Even when it feels as though the odds are stacked against you, hold on to hope. Even the smallest glimmer can make all the difference.
Hope gives us the courage to keep going, to take positive action even when continuing feels impossible.
“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step.” – Rosa Parks
This week, we share uplifting stories that highlight the power of hope in the most challenging times.
- A deaf dog spreads love and kindness everywhere he goes
- A woman achieves her engineering dream, defying all odds
- A community offers support to Santa after a devastating fire
- A bus driver is honored for compassion and kindness
Positively Uplifting Stories | January 13 2026
Deaf dog overcomes all odds and brings a lot of joy to people as a therapy dog.
Cole is a deaf pit bull who used to get overlooked by potential adopters while living in an animal shelter. He was labeled as “broken”. Chris Hannah, a music teacher at Dr. William Mennies Elementary School in Vineland, New Jersey, adopted him in 2017.
Cole has now grown into the gentlest therapy dog.
Apart from being a full-time therapy dog in an elementary school, he visits hospice patients and is a mascot at a local veterans’ home. He also participates in traveling school programs, where Chris speaks about acceptance and disability awareness.
Cole helps children find courage, celebrate differences, and feel inspired to perform acts of kindness.
“It’s a very humbling experience. This is our sixth school year together as a team. And when I say that every day there is a moment that we share with a child or student hospice patient, whatever it may be that makes us realize why we are doing this, and it’s those moments that really solidify it all over,” said Chris.
Woman demonstrates the power of determination by achieving her engineering dream.
Farrah Fox was severely injured in a horrific car crash in July 2018. She was hospitalized for more than two months.
After waking from a coma, she had to undergo physical therapy to relearn how to talk, walk, and carry out everyday tasks.
At the time, she was told she would never achieve her dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer.
Recently, defying all odds, Farrah walked across the stage at Florida Atlantic University to accept her degree. She graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and a certificate in aeronautical engineering.
She received a standing ovation from the entire crowd!
“I honestly feel so whole and complete, like, ‘I did that!’ They tried to tell me no, but I didn’t stop,” said Farrah.
Community rallies behind their beloved Santa after he lost his home in a fire.
Scott Diethorne, known as “Santa Scott” in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, recently lost his home in a fire.
For many local families, visiting Santa Scott is a cherished holiday tradition that has been passed down through multiple generations.
The community rallied to help Scott, who has brought joy to them for more than three decades. They donated clothes, food, gift cards, and even Santa suits. They also raised over $139,000 for him, keeping the holiday spirit alive and demonstrating the true meaning of giving.
Scott is grateful for the outpouring of love that he has received.
“Seeing a smile on their face is all I care about,” said Scott.
Bus driver creates a welcoming, supportive environment for children.
Charles Gregory has been a bus driver for more than two decades.
His comforting presence puts parents like Krista Cunningham at ease. Her daughter Emma is always excited to ride the bus to school. Charles cherishes the responsibility of safely getting children to and from school each day.
His ability to connect with his little passengers, making every child feel special and filling them with enthusiasm for the day ahead, has earned him recognition from the community.
“She [Emma] seemed to uh have a glow in her eyes in the morning. She knows that I’m there and everything is going to be all right,” said Charles.
