Welcome to a new edition of Uplifting Stories!
This is your weekly reminder to leave behind all unpleasant experiences from the past week and step into a new one with a clear mind and an open heart.
“When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” - Abraham Joshua Heschel
Let these heartwarming stories give you the boost you need to start afresh with optimism, and enthusiasm.
First graders and puppies, is there a more adorable combination?
Brooke Hughes' program Foster Tales Puppy Therapy brings foster puppies into the first-grade class at Hanby Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware.
The students read to their furry friends, learn how to handle them, and play with them. This foster puppy and reading program is helping kids practice their reading skills and also learn about the importance of empathy and compassion.
Brooke brings puppies from Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue, a nonprofit based in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania that provides a safe haven for rescued dogs.
The students and their parents volunteer to take care of puppies on weeknights and the weekends, until they find their forever homes.
"Even the kids that didn't want to pick up a book, they can't wait to reach the puppies. They pitch in when the puppies grab a piece of paper they're not supposed to, or they help take them for walks at recess. So they've learned a great responsibility and they build empathy and compassion. All of this along with their reading skills. So, so much confidence has come from this program as well," said Brooke.
Sam Cunningham was diagnosed with leukemia at age 12.
To support Sam in his journey and give him something to look forward to, Auburn University men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl sent him a video with a positive message.
Bruce's words of encouragement played a significant role in Sam's recovery journey.
“Cancer picked the wrong hombre, it picked the wrong dude to mess with, and that quote is what I kept with me when I got in my darkest days in the hospital and stuff," Sam said.
Bruce had promised to make Sam the team manager once he recovers. Sam has been cancer-free since March 2022 and now, as a freshman, he is a team manager at Auburn University.
Hernando Guanlao, a 72-year-old Filipino man has always loved reading. He has amassed a large collection of books in his house, which is now a free community library.
Through his “Reading Club 2000”, Hernando aims to encourage students to get into the habit of reading.
Low reading comprehension is a big problem in the Philippines. Lack of classrooms, textbooks, and overworked teachers are the main factors contributing to the country's low reading comprehension.
Hernando makes sure students have easy access to all types of reading materials.
He has been running his reading club for more than two decades. And now, his library has thousands of books across all genres, thanks to ongoing book donations.
"My mission is to give away used and donated books to others at no cost and to promote education through literature," says Hernando.
Growing up in California, Claire Hall wanted to become a hairstylist for movie stars. That was the original plan.
But as luck would have it, she ended up becoming a special education teacher.
Her student Mason doesn't like going to the barber as it is quite an overwhelming experience for him.
That's why Claire stepped in to get him ready for a special event. She combined her expertise in cosmetology and special education and helped Mason feel comfortable as she cut his hair.
This act of kindness meant a lot to Mason and his family.
"He, you know, is strutting down the red carpet in his little tuxedo, and his gorgeous new haircut. This was a whole new Mason," said Karen, Mason's mom.
"I'm living the dream. They don't have the opportunities that everyone else does, so, excuse me. So, I just -- to be able to put my love into, you know, Mason, for now, is a dream," said Claire.
And there you have it!
Don't forget - we are always looking for more Uplifting Stories! If you have a tale to tell, or want to submit one for a future article, connect with us in the comments below, or through our Instagram page. We'd love to hear from you.
Have a great week everyone!
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July 17, 2025
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