Positive Stories

For more than a decade, Marylin Jensen and her friends gathered almost every morning at their local Chick-fil-A to eat, laugh, and play cards. After one of the women, Karen, suddenly passed away, the remaining friends chose to keep the beloved tradition going while the restaurant staff honored the woman they had also come to love.

Five-year-old Hudson Tenn sprang into action when his grandmother suddenly collapsed at home. He kept his 3-year-old sister safe, found neighbors who could call 911, and helped lead rescuers back to the house. His grandmother later credited God with putting the right people in the right place.

Samantha Rensvold always knew she had a younger biological sister but had no way to find her after a closed adoption. Then, during a high school softball tournament, a teammate noticed an opposing player who looked just like her. That chance observation eventually revealed that the girl, Kyann Dean, was the sister Samantha had wondered about for years.

When 16-year-old Noah White’s father suddenly collapsed at home, Noah called 911 and began CPR using training he had learned as a U.S. Navy Sea Cadet. Medical professionals later told the family that his quick response saved his father’s life, giving them hope for more ordinary days together.

After learning her father had died, Karoline Kinjorski boarded a last-minute flight home and received a cup of chamomile tea and a handwritten note from flight attendant Melissa Sausaman. Karoline kept the note for years, and nearly four years later, an online search finally brought the two women together for an emotional reunion.

Eighteen-year-old Jordan Hope felt God prompting him to turn around when he noticed an elderly man whose shoes were falling apart. Jordan gave him the shoes off his own feet, then returned to buy him food, spend time with him, and begin a friendship after learning the man had recently lost his wife.

When Boston Arts Academy custodian Andrew Allen learned that a teacher’s brother desperately needed a kidney, he volunteered to help. Although he was not a direct match, Andrew donated his kidney to another patient, helping the teacher’s brother move up the transplant list and eventually receive a kidney of his own.

John went in for a routine oil change and overheard a young student worrying about how he would afford necessary car repairs. Remembering his own financial struggles, John quietly covered the entire bill and left without seeking recognition, reminding everyone at the shop how powerful simple generosity can be.

William Owen Hanna just celebrated his 100th birthday, but he has no plans to put down his bowling ball. The Pennsylvania veteran, longtime church deacon, father, grandfather, and great-great-grandfather credits God for his long life and plans to keep bowling as long as the Lord allows.

When three young children wandered away from their family’s Colorado campsite, rescuers launched a major search involving drones, a helicopter, and teams on foot. K-9 Deputy Arch quickly picked up their scent and helped lead searchers toward the children, who were found safe and reunited with their family.

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.