My Unsung Hero

All through the month of October, we’re bringing you some of the stories that have deeply resonated with us over the past five years. This week: When Caitlin confessed her fear of flying to the stranger next to her on a plane, he offered four words of reassurance that became a family mantra.

This is the last episode of My Unsung Hero that will be produced on a regular weekly cadence, but please continue to dive into our archive and enjoy the hundreds of stories that we've received from around the world. Making this show has be...

All through the month of October, we’re bringing you some of the stories that have deeply resonated with us over the past five years. This week: Lila struggled to express herself in writing until her third-grade teacher showed her a way to bring all her stories to life.

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All through the month of October, we’re bringing you some of the stories that have deeply resonated with us over the past five years. This week: Four years after his mother's death, Brad returned to the Manhattan diner where he'd last seen her and found unexpected comfort in a group of strangers.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All through the month of October, we’re bringing you some of the stories that have deeply resonated with us over the past five years. This week: A few years ago, Eric's husband Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer. Several weeks before he died, they met a nurse who offered a compassionate roadmap of what was to come.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All through the month of October, we’re bringing you some of the stories that have deeply resonated with us over the past five years. This week: When a group of girls were bullying Jennifer in middle school, someone unexpected stepped in and changed the way she saw the world.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Rika was seven, she crashed her bicycle at a park. A stranger stopped to help and made her an origami crane while they waited for her grandfather. Years later, she discovered a message hidden inside.

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At 16, Reed Norwood was trapped in a burning truck after a crash. A passing trucker stopped and saved his life.

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When Teyu immigrated to the U.S. at 11, he spoke no English and felt isolated at school. A fellow student patiently helped him learn the language — and feel less alone. 

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After Gary was badly injured in a cycling accident, three passing motorcyclists stopped to help.

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One morning at the beach, Tracy watched in horror as her young son was swept away by a powerful current. As she struggled to get him back to shore, a stranger came to their rescue.

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Kate was flying home for her mother's funeral when her connecting flight was canceled. As she sobbed on the plane, a fellow passenger put a hand on her shoulder and offered to help.

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When Jake learned that one of his oldest friends had been rushed to the hospital, he was stuck at college with no way home. Then two people he barely knew drove him more than an hour home so he could be there.

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At the beginning of the pandemic, Ashleigh was diagnosed with cancer. Because of social distancing, she found herself missing the comfort of a hug. But one day, at the end of a chemo infusion, a nurse took a risk and changed everything. 

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After Annabelle was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, a volunteer living with the same diagnosis offered advice that changed the way she saw the future. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us know why this person continues to...

John was languishing at his job when a woman in HR reminded him of his potential. A favorite from 2022.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.

...

In high school, Susan had a stutter, and was embarrassed to speak in front of her class. Then her 12th grade English teacher told her something that changed how she saw herself.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

...

When Solitaire was 18, she had a stroke. When she got to the hospital, doctors and nurses accused her of being on drugs. Then, her unsung hero arrived, and ensured she got the care she needed. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a fri...

During her freshman year of college, Jennifer felt like the world was collapsing around her. One particularly bad day, a stranger stepped in and gave her hope for the future. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us kno...

During a family trip to New York City, Lia's father lost his balance on a crowded subway. The stranger who caught him became a role model for how she hopes to respond when others need help.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a...

In high school, Stephen had a romantic relationship with another boy. He didn't consider himself to be gay, but when he moved away to college, the loss of the relationship devastated him. One particularly difficult night, he sought out the company of a roommate who, instead of pressuring Stephen to acknowledge his sexuality, simply listened with a nonjudgmental ear. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment th...

After learning she was a candidate for brain surgery, Rebecca boarded a flight home overwhelmed. The stranger beside her turned out to be exactly the person she needed.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us know why th...

After becoming a mom, Missy sough inpatient treatment for depression. It was a vulnerable experience, and she found it difficult to engage in group therapy. But when she did start to open up, the most unexpected person reached over to hold her hand as she cried. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike's wife was dying after years of cancer treatment, and she could no longer recognize the people around her. Then her longtime chemotherapy nurse arrived.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--Let us know why this person continues to...

Darrell grew up in an Army family. They moved regularly, which meant he was often lonely and a target of bullying. In the sixth grade, at yet another new school, an eighth grader started picking on him. But right before the kid hit him, another classmate stepped in and changed Darrell's life forever. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

...

After chemotherapy left Pat without hair, she relied on a wig to feel like herself. The first day she went without it, a stranger in a convenience store gave her a compliment that Pat still carries with her.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're ta...

After having open heart surgery, Barb was terrified of the immense pain she'd likely have to endure during her recovery. Then a nurse stepped in to help, and changed the rest of Barb's life in the process.  

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to...

This week, a favorite episode from the archives: Bethany was feeling overwhelmed as a single mom with three small children. But one small act of kindness by a neighbor let her know she'd be okay.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a fr...

More than forty years ago, at a stoplight in a new city, Rebecca sat crying. She felt trapped in a relationship she didn’t know how to leave. Then, a stranger in a neighboring car offered a gesture of kindness she'll always remember. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--S...

At 15, Everett was about to steal a shirt at the mall when a girl saw him and whispered, “It’s not worth it.” He stopped, and decades later, he still thinks about that moment.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

...

After making a series of unfortunate choices, Jay found himself sitting in a jail cell, alone and hopeless. But a fellow inmate's words brought him comfort, and changed the course of his life. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there are people who can help. If you're inside the U.S., call or text 988. If you’re outside the U.S., you can find your country's resources here: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Image credit: Bekeen.co via unsplash.com

Do you have your own story of an...

A few years ago, John’s daughter developed a sudden illness, later discovered to be a condition known as PANDAS, and for months she could barely leave the house. On the first warm day of the year, he brought her outside. A man drove by, rolled down his window, and said something John will never forget.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will nev...

After a few weeks of studying abroad in France, Holly felt overwhelmed and homesick. But an encounter with a stranger at the post office changed everything, and led to a decades-long friendship. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

--L...

Dan was born with a cataract that left him mostly blind in one eye. As a kid, he was painfully self-conscious about it. At baseball practice one day, his coach noticed he was losing sight of the ball and helped him adjust. Fifty years later, it’s still a small act of kindness Dan has never forgotten.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you wil...

In the 1990s, Ana Maria's father drove a taxi in Miami. One repeat passenger had a ritual: at the end of every ride, he’d give her father $20 for Ana Maria to “buy something nice.” One day, the man pulled out a $50 bill — the exact amount she needed to apply to her dream school.

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Ma...

After waiting in the ER for what felt like hours, Julie wondered if she was ever going to get the help she needed. Then, just as her pain became unbearable, a stranger stepped up to help — saving Julie's life in the process. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Spe...

After Jean was badly injured in a mountaineering accident, she had to hike through treacherous conditions to get to the trailhead. By the time she arrived, her condition was deteriorating quickly. But a stranger stepped in and went above and beyond to ensure she survived. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey roo...

When Olivia was in sixth grade, her teacher planned a Father’s Day softball game for students and their dads. But Olivia's father had recently been moved into a hospital with a rare case of both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and couldn't be there. A young man named Bob showed up in his place. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

...

Two months before their daughter started college, Barbara's husband unexpectedly died. On the day Barbara moved her daughter into her dorm, she was hit hard by the realization that she was a single parent. But an unsung hero stepped in and made sure the move-in was seamless. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a qui...

On the day her divorce was finalized, Kristi set out alone on a mountain hike. When she broke down on the trail, a stranger asked if she needed a hug — and helped her find the strength to keep going. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you'r...

After a car clipped her bike in San Francisco, Joann suddenly found herself laid out on the asphalt. But a kind and whimsical hero stopped to help her get back on her feet. 

Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at [email protected]. 

Some guidance:

--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. 

--Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.

--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.

...