Jay found himself sitting in a jail cell, alone and hopeless, after attempting to break into a building on his college campus. A fellow inmate's unexpected words brought him comfort — and changed the course of his life.
Holly Deiaco-Smith was feeling homesick while studying abroad in France when she was 19 years old. An encounter at the post office changed everything and led to a decades-long friendship.
In 1982, Jean Muenchrath and her boyfriend went mountaineering in California's Sierra Nevada. Then, an unexpected storm veered them dangerously off course. Luckily, their unsung hero found them.
Barbara Alvarez lost her husband in 2017, just before their daughter went off to college. Her unsung hero helped her find the strength to be a single mother to her child at a key moment in their lives.
Eight years ago, Joann Moschella was injured after her bicycle was hit by a car. That's when her unsung hero appeared, dressed in a furry lavender bunny suit.
At a neighborhood park, a young boy noticed Natalie's young foster daughter using a walker. His reaction left Natalie with an unexpected feeling of hope for the future.
Mary Klein had just moved to a new city when she got lost. A couple stopped to help and guided her home. They returned the next day with Christmas dinner.
In the midst of a divorce, Jolena Rothweil asked to borrow some money from a friend. All he asked in return was that she pay it forward, and that act began a chain of kindness.
When Stacia was 21, she was struggling with severe depression. A stranger's simple question gave her safety during a time she needed it the most. Now, it's an example she's tried to follow ever since.
In 2008, when banning same-sex marriage in California was put on the ballot, Kate Elsley's commute changed. Seeing signs supporting the ban became a reminder of what she might not be able to do.
When Eric Schwartz was 15, his mother died. The first day back at school after the loss was difficult, but one teacher's kindness changed his experience of the day and the rest of his life.
Midway through her first semester of college, Silvana Clark realized she didn't have enough money to finish the year. Then, her drama professor stepped in.
When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Eby in a hug.
Lara Friedman was walking her large rottweiler on July 4 when fireworks went off. Her dog went into panic mode. Then a stranger offered to help, ensuring both got home safely.
