Heroes and Stories of Bravery

Join us in celebrating everyday heroes who risk their lives to help others and whose selfless acts and stories of bravery are sure to inspire.

See other topics in Inspiring People

Inspiring Stories

Our everyday heroes risk their own lives to help people in trouble. They know that doing right by others is more rewarding than a big paycheck, and they do it without expectation of accolades or even a thank-you. That's part of what makes them so inspiring.

Meet Our Heroes

Vote for Hero of the Year 2008

A Legacy of Generosity

Frugal farmers Ish and Arlene Hatch left behind a secret fortune -- and enriched their community forever.

Eight Celebrities Share What They've Learned

Distinguished individuals reveal what they would like others to know.

Exculsive Extras: Wisdom of Celebrities Around the World

Award-winning photographer Andrew Zuckerman traveled to seven countries, flew 65,000 miles, and drove 5,000 more, all in a quest to ask 50 distinguished individuals ages 65 years and older what they would like others to know.

A Heroic Search and Rescue

Lykesia Lilly had never been a daredevil. But when it came to saving her nephew, she was braver than she knew.

The Latest in Heroes
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1How You Can Help Wounded Veterans
Want to help heroes and their families get the housing they need? Check out these organizations.
2Schoolteachers Take Charge of Field Trip
When a bus filled with schoolchildren went wildly out of control, their teachers stayed cool.
3Dr. Rick Hodes Helps the Children of Ethiopia
Dr. Rick Hodes has devoted his life to helping Ethiopia's most desperate kids-including the five he adopted. His philosophy is simple: "Don't Say No"
4Help for Ethiopia's Children
Watch a slide show of Dr. Rick Hodes in action and learn how to support his work.
5Vote for Your 2008 Hero of the Year
This year, Reader's Digest celebrated 13 ordinary citizens who unexpectedly found themselves confronted with desperate situations--and acted. Their stories are retold here. Let us know who inspires you the most by voting in our Hero of the Year poll. Look for results online and in the April issue
6Heroes: Subway Rescue
With seconds separating them from an oncoming train, one man risked everything to save a woman he'd never met.
7The Searcher: James Spring
James Spring went looking for adventure. What he found: two little girls caught in a fractured family saga.
8Heroes: Jim Grant Braves Inferno
Jim Grant could have kept driving. Instead, he braved a burning building to save a family in danger.
9Heroes of China's Earthquake
On May 12, a major earthquake jolted southwestern China's Sichuan Province. Located 100 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter, Juyuan Middle School collapsed immediately in its wake. See the school’s survivors and the heroes who risked everything to save them.

To learn more and donate, visit the American Red Cross.