IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Inspiring America

Celebrating remarkable individuals who remind us of the healing power of community and connection after a battle-tested year.


More inspiring Americans

292d ago

Plane mechanic helps keep dream alive for 4-year-old who died of cancer

While fixing an airplane mirror, a mechanic found a picture of a little girl, Grace, who had died from a rare liver cancer. The picture had a handwritten message from her grandparents that explained how Grace had always wanted to fly. NBC News’ Catie Beck shares more on the search for her family.
Plane mechanic helps keep dream alive for 4-year-old who died of cancer
Plane mechanic helps keep dream alive for 4-year-old who died of cancer
297d ago

Custodian teaching students how to sweep their chess competition

At the end of the school day in Hampden, Maine, custodian David Bishop teaches the students how to sweep their competition in chess. NBC News’ Kristen Dahlgren shares more on the inspiring story on how his team became state champions.
Custodian teaching students how to sweep their chess competition
Custodian teaching students how to sweep their chess competition
300d ago

‘Flying Classroom’ program inspiring Florida students to explore STEM

At Miami Springs’ Academy for Innovative Education, students get to explore different areas of STEM, inspiring careers in science through exploration and experiences. It’s all part of Captain Barrington Irving’s program called the “Flying Classroom.” NBC 6 South Florida anchor Constance Jones shares more.
‘Flying Classroom’ program inspiring Florida students to explore STEM
‘Flying Classroom’ program inspiring Florida students to explore STEM
311d ago

Man thanks nurses who saved his life in a grocery store after suffering cardiac arrest

In January, Frank Ferrara stopped by a Delaware ACME and suffered a cardiac arrest. Two nearby shoppers who happened to be nurses performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Now, Ferrara has the chance to say thank you to them in-person. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda shares the story.
Man thanks nurses who saved his life in a grocery store after suffering cardiac arrest
Man thanks nurses who saved his life in a grocery store after suffering cardiac arrest
313d ago

Street artist transforms signs around New York City

Artist Max Kolomatsky is on a mission to revamp signs around New York City. He spruces them up using bright colors and illustrations. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda shares more about his transformations that went viral on social media. 
Street artist transforms signs around New York City
Street artist transforms signs around New York City
316d ago

New graduate to work at the same prosthetics center that helped her after terrible accident

Shima Nixon graduated from Alabama State University with a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics 10 years after she lost her legs in a crash. NBC News’ Kate Snow details the 31-year-old’s journey and how she hopes to inspire others.
New graduate to work at the same prosthetics center that helped her after terrible accident
New graduate to work at the same prosthetics center that helped her after terrible accident
325d ago

Transit announcements voiced by kids with autism in inclusive project

More than 100 kids and young people recorded safety messages for transit systems in New York and other major U.S. cities as part of the Autism Transit Project. NBC News’ Rehema Ellis spotlights the initiative during Autism Awareness Month.
Transit announcements voiced by kids with autism in inclusive project
Transit announcements voiced by kids with autism in inclusive project
327d ago

‘Violins of Hope’ performance honors Holocaust victims with restored instruments

Avshalom Weinstein and his father restore instruments, many of which were once owned by those who perished in the Holocaust and those who survived. The two Israeli violin makers tour the instruments around the world and honor those impacted. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch shares the story.
‘Violins of Hope’ performance honors Holocaust victims with restored instruments
‘Violins of Hope’ performance honors Holocaust victims with restored instruments
330d ago

Woman completes Boston Marathon months after coma

Oklahoma resident Rachel Foster ran the Boston Marathon months after a fall put her into a coma for 10 days and left her with 17 broken bones. NBC News’ Peter Alexander shares how the 35-year-old maintained her hope and determination to achieve her goal.
Woman completes Boston Marathon months after coma
Woman completes Boston Marathon months after coma
336d ago

Boston Marathon bombing survivor shares how Marine veteran helped his recovery

It’s been 10 years since the Boston Marathon bombing. Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky were among those injured in the attack. Marine Sergeant Gabe Martinez, who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan, wanted to help survivors with recovery. Lester Holt sat down with Patrick and Gabe to find out more about their inspiring story.
Boston Marathon bombing survivor shares how Marine veteran helped his recovery
Boston Marathon bombing survivor shares how Marine veteran helped his recovery
337d ago

56-year-old retired postal worker achieves dream of playing college baseball

At the age of 56, Jim Fullan is a freshman player on the Montgomery County Community College baseball team in Pennsylvania. NBC News’ Kate Snow shares the story of how the retired United States postal worker is achieving his long-standing dream and becoming a mentor to the other players.
56-year-old retired postal worker achieves dream of playing college baseball
56-year-old retired postal worker achieves dream of playing college baseball