Life is full of challenges, but they also present opportunities for growth and resilience. The following 21 real stories are a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve great things.
1. The Woman Who Lost Everything and Gained a New Purpose
At the age of 52, Diane von Furstenberg lost her husband, her business, and her home in a fire. But instead of giving up, she rebuilt her life and became one of the most successful fashion designers in the world.
2. The Man Who Was Paralyzed and Became a World-Class Athlete
After a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Rick Hansen set out to prove that anything is possible. He completed a 24,901-mile wheelchair journey around the world, raising awareness of disability and inspiring countless others.
3. The Woman Who Fought for Her Right to Vote
Susan B. Anthony was a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement. She was arrested and fined for voting in the 1872 presidential election, but her actions helped pave the way for women to gain the right to vote in 1920.
4. The Man Who Survived a Plane Crash and Went on to Become a Senator
Ted Kennedy survived a plane crash that killed his brother, John F. Kennedy Jr. He went on to serve in the U.S. Senate for 47 years, becoming one of the most influential politicians of his generation.
5. The Woman Who Overcame Addiction and Became a Bestselling Author
J.K. Rowling was a single mother on welfare when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. The series went on to become one of the best-selling books of all time, making Rowling one of the richest women in the world.
6. The Man Who Founded a Global Charity at the Age of 10
Craig Kielburger was just 10 years old when he started Free the Children, a charity that has helped over 1 million children in developing countries.
7. The Woman Who Was Born with a Rare Disease and Became a Doctor
Adama Bah was born with sickle cell disease, a rare and painful condition that affects the blood. Despite the challenges she faced, she went on to become a doctor and dedicate her life to helping others with the same disease.
8. The Man Who Was Homeless and Became a Millionaire
Chris Gardner was homeless and living on the streets with his young son when he got a job as an unpaid intern at a stock brokerage firm. He eventually became a successful stockbroker and millionaire.
9. The Woman Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer and Became a Cancer Advocate
Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She used her platform to raise awareness of the disease and advocate for cancer research.
10. The Man Who Was Born with a Speech Impediment and Became a Motivational Speaker
Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. Despite his physical challenges, he has become a inspirational speaker, author, and businessman.
11. The Woman Who Was a Victim of Sexual Assault and Became a Survivor
Tarana Burke founded the #MeToo movement, which has given voice to millions of survivors of sexual assault and harassment.
12. The Man Who Was Imprisoned and Became a Poet
Jimmy Santiago Baca spent time in prison for drug trafficking. While in prison, he discovered his love of poetry and went on to become an award-winning poet.
13. The Woman Who Was a Child Bride and Became an Advocate for Women’s Rights
Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking out in favor of education for girls. She survived the attack and went on to become a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
14. The Man Who Was a Refugee and Became a Doctor
Dr. Hawa Abdi was forced to flee her home country of Somalia during the civil war. She went on to become a doctor and founded a hospital in a refugee camp.
15. The Woman Who Was a Victim of Domestic Violence and Became a Survivor Advocate
Irshad Manji was a victim of domestic violence. She went on to found the Muslim Women’s League and become a leading advocate for women’s rights.
16. The Man Who Was Born with Down Syndrome and Became a Model
Jamie Brewer is the first model with Down Syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. She has also appeared in several television shows and movies.
17. The Woman Who Was a Child Laborer and Became an Activist
Soma Mondal was a child laborer in Bangladesh. She escaped from her factory and went on to become an activist for the rights of child laborers.
18. The Man Who Was a Homeless Veteran and Became a Lawyer
Bryan Stevenson was a homeless veteran when he started law school. He went on to become a leading advocate for the poor and the incarcerated.
19. The Woman Who Was a Victim of Human Trafficking and Became a Survivor Advocate
Eudora Paul was a victim of human trafficking for seven years. She escaped and went on to found the E
