STORIES
Family Heroes

Featured Family Heroes

We honor heroes within our families and those who have been like family to us.

Aaron and Lisa Picture of Aaron and Lisa
Alicia Bernal Skyler Gallarzan Alicia Bernal acts as an "Ate" to a Filipino college freshman, helping her understand her culture and providing support in her new environment.
Ampuh Puan Nandini A Kiss At My 2nd Birthday (At Reims, France) Ampuh Puan Nandini is a hero to her daughter, Bella.
Andrea Suzanne Peterson Lindsey with her hero Andrea Andrea Suzanne Peterson is a hero to her little sister, Lindsey.
Annette Lee Mileka Holt Picture of Annette Lee Mileka Holt Rhianne's grandmother (tutu) watches over her many grandchildren and guides them to have dignity, a good sense of self-esteem and she shares her long life of experiences.
Argelia Rivas de Prom (Picture: Newspaper “El Sol de Tampico”) Argelia Rivas de Prom is a champion tennis player who inspires her granddaughter.
Art Miki Picture of Art Miki Art Miki founded the National Association for Japanese Canadians to help redress Japanese rights lost during WWII.
Betty Rommetvedt Zagel Betty as a young girl. (Personal Photos) Betty Rommetvedt Zagel is a caring mother and grandmother and continues to use her gifts to give to others
Brice Cunningham My big brother Brice Brice Cunningham is a hero to his sister because of his attitude, drive and wisdom.
Catherine Malonza Doug Miller illustration Catherine Malonza saved her brother's life.
Cathie Campbell My Hero and Me!! (This was taken at the United States Coast Guard Academy) Cathie Campbell is raising three daughters on her own and works with autistic children.
Christian Roberts Picture of Christian Roberts Christian Roberts is a cancer survivor who taught his sister to appreciate the precious gift of life.
Cleo (Yaiya) Chafouleas Yaiya at her Grandson's Wedding (Picture Library) Cleo (Yaiya) Chafouleas inspires her granddaughter with her strength and sense of humor.
Clint L. Hines Uncle Nathan, Pops, Dad (taken by Kenneth Hodges) Clint L. Hines inspires his granddaughter with his humility, compassion and faith.
Clyde Briley Papa and I (smile at the camera!) Clyde Briley inspires his granddaughter to make a difference in the world.
Dad Picture of Dad Dad taught us about integrity, friendship, and putting in 100% of ourselves in anything we take on.
David L. Kaplan Picture of David L. Kaplan David L. Kaplan is like a father to Becky Weitzman.
David Lissak Picture of David Lissak David Lissak helped teens get back into school and will be missed by his family.
Denise Buchner Picture of Denise Buchner Denise Buchner is a hero to her son, Oliver, because she helps people in Third World countries.
Derwin and Tori Picture of Derwin and Tori Derwin and Tori gave Ian, and other kids, a chance at a better life.
Dick Hoyt Dick and Rick Hoyt Dick Hoyt is a dedicated Dad who breaks down barriers to his son's disability.
Doris Marie Swords Poppler Doris Marie Swords Poppler (http://www.umt.edu) Doris Marie Swords Poppler inspired her granddaughter with her community activism.
Dorothy (Mama Dot) Humbert Picture of Dorothy (Mama Dot) Humbert Dorothy (Mama Dot) Humbert inspired her family when she went back to college in her 70s.
Dr. Joan Wicks: Scholar, Teacher, Parent and Athlete Picture of Dr. Joan Wicks: Scholar, Teacher, Parent and Athlete Dr. Joan Wicks is an educator, athlete, and the mother of Amanda and Gabrielle Gorman.
Dr. Paul Camarata Dr. Paul Camarata Dr. Paul Camarata is a neurosurgeon, family man and director of a Catholic podcast about the saints.
Dwayne Johnson Picture of Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Johnson is a role model for his proud younger brother, Kevin.
Elena Vasilishyna Elena Vasilishyna Elena Vasilishyna beloved by daughter and community in Belarus.
Emmet Newell Picture of Emmet Newell Emmet Newell was truly generous of heart and nature.
Erika Picture of Erika Erika is a hero to her father, Eddie Becker.
Ernest Jones, Sr. Picture of Ernest Jones, Sr. Ernest Jones, Sr. is admired by his granddaughter for having ''birthed a generation of leaders.''
Esther Okafor Picture of Esther Okafor Esther Okafor inspires her daughter to be a doctor.
Esther Pfannensteil My mom, grandma & me during pre-school Esther Pfannensteil inspires her granddaughter with her generosity and deep faith.
Etshteyn Michael Picture of Etshteyn Michael Etshteyn Michael was a Russian opera singer and his granddaughter's hero.
Eugen Leșanu Picture of Eugen Leșanu Ecaterina's brother Eugen Leșanu is a student at the Police Academy, a famous folk dancer, and a Greek warrior fighter.
Family and Friends Picture of Family and Friends Family and Friends A first grade class from New York tell us about their family heroes.
Family-to-Family links well-off families to others in need Picture of Family-to-Family links well-off families to others in need Pam Koner started a nonprofit group that helps families who want to aid less-fortunate families.
FAMOUS FATHERS Picture of FAMOUS FATHERS FAMOUS FATHERS who created something great.
Gatha N. Hegwood Picture of Gatha N. Hegwood Gatha N. Hegwood was a hero to her grandchild, Rebekah.
Gerda Weissmann Klein Picture of Gerda Weissmann Klein Gerda is a human rights activist and 2010 Medal of Freedom recipient. She and her husband established the Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation to combat hunger and intolerance.
Gladys Kent Picture of Gladys Kent Gladys Kent gave so much to her family, community and everyone she met.
Grace Croft Montgomery Kelly Grace Croft (personal photo) Grace Croft Montgomery Kelly inspired her granddaughter to return to college in her forties to earn her degree.
Graham Hartley Woolfall Picture of Graham Hartley Woolfall Graham Hartley Woolfall was an accomplished architect who is admired and loved by his great granddaughter.
Harry N. Frenchak Picture of Harry N. Frenchak Harry N. Frenchak is the greatest man his son has ever known.
Harry Tao Picture of Harry Tao Harry Tao sets a wonderful example for his stepdaughter.
Heather Picture of Heather Heather Martina's Aunt Heather leaves everything to help others.
Hj. I.Rochmah Picture of Hj. I.Rochmah Hj. I.Rochmah was a beloved single mother who raised 13 children.
Hoang V. Vu My Dad Hoang V. Vu never gives up; he knows there is always hope and teaches his daughter that 'Every little thing helps!'
Irwin Picture of Irwin My father Irwin is my hero because he is responsible and he always followed his dreams no matter what happened.
Ivan Babak Picture of Ivan Babak Ivan Babak is a hardworking immigrant father from Ukraine who helped build a caring and sharing community.
James Hoang Picture of James Hoang James Hoang inspires his son with his resilience and hope.
Jason Carpenter My brother, Jason (Family Photo) Jason Carpenter is a hero to his sister because of his strength, attitude and bravery in recovering from open heart surgery.
Jennifer Porter Picture of Jennifer Porter Jennifer Porter is a hero to her daughter, Stephanie, because of the way she humbly cares for her family and others.
Jerry M. Picture of Jerry M. Angela's father, a civil engineer, was a steady presence in her life.
Jill Pyle A special project. (I took this picture.) Jill Pyle is a teacher, a community volunteer, and a hero to Sammy.
Jillian Picture of Jillian Jillian inspires her sister, Rachel, with her courage and compassion.
Joe Pinkerton Picture of Joe Pinkerton Joe Pinkerton is a hero to his daughter because he invents things that make the world a better place.
John Baggs Picture of John Baggs John Baggs was like a father to many.
John Fowler Picture of John Fowler John Fowler was a beloved father with a true spirit for adventure.
Joneice Picture of Joneice Joneice proved how strong a young girl can be to her sister, Kia.
José Antonio Knight Hernández (Personal Album) José Antonio Knight Hernández is tireless reporter and editor, a dedicated father, and a loving husband.
Judith Z. Anderson, Ph.D. Picture of Judith Z. Anderson, Ph.D. MY HERO Board member, psychologist, and educator Dr. Judith Anderson has been with MY HERO since its early beginnings.
Karla Diane Hurrell Picture of Karla Diane Hurrell Karla Diane Hurrell and her husband have fostered over 150 children.
Kathy Eldon Interviewed by Wendy Jewell Kathy Eldon. <br>Image from: http://www.uwp.edu/news/<br>communique/commtemp.cfm?storyID=805&issueID Kathy Eldon, whose son Dan Eldon, was tragically killed while on assignment for REUTERS in Somalia was inspired by his journals and works for peace and tolerance to found CREATIVE VISIONS. This org is the spark that empowers creative activists globally.
Kelly Barnhill This is a photo of Kelly in 2003 Kelly Barnhill inspires her daughter with her commitment to help children with developmental disorders
Kiki Vo Kiki Vo Kiki Vo suffered terrible burns and experienced bullying in school but has accomplished so much and forgiven so many.
Kitty Richardson Picture of Kitty Richardson
Lady Bird Johnson Picture of Lady Bird Johnson Lady Bird Johnson inspired her great-granddaughter with her kindness and care for the environment.
Lewis E. Seeley Picture of Lewis E. Seeley Lewis E. Seeley was an inspiration to his great-nephew, for his bravery and sense of humor.
Linda Hart Grandma in Maui, Hawaii. (Allyson Benavides) Linda Hart is her granddaughter Rachel's role model in life.
Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Picture of Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Lindsay Leigh Kimmett inspires her cousin to live life to the fullest and never stop growing.
Linh Le Picture of Linh Le Linh Le provides for, protects, and loves his wife and his admiring son, Danny.
Lyndon B. Johnson Lyndon Baines Johnson (http://www.whitehousehistory.org/) Lyndon B. Johnson was John's great grandfather and the 36th President of the United States.
Madeline Shields Picture of Madeline Shields Madeline Shields embodies the best of family and community values.
Mahsuda Ali Picture of Mahsuda Ali Mahsuda Ali is admired by her daughter for being brave, kind and caring.
Malick Seck My father and me (from Cheikh Darou Seck) Malick Seck is respected by his community and family for his humanitarian works, and his wisdom and dedication.
Mansour Azimipour Picture of Mansour Azimipour Sara Azimipour's hero is her father, Mansour Azimipour, who began making money for his family in Iran at age 9, before immigrating to America and becoming a successful businessman.
Marija Intihar Picture of Marija Intihar Marija Intihar taught her granddaughter the importance of optimism and love.
Marilyn Bloss Koester Picture of Marilyn Bloss Koester Marilyn Bloss Koester is on the board of directors for CHOICES, a Memphis center for reproductive health.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Harry Dreany Picture of Master Gunnery Sergeant Harry Dreany
Matthew C. Bausch Picture of Matthew C. Bausch Matthew C. Bausch wants to build a physical therapy facility.
Matthew D. Cohen Matthew in 1988 (Matthew) Matthew D. Cohen rescued his brother in a peaceful way.
Matthew Renna Picture of Matthew Renna Matthew Renna is a magical wood carver who inspires his family.
Meredith Nelle Herndon My Sister and I! (left to right) Meredith Nelle Herndon inspires her sister to live life to the fullest.
Michael James Lachtrup My father, wearing his hospital coat Michael James Lachtrup has taught his daughter to see the beauty and goodness in the world around her.
My Dad My Hero Picture of My Dad My Hero Milan Bhargava Desai is a third grader in Newport Coast, California, whose hero is his dad.
My Grandma My Grandma (home camera) My Grandma teaches her grandchildren that hard work and courage can help them overcome difficult times.
My Grandmother from Vientiane, Laos Picture of My Grandmother from Vientiane, Laos
My Hero, My Father Picture of My Hero, My Father My Hero, My Father The American Enterprise, September 2000
My Mom, Christine My mom at work My Mom, Christine raised three kids as a single mother and helps women and children escape abuse and violence
My Mom, Michelle Michelle with friend Mary-Linda (personal photo) My Mom, Michelle helped her family cope and stick together through difficult times.
My mother Picture of My mother
My mother! Picture of My mother!
Natalie Darwitz Natalie Darwitz (http://pictopia.com) Natalie Darwitz is an Olympic hockey champion who inspires her cousin with her perseverance and leadership skills.
Nicholas Nicholson Picture of Nicholas Nicholson Nicholas Nicholson inspires his son with his hard work and care for his family and community.
Oscar R. Ortiz Here are some of the children that my hero - my father - has helped in Tijuana. Oscar R. Ortiz is a devoted family man who became a minister and now helps the poor.
Paco, My Dyslexic Hero Picture of Paco, My Dyslexic Hero Have you ever felt a connection with one of your grandparents? It could be as simple as the love of the same restaurant or as complex as communicating without being able to speak the same language. Well I have had that connection with my grandfather Leo Corey, otherwise known as Paco in my family. We both share the same learning disability, dyslexia.
Paula Watson Picture of Paula Watson Paula Watson is a role model to her granddaughter, Missy.
Puring Estigo Picture of Puring Estigo Puring Estigo inspired her grandson, Marlon, with her love and faith in God.
Raja Weksler Picture of Raja Weksler Raja Weksler helped her daughter survive in a concentration camp.
Ralph Walter Perdue The late Ralph Walter Perdue (internet) In 1962 my grandpa was a part of forming the Fairbanks Native Association. He accompanied the late Bill Carlo and Poldine Carlo. All three of them worked together to help our native community, basically starting an advocacy for local natives. The things they did for us I admire a lot, because they helped the native community in many ways today
Raymond Hao-Tien Huang Dad, mom, bro and I (At the home parking lot in Canada) Raymond Hao-Tien Huang overcame poverty to become a successful career man, as well as a wonderful father.
Richard Somach Picture of Richard Somach Richard Somach, my dad, is my hero. I look up to him for many reasons. One is because he believes that anything can happen if you think positively. Before an important race he'll tell me just think positively and you'll do fine.
Robert Edward Doherty Picture of Robert Edward Doherty Robert Edward Doherty was an WWII veteran, a noted historian and author, and a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and friend.
Ronald V. Dellums Picture of Ronald V. Dellums Ronald V. Dellums is a former U.S. Congressman who fought against apartheid in South Africa.
Rose Marie Thomas Courtesy St. Jude's Research Hospital Rose Marie Thomas co-founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which never turns away a patient and has helped innumerable childhood cancer patients.
Rosemarie L. Poeppelman Rosemarie L. Poeppelman Rosemarie L. Poeppelman is a foster mom and an adoptive parent who has changed the lives of many children.
Rosemary McCormick Picture of Rosemary McCormick Rosemary McCormick was a mother, librarian, teacher, and grandmother who provided compassionate care for her community and family.
Ruth Kaminsky My great-grandmother on her 91st birthday Ruth Kaminsky Michele's great grandmother escaped terrible tragedy and danger in Poland and created a new life for herself in Canada.
Sadie Dunn Picture of Sadie Dunn My great-grandma has taught me a lot about willpower. She was born in 1908 and was raised in the years of segregation. She fought against segregation and sacrificed many things for blacks to have the freedom that we have today. The happiest day of her life was when she found out we were going to have a black president.
Sarah Nabbosa Picture of Sarah Nabbosa Sarah Nabbosa works hard to support her children and to help those in need.
Shannon Holloway Picture of Shannon Holloway Shannon Holloway is admired by his grandson because he always helped people and had a positive outlook on life.
Sharon Snyder Picture of Sharon Snyder Sharon Snyder is a role model, friend, and a constant source of strength, encouragement, and help.
Shequitta Kelly Picture of Shequitta Kelly Shequitta Kelly inspires her daughter with her accomplishments and her outreach to teens.
Should've, Would've, Could've: Paul Gagner Picture of Should've, Would've, Could've: Paul Gagner Katherine's dad Paul Gagner is a fearless rock climber.
Stanley Ronquest Jr. Picture of Stanley Ronquest Jr.
Stephen Siller: From the Tunnel to the Towers Picture of Stephen Siller: From the Tunnel to the Towers Stephen Siller: From The Tunnel to the Towers was a firefighter who bravely sacrificed his life to save others on 9/11.
Steven Sadicario (left to right): My son, My Dad and I <br>(Picture taken in spring of 07) Steven Sadicario is admired by his son for his work ethic and the way he finds time to spend with his family.
Sula Tsioros (Yiayia) Picture of Sula Tsioros (Yiayia) Connor's hero is his grandmother, Sula Tsioros, who moved to Canada when she was 18 and fulfilled her dream of becoming a hairdresser.
Susan Ence Mom as a little girl (family photos) Susan Ence is committed to giving full-time care to her husband, who was left paralyzed after an accident.
Tatiana Mihalache Picture of Tatiana Mihalache Nicoleta's great grandmother, Tatiana Mihalache, was deported to Siberia during the Axis Invasion of the Soviet Union.
Theodore Roosevelt Dexter (Ted as a young man) Toward the end of my high school years and throughout young adulthood, my grandfather taught me one of the most important lessons of all, a lesson of love and commitment.
Thomas Victor Cordiner My dad with my daughter, Marie. (family photo) Thomas Victor Cordiner is a devoted and loving father to his daughter, Sara.
Tom Theurkauf Picture of Tom Theurkauf Tom Theurkauf is loved, honored and remembered by his family.
Tommy Keith Picture of Tommy Keith Tommy Keith treated Matt as his own son and taught him the value of kindness and integrity.
Wati Herlina Bolga Hasli, My Mother Picture of Wati Herlina Bolga Hasli, My Mother Wati Herlina Bolga Hasli, My Mother teachers her daughet to have confidence in herself and do her best.
 
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