Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Inspiration

They Helped Bullied Girl Find Strength

After Emily and Sarah Buder read about Olivia Gardner (right) being bullied in school for years, the Mill Valley sisters began a letter writing campaign to comfort the Novato, CA teen. It's become so big that at least 1,000 people have corresponded with Olivia. (SF Chronicle Photo/ Brant Ward)

Here's $1000 ... Give It Away Carefully

"Let me tell you the story of this anonymous donor who gave $15,000 so others could give it away." That's the story Bill Cosby told the Western Massachusetts Community Foundation annual meeting. Guess what happened next.

Learning to love change

Stuff happens when you least expect it. Here's some great advice on how to deal with the little (and big!) challenges that come your way. Read more ..

60 Blocks In Manhattan Are The Children's Zone

"It's not rocket science .. it's harder than rocket science!" Geoffrey Canada is fond of saying that about his project that has turned 60 city blocks in the City into a children's haven. Harlem Children's Zone offers educational, social, and medical services, covering participants from birth all the way through college. Read more about one man's passion for the kids of Harlem.

Mrs. Santa Answers Children's Letters

"Is there really a Santa?" wrote Camelia to the North Pole. Mrs. Santa wrote right back with the answer. The postmark would read Northborough, MA and the handwriting is that of Mrs. Santa herself, also known to friends and family as Florence Shanley. (Erin Prowoko Photo from MetroWest)

Kansas City's Secret Santa Wants To Inspire Others

Over 26 years, Kansas City, Missouri's Secret Santa has spent Decembers roaming the town and handing out money .. $5s and $10s at the beginning .. more recently $100s. Over the years its totaled up to an amazing $1.3 million. Facing a battle with cancer, Secret Santa has decided to tell his story, in the hope of inspiring others to take his place in performing anonymous acts of kindness. Read the story of courage and generosity that has touched the heart of one Midwest city.

A Book That Raises Money For Tsunami Victims

Helen Fielding, author of Bridget Jones, the book that spawned several movies, knows a thing or two about best-selling books. Read what moved her to create a book whose sole purpose is to raise money for tsunami victims .. and the unique idea that brought together more than 17 best-selling authors to help with her project.

Spooked By The Letter Z

"Enough is enough!" Grass roots movements in the Ukraine, Georgia and Serbia have toppled governments with simple "buzz" -- getting people talking, thinking and ultimately acting to change oppressive governments. Read why Zimbabwe's Dictator/President Robert Mugabe is being unsettled by the appearance of the letter "Z" around his capital city, Harare.

Hockey star helps children of fallen heroes

Peter Trovato was playing hockey and going to school. And he watched as the number of Massachusetts soldiers killed in Iraq grew. He couldn't do anything for the fallen heroes. But what about their children? He founded the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, and intends to help defray the cost of college tuition for the kids of Massachusetts soldiers who were killed overseas. Meet Peter Trovato and find out more about the Legacy Fund.

Compassion .. A Magazine and Scholarships, Sent From Death Row

The idea started in a small parish in Ohio. A magazine from death row inmates about hope and forgiveness. The extra money made from subscriptions would be directed to scholarships for families of crime victims. Zach Osborne, 19, whose sister was murdered when he was just 6, has received the group's 7th scholarship, to help him in his quest to complete college, to become a law enforcement officer. He wrote an essay on the hard road to forgiveness. Read the story of the magazine and a young man's future hopes.

Kansas City's Secret Santa Wants To Inspire Others

Olympic Gold Winning Skater Donates Winnings

Joey Cheek was on a roll when he arrived in Torino. And he had plans for what he'd do if he won a medal. It was really a matter of "when" not "if," but Joey is too humble to say that. Read about how his generosity was inspired by another gold medal winner, and find out how you can follow his generous example

K J Louis, 5 Year Old Santa, Brings Joy to Hurricane Victims

K J is one determined 5 year old. And his determination and compassion rubbed off on a lot of folks this Christmas season. Read how this Omaha boy brought toys to hurricane victims, one gift at a time! The perfect story to bring you holiday cheer for the Christmas season!

John van Hengel's Little Idea That Feeds Millions

John van Hengel worked tirelessly to build a bridge between those who had an abundance of food –- farmers and the food industry –- and people who were hungry, or unable to afford adequate nutritious food. Celebrate John's life, and read how the idea he got from a woman in a soup kitchen feeds 23 million Americans (including 9 million children and 3 million seniors) and millions more around the world. It's an idea you can bank on!

He Used To Hold The Door For Others .. The Story of Ron Fazio and September 11

Ron Fazio was a family man. He cared. For his family and for people. That's why he'd be the guy to be holding the door for others. Then came September 11. When his family wanted to remember the loving life of Ron Fazio, they wanted folks to learn how to hold the door for other people. That's what they called the non-profit they created to help them turn their grief into blessing for others. Read about their work.

ART .. The Project That Sets Spirits Free

Tim Lefens always believed that art was pure expression, free from fads and trends .. what was inside was given a reflection outside. Art had set him free .. he wandered the USA on a motorcycle, painted and sold paintings, and picked up and wandered anew. But when his vision began to fail, he created a method to allow the artist in everyone, especially the handicapped, find expression. Read his inspiring story ..

Channelling grief into helping others

Victor Saa Luceny is a Sierra Leonean refugee in Guinea. He told Beatrice Murail how, after losing his wife and child in the war, he opened a school for refugee children. The Golden Rule Children Center teaches more than 4,000 refugee children. It is the result of a promise he made to his dying wife. Read the story, listen to the audio.

2 Minutes of Silence .. Remembering the Dead and London's Heroes

The nations of the European Union stood in silence for 2 minutes at noon on July 14, 2005, one week after the tragedies of what England is calling "7/7". In the midst of the violence, sadness and death, London's emergency workers and public servants showed themselves the day's heroes. We tell the stories of a few, and remember the lives so tragically lost. England moves forward, steadfastly determined to conquer evil with good.

Kindness Makes The World Go Round

It may not be one of the laws of thermodynamics .. but it's the common experience of thousands and thousands of people all over the world. A little kindness goes a long way. Thanks to the world wide web, it's easy to read the stories of the everyday moments of care and concern. We've put together a compendium of sites you can visit to read more about the other face of humanity that often goes under-reported .. the basic goodness of people everywhere!

Peter Jennings .. A Reporter Who Cared

With his passing at age 67 from lung cancer, Peter Jennings was remembered by some of the best known celebrities and politicians as a premier newsman. But perhaps the most telling thing about Peter Jennings was not the remembrances of the well-known. It was the way he helped the little people along the way. Read the story of the Bosnian boy he met by chance, and how from this reporter's work, a family found a new life away from the trials of war and poverty.

Live 8 Begins An Effort to End Poverty

Bob Geldof wants voices not dollars or euros. It's a completely new way of thinking about helping .. pressing governments with the resources to help Africa get out from under its crushing debt, and put an end to the sufferings and sorrows of poverty by directing real and significant aid to end hunger and poverty.

Afleet Alex Wins the Belmont! And He's Got A Message To Share!

We've told the story of Alex's Lemonade Stand and the movement she started to find a cure for juvenile cancers. We've told the story of her fight against her own cancer and the way she fought to the end. Here's the story of another Alex .. and he's carrying Alex's banner at a gallop! Preakness .. and Belmont .. winner Afleet Alex is raising awareness and directing donations to the work of the Lemonade Stand.

Warehouse Heaven .. Developer Gives Away Food

Joe Pizziferri and Anthony Ruscito are developers. They bought the old Roxbury Wholesale Grocery building in the Newmarket area of Roxbury. The purchase included the building contents: $500,000 worth of food and household supplies. They decided to give them away .. "Maybe we could help someone.."

Coin Honors Cancer Marathon Runner

Terry Fox was a man with a mission. After getting out of hospital after having most of a leg amputated because of bone cancer, Terry decided he was going to do something about cancer. Here's the story of the man who raised C$350 million for the fight against cancer, his marathon, and the coin that honors his valiant life.

Tsunami Experience Changes Model's Life

25-year-old Petra Nemcova was on top of the world. A sought-after fashion model, she headed to Phuket, Thailand for a break from her hectic schedule of photo-shoots and fashion shows. When the tidal wave hit, she spent 8 hours clinging to a palm tree, badly injured. She had watched her boyfiend, photographer Simon Atlee, swept out to sea. She is now a different woman, dedicated to working for the tsunami victims. Photo: Petra Nemcova and boyfriend Simon Atlee.

Supporting The Troops -- A Kaleidoscope of Caring

Three different projects from three different parts of the country .. but with one goal in mind: supporting our troops. Whether its adopting a Marine, helping families of injured Marines or being a pen-pal, people are reaching out to offer support, encouragement, help and love to those American soldiers who are in harm's way.

Pat's Race -- Remembering Pat Tillman Who Led by Acting

Just married, with a promising NFL career ahead of him, Pat Tillman made a decision. He always believed you led by acting. And so with 9/11 fresh in his mind, he was going to put his football career on hold to join the Army Rangers. After his tragic death in Afghanistan in April 2004, his family and friends created the Pat Tillman Foundation. Now, at his college football stadium, Pat's Race honors Pat and reminds people of his sacrifice. Read about Pat, the race and the foundation.

One Gutsy Teacher -- Joyce Pirnak Still Inspires Students

Joyce Pirnak has always loved teaching. That's why she devoted 30 years to it. Starting in 1971, some 5,000 students have passed through her English skills classroom. When she was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease 2 years ago, she had just one wish before her death: to see those students again. Read how a former student is making it happen .. and more, too.

Pope John Paul -- Teaching How To Face Death With Serenity

Throughout his tenure as head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II styled himself a teacher of the true value and dignity of the human person, created in God's image. Read how, as a consumate teacher, he used even his illness and death to teach a crucial lesson: how to face death with serenity.

After A Brave Battle, Ivan Noble Has Died

Ivan Noble, a BBC science and technology writer, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in August, 2002. In moving and candid essays, he has shared with readers around the world the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows he has experienced while facing his cancer and its ultimate end: death. Ivan has died in a London hospice at age 37. We published a recent essay, in which Ivan mused how the tsunami disaster made him appreciate the chance to be forewarned about death. You can read this diary/essay, find a link to Ivan's last diary entry, and links to remembrances. We offer condolences to his wife and 2 children.

'Want A Different Future? Change the Present!'

He taught on the street corners, wore a hand-me-down suit, and co-founded one of the most influential grassroots movements ever. So how come no one knows who Peter Maurin is?

World Comes To The Aid Of Tsunami Survivors

Britain's Independent newspaper muses that it may mark a turning point in human history. Perhaps the idea is too broad and too stark, but the worldwide response to the tragic deaths of nearly 200,000 in Southeast Asia .. and the herculean efforts being made to help the millions of injured and stranded survivors is nothing short of amazing. A cat roams among the wreckage of the Thai island of Phi Phi, while half way around the world 3 American presidents make plans to raise millions of dollars for relief agencies. Europe has united in an unprecedented outpouring of charity, and united disaster relief in England is raising millions of British pounds hourly. Read more.

A Spirituality of Serving

Dean Arthur Holder looks at the idea of Christian spirituality as the idea-put-into-action. Love and justice have to be realized. We have to not just form an idea about loving and serving .. we have to do it. He provides an interesting reflection on how we interpret the Good News.

His Prayers Were Answered

17-year-old Toronto, Canada, resident Kristian Maple headed out on a summer adventure. He and his uncle, Thomas Evansen, sailed across the North Atlantic on their way to Norway. In a squall off of Iceland, their boat went down. His uncle died in his arms, and he was left bobbing in the North Atlantic. And he prayed. Then ..
Toronto Star photo, Lucas Oleniuk

These Are The Games To Watch!

Millions watched the achievements of Olympic athletes in Athens this summer .. but most people don't realize that there is another Olympics in Greece this summer. And it's the one to watch ! The Paralympics is for athletes with disabilities .. but the focus is on the athlete, not the disability. These are some pretty impressive athletes, too. From more than 130 countries. Aiming for the Gold.

“Health Care Shouldn’t Be About Money”

A Miami, FL doctor volunteered at a shelter, then founded a clinic for the homeless 20 years ago, and still is making house calls to those who live in cardboard boxes.

Remembering Alex, The Little Girl Who Could!

This summer we told you the story of 8 year old Alex Scott's quest to raise $1 million to fight the childhood cancer she was suffering from. The numbers are at $700,000 and rising. But Alex quietly slipped away on Sunday, August 1. We remember her quiet determination and the good it inspired.

Saranya Srinuan's Legacy Is Hope

High School friends called her Susie. This petite, 23 year old Thai-American woman was a recent graduate of Boston University, and a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald in New York's World Trade Center. The one thing 9/11 couldn't stop was Saranya's ability to give love and hope. Read how she's still doing that.

Summer Time And The Reading Is Easy!

Here are a few of our favorite recent stories that you might have missed, as well as ones you told us you most enjoyed. Click the headline above for more favorites. Enjoy!
Rabbi Harold Kushner on Making Life Meaningful
Frank Stone was the man behind the men of D-Day
Maine's Experiment In Universal Health Care

Billy Baldwin Honors His Father, Helps The Community

It all began with a desire to take the perks of celebrity and do something good with them. First Billy Baldwin set up a scholarship at his alma mater, New York's State University, honoring his Dad. And once he funded that, his thoughts turned to the high school where his Dad taught for 30 years.

Alone Among Many

Solitude may be something desired, but loneliness is a soul destroyer. How do you get one without the other? Lawrence Cunningham explores the question for us.

Sick Afghan Boy Finds Friends Half Way Around The World

Updated Saturday
9-year-old Djamshid Djan Popal found help for his rare heart disorder. Donors flew him to Ottawa's children's hospital. He will be transferred to the Toronto Sick Children's hospital soon. [Photo Credit: Fred Chartrand, CP]

June 6, D-Day, 60 Years On: WW II Lessons for Today

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, we feature stories about heroism in the face of danger in WW II.

The Most Inspiring Person Jimmy Carter Ever Met

When he died at age 13, Mattie J.T. Stepanek had accomplished more than many 5 times his age. He had published 5 books of poetry, recorded a CD, been an inspirational speaker, appeared on Oprah and ABC's Good Morning America .. and touched the heart of former President Jimmy Carter, whom Mattie called his 'perfect hero.'

She Loved The Poor To Her Last Breath

Being in the right place at the right time was something Sister Rosalie excelled at. She helped Frederic Ozanam start the Vincent de Paul Society, and spent the best part of her long life in the poorest section of Paris, helping those in need.

The Lemonade Stand That Fights Cancer

At 8 years old, Alex Scott's idea has spread around the US ... and around the world. You see, she has neuroblastoma, and she's fighting for her life ... and the lives of other kids. Read what's she's been doing.

Solitude: The Need We Neglect

If we are really going to live our lives, we need the refreshment that comes from time apart. Luanne Austin reminds us that while being alone can be challenging, without solitude, we can't be ourselves nor can we really live. Such "space" is needed especially by caregivers and all who focus on serving the needs of others. Here's why ...

Her Deeds Speak For Her: Dodie Cole Saved Holocaust Victims

A stroke has left her without speech, but Dodie Cole's actions in WWII speak loudly. She and her family saved some 100 people from the hands of the Nazis occupying Holland.
In gratitude for the lives of the 30 Jews among those saved, the Israeli government, through its Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, has honored Dodie with the title Righteous Among The Nations.

United For Justice: The Story of Nunavut in Canada

Native peoples lived on the Arctic tundra for at least 5,000 years. But with the arrival of the explorers, the land and its resources were no longer theirs... until an innovative plan created Nunavut and gave them back their home.

PierGiorgio Frassati: Man of the Beatitudes

A young man, full of enthusiasm for living, and filled with a living faith that speaks to us even today of his love for the Lord and for His people.

Letters to God: Where Do You Write? Israel, of course!

Where does God live? The Israeli Postal Authority will tell you that lots of people around the world ... and their local postal authorities ... think its Israel. Several times a year, a group of 8 postal workers deliver the letters to God to the rabbi of the Temple's Western Wall ...

Dead For 96 Years, Ella Graves Is Still Giving Gifts

Ella Graves was born in tiny Baltimore, Vermont (yes, Vermont!), population 250 in the year 2000. She grew up there and never forgot the small town. Before she died, she planned a way to help its people for years to come ...

Profiles in Conscience: One Person Can Make A Difference

Bill Shore, founder of Share Our Strength (SOS), has written of the transformative power of a person with the courage and strength to follow their conscience.

Rabbi Kushner: Making Life Meaningful

In a Rosh HaShanah sermon, Rabbi Kushner raises the question, "What makes our lives worth living?" In his typical style, Rabbi Kushner leads us to reflect on and understand more clearly what really gives meaning to life. We can't just live our lives for ourselves. Here's why.

Ziegfeld Girl Hits 100, Still Dancing

Doris Eaton, recently turned 100, is one of the last of the Ziegfeld Follies dancers still living. ...And is she living!

Unsung Hero Helped Normandy Invasion Succeed

Frank Stone's skill and ingenuity made possible the construction of an undersea fuel supply line to support invading forces after the Normandy invasion.

Dorothy Day: The Scandal of The Works of Mercy

In a 1949 article written for Commonweal magazine, Dorothy Day explains the importance of the works of mercy in the life of a follower of Jesus.

The Golden Rule Around the World

In the faith-life of people around the world, love of neighbor is taught and encouraged.

From Coma and Life-Support to Rabbinical Ordination

Nachum Sosonkin was the target of an anti-Semite in a 1994 shooting. Declared brain dead, he made it out of a coma and through rabbinical school.

Embracing the Whole World In A Web of Charity

Blessed Frederic Ozanam, founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, sought to answer the critics of believers by showing faith in action.

Teresa of Avila: Prayerfulness Demands Works of Charity

In this excerpt from Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, the saint explains how important it is for prayer to express itself in deeds of love.

Ferry Crash Victim Gets New Legs ... And A New Life

Paul Esposito's life changed October 15, 2003. He was spared. Now he starts over. His goal: Helping Others.