Inspiring People

Get inspired by everyday heroes who risk their lives to help others, real people who’ve made their dreams come true and more.

American Icons 19 Distinguished celebrities talk about who has inspired them most.

A Major’s Mission in Iraq Major General Doug Stone is turning jailed Iraqi militants into citizens. How does he do it?

Hotel Fire Heroes In the chaos of a late-night blaze, three students on spring break risked their lives to save others.

The Accidental Entrepreneur In the kitchen with her kids, Sheri Schmelzer got crafty—and lucky—with her Crocs.

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1 An Illegal Immigrant Turned Brain Surgeon -- With His Own Two Hands
He was an illegal immigrant making a living picking tomatoes. Now Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa excels in a different field—as a top brain surgeon
2 Heroes: Dog Attack Rescue
When two savage dogs attacked a defenseless four-year-old, Cody Phillips leaped first and looked later.
3 Heroes: Close Call in a Hotel Fire
In the chaos of a late-night fire, three students on spring break risked their lives to save others.

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1Dr. 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"
2Help for Ethiopia's Children
Watch a slide show of Dr. Rick Hodes in action and learn how to support his work.
3Vote 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
4Best of America: Highway Helper
Stopping and helping others is this man's self-satisfying vocation.

The Greatest Stories Never Told

The Greatest Stories Never Told brings you true stories about 230 astonishing events that altered history.

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