. The foundation’s flagship fundraiser is its Day on the Green golf tournament at the Diablo Country Club, which features a live auction, raffle, awards ceremony, and 18 holes of golf. This year’s tournament will take place on May 22, and tickets go on sale April 1.
For more information on the foundation and how to get involved, visit nephroticsyndromefoundation.org.
Shared from: Michael Wittner,Patch Staff
Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged Anyway, Be kind anyway, Hero, HeroLife on April 3, 2023| Leave a Comment »
“Be fearless.” This simple yet powerful quote is a reminder that embracing courage can open doors to extraordinary possibilities in life. This post will delve into the importance of fearlessness, the benefits of overcoming our fears, and ways to cultivate courage in our daily lives.
Real-world examples can illustrate the power of being fearless and its impact on our lives.
Example 1: Public Speaking
Many people struggle with the fear of public speaking. However, when Sam decided to face his fear head-on and join a local toastmasters club, he improved his speaking skills and self-confidence. By embracing fearlessness, Sam overcame his anxiety and became an accomplished public speaker, opening new doors in his professional and personal life.
Example 2: Traveling Solo
Leaving her comfort zone, Maria decided to embark on a solo trip worldwide. Initially, the thought of traveling alone was daunting, but by being fearless, Maria experienced personal growth and gained a newfound appreciation for different cultures. This life-changing journey broadened her perspective and helped her discover her strengths and capabilities.
Example 3: Starting a Business
Michael faced numerous challenges and uncertainties when he took the plunge and started his own business. But, instead of succumbing to fear, he embraced a fearless mindset, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. His determination and courage led to the successful growth of his business, demonstrating the power of being fearless in the face of adversity.
Being fearless can transform our lives, enabling us to reach our full potential and fostering personal growth. By facing our fears, taking calculated risks, and supporting others in their courageous endeavors, we can unlock extraordinary possibilities and experiences. So, remember, “Be fearless.” Embrace courage, and you’ll be on the path to a life filled with adventure, resilience, and self-discovery.
For your library:
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers – This classic self-help book offers practical advice on how to overcome fear and anxiety and live a more confident and fulfilling life.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – Another book by Brené Brown, “Daring Greatly” explores the link between vulnerability, courage, and creativity. It offers powerful insights and practical strategies for living a more fearless and authentic life.
Kindle Paperwhite (on sale 29% off subject to change) – With a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.
Posted in Hero, Kindness, Qualities of a Hero, Who is your Hero, tagged courage, Hero, HeroLife on March 30, 2023| Leave a Comment »