My Unsung Hero

When Eileen’s husband came home from the hospital after a traumatic brain injury, he wasn’t the same. He couldn't do many of the household chores he used to take care of, like raking up the leaves in their yard. So one day, Eileen decided to try to get the chore done. As she picked up the leaves in her yard, crying, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd...

After spilling her lunch on the way to work, Kim received an unexpected gift from a stranger. The experience not only helped her through that day, but gave her a sense of belonging and community. 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 forge...

After Alek's father died in the hospital, a nurse shared his grief. 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...

A favorite from 2022: After a mortifying fall in physics class, Julie remembers the unexpected gift she received from a fellow student. 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...

Maureen was on the subway, and feeling down. Her sister had recently passed away, and the shock of the death made it difficult to be in public. But when a stranger sat down next to her and asked how she was doing, Maureen felt she could be honest. The conversation that followed is one that she will forever cherish. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice...

As a college freshman, Karen was sometimes inconsiderate to her hallmate, Pam. So when Karen missed the bus to her choir performance, an hour away, she was surprised — and moved — when Pam came to her rescue. 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 wil...

Eric and his husband, Dennis Hopkins, lived a life full of music, gardening, and dance. But in 2022, Dennis was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few days before he died, they met a nurse named Sherry, who offered a compassionate roadmap of what was to come. 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 .  Som...

Happy Father’s Day, dads! In honor of dads everywhere, we bring you a bonus episode about a transit worker who gave Donald Kabara an unexpected gift: a hug from his son. 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...

The last place Brad saw his mom before she died was at a diner in New York. A few years later, when he went back to that diner, the bartender asked if he remembered their table, and invited him to go sit there. 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 w...

In 2019, Darren was about to become a first-time father, and he was terrified. Then a doctor came into the delivery room and said something that completely changed his perspective on parenthood. 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...

In early 2003, Amy went into labor a full ten weeks before her due date. When her twins were born, both were struggling. But one of the boys was in a particularly dire situation, and needed a blood transfusion as soon as possible. The hospital didn't have any blood that matched the baby's blood type — until Amy's unsung hero stepped up to help. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd lo...

In 2016, Tulika was at the grocery store with her seven-year-old son, Vedant, who is non-verbal and autistic. When Vedant began to cry and pull her hair, a stranger helped Tulika in just the right way.  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 neve...

Jon told his high school principal, Mr. Barnett, that he planned to drop out of school. But Mr. Barnett implored him to earn his diploma — which set Jon on a path to success.  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'...

One morning, A woke up and began believing he was an undercover government agent. He quit his job,  and soon after was arrested for reckless driving. But he wasn't in jail for long, because his boss got A the psychiatric help he needed. That act of kindness was life-changing.  If you or someone you know is in crisis and living in the United States, you can call or text 988. This number provides im...

When Vivian's son was young, he often got into situations where he hurt himself or others. One day, while at the park, he threw sand in another child's face. Vivian did her best to handle the situation, but worried that the child's mother would be angry. Instead, the mother said something that gave Vivian solace — and a bit of hope. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear i...

After receiving irregular test results, Alexis left her doctor's appointment in tears. On her way out of the office, a receptionist stopped Alexis and held her while she cried. It is a moment Alexis will never forget.  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 th...

In the late 1980s, Stephanie was driving to an appointment when she was hit by a large pickup truck. As she stood on the sidewalk crying, a woman came up to her and handed her a cup of tea. 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.  --...

The driver who took Ashley Blas to a cemetery noticed grass covering part of her mother’s gravestone. So he dropped to his knees – in a full suit – and cleared the grass from the grave. 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...

About 30 years ago, Nancy ran the New York City Marathon. When she finished, she headed to the reunion area to greet her family — only to discover that her 8-year-old son was missing. After a frantic search, a woman appeared, holding her son's hand. 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 gui...

In 1968, when Terry was four, she and her two young siblings were left briefly in the car by themselves. Her one-year-old brother accidentally hit the gearshift, and the car began to roll downhill, toward a two-lane highway. Then a young man rushed over. 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 .  Som...

On New Year's Eve 2022, Eleanor's car broke down at the post office. Over the next 40 minutes, five different people came over to lend a hand. One woman followed Eleanor home for tea, and they remain friends today. 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 y...

Glenna's father was a firefighter for years. Early in his career, he almost died in a house fire. The man who saved his life turned into a forever friend — and someone Glenna's family will always cherish.  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 n...

One evening after class, Ellen took public transportation home. It was a quiet night, and when she got off at her stop, there weren't many people around. Then, she heard something that alerted her to potential danger.  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 th...

More than 40 years ago, Paul's father began to show signs of cognitive decline. As a result, he lost job after job. When his father was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a small local firm made him an offer that helped restore his dignity. 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 gu...

Years ago, on a flight home, Caitlin and the man next to her started chatting. She told him that ever since the 9/11 attacks, she had been nervous to fly. Then the man leaned over and told her something she still tells her children today. 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: --Fo...