My Unsung Hero

A chance encounter changed everything for Stacia when a stranger offered her a ride and a simple, nonjudgmental question. This moment of kindness became a pivotal point in her life, inspiring a dedicated career in human services. She has since devoted herself to helping high-risk teens and families, embodying the very acceptance she once received. Stacia’s story emphasizes the profound impact one small act of compassion can have and highlights the importance of support for those in crisis.

Kate Elsley, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, shares her poignant experience during the passage of Proposition 8 in California. She recounts feeling isolated and fearful until she spotted an older man on a train platform, holding a sign against the ban on same-sex marriage. His solitary act of defiance provided her with unexpected comfort during a difficult time. Kate's emotional journey highlights the power of kindness from strangers and how such moments can leave a lasting impact. Today, she is happily married to her wife, Tanya.

When he was 15, Eric lost his mother to suicide. When he returned to school, most adults avoided the subject — until his chorus director got up from the piano and gave him a wordless hug. If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. If you live in the United States, you can text or call 988 for support. If you live outside the U.S., go to opencounseling.com to find your local help line.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elizabeth Vaughan, a former high school choir student, shares her poignant journey from embarrassment to empowerment. After a cringe-worthy solo mishap, a kind senior's words reignited her passion for singing. This simple act of encouragement became a turning point, steering her toward a music degree at the University of Kansas. Elizabeth's story highlights the profound impact of small gestures and reminds us all of the unsung heroes in our lives.

Silvana Clark shares a heartfelt story of financial struggle during her first college semester. Facing uncertainty, she brilliantly scrapes by, even improvising with toothpaste. A surprising twist comes when her drama teacher announces a scholarship, but the real heroism is revealed when she learns he personally covered her tuition and room. This act of anonymous generosity not only saves her education but inspires her resolve to work and save for the future. Silvana’s journey of gratitude towards her teacher is both touching and uplifting.

A favorite from the archives: Minutes before an important job interview in a town hours from home, Oliver realized he’d forgotten his dress shirt. A stranger offered a kind and unexpected solution.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Tanya in a hug. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earlier this year, Lara was walking her large Rottweiler, The Dude, when fireworks went off nearby. The Dude panicked, and Lara began to worry she wouldn't be able to manage the situation on her own. Then a stranger offered to help, ensuring both Lara and The Dude got home safely. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Juli's car ran out of gas in the middle of the road, three men from a nearby homeless encampment rushed over to push her car to safety.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1980, backpacking alone to Greece, Elaine was attacked on a train. Two strangers stepped in, and stayed by her side for nearly the entire 12-hour ride.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.