Positive Stories

When Aparna Bangur began worrying about what employment might look like for her autistic son one day, she turned that concern into action. Her London business, Pizza Party, is designed to train and employ people with autism while showing other employers what can happen when they make room for different strengths.

Nine-year-old Kaelyn Goodman dreamed of becoming a princess angel for Halloween, and 25 eighth-grade STEM students helped make it happen. By listening to her ideas and building the costume around her wheelchair, they gave their new classmate something even bigger than wings: the joy of feeling heard, included, and celebrated.

Three-year-old Wyatt Wright was looking forward to dressing as Spider-Man for Halloween, but an upcoming open-heart surgery meant he would miss trick-or-treating. His Utah community stepped in with an early celebration that drew hundreds of people, giving Wyatt and his family a joyful memory before the difficult days ahead.

Twelve-year-old Sadie Hutson and her mother rescue worn stuffed animals from thrift stores, repair them by hand, and give them new purpose. After learning that the American Red Cross needed toys for children affected by disasters, Sadie donated 114 restored stuffed animals to offer comfort during frightening moments.

When father of four Kyler Hess needed a living liver donor while battling stage 4 cancer, Abby Conley quietly stepped forward even though they had never met. After learning she was a match, she donated part of her liver, giving Kyler and his family hope for more years and more memories together.

After losing her son Chandler to an overdose, Michele Holbrook found a meaningful way to carry his memory forward. Through Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet, she and her volunteers provide clothing, dignity, and encouragement to people rebuilding their lives after difficult seasons.

Thirteen-year-old Anderson Castro was walking home from school when he was struck by an SUV and dragged for hundreds of feet. Witnesses rushed to help and finally got the driver to stop, and now his grateful family is calling his survival a miracle.

Carson-Newman University student Noah Matthews was walking near campus when he spotted a 3-year-old clinging to a branch in several feet of rushing water. He quickly pulled the child to safety and later said he believes God placed him there at exactly the right moment.

When Sloan was just seven years old, she noticed an empty diaper shelf at a Phoenix food bank and decided to help. Five annual drives later, the now-12-year-old has collected nearly 30,000 diapers, turning one small moment of compassion into practical support for families in need.

After completing treatment for childhood cancer, third grader Annie returned to Roosevelt Dual Language Academy to find students, teachers, and staff waiting with a joyful victory parade. Her school celebrated her courage while also raising money to support other children and families facing cancer.

After receiving a comforting gift during her own cancer treatment, Terry Kelly decided to offer that same kindness to others. The Arizona cancer survivor has now handmade more than 1,000 capes and shawls for chemotherapy patients, each one carrying warmth, encouragement, and a reminder that someone is walking with them.

Aaron and Clare Walegna were enjoying an ordinary evening walk when a lightning strike left them critically injured. With quick help from bystanders and first responders, medical care, and a community surrounding them in prayer, the couple survived and now sees their everyday moments together in a whole new way.

Nearly three years after Colby disappeared, his family had almost given up hope of ever seeing their beloved Maltipoo again. Then a routine microchip scan identified the missing dog and led to the phone call they had waited years to receive: Colby had been found.

When 8-year-old Kingsley Setiawan was found unresponsive in a swimming pool, his father began CPR before two nearby police officers rushed in to help. After five tense minutes, they found a pulse, and one officer prayed as Kingsley was taken to the hospital. Three days later, the little boy was home.

As Natalie Groeger prepares to celebrate her 101st birthday, she is sharing what has helped her enjoy such a long and joyful life. Her advice is refreshingly simple: stay positive, take care of yourself, don’t worry about what you can’t control, smile often, and treasure time with family.