As we bid adieu to 2013, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the year’s most memorable kids from around the globe.
Tearjerker Touchdown
When Olivet Middle School’s football team schemed to set up the perfect play—even going behind their coaches’ backs to do so—the resulting touchdown will be one that the crowd—and viewers— won’t soon forget.
Batkid Saves Gotham City
Miles Scott, having battle leukemia since he was 18 months old, is finally in remission. And he celebrated by saving Gotham City (aka San Francisco) as part of his Make-A-Wish Foundation-granted dream-come-true. Proof that dreams really do come true!
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You
From the mouths of babes often come the most simple-yet-profound messages.
Trick Shot Titus
The kid who never misses is back, and this time he has star power on his side. “Trick Shot Titus” simply can’t NOT make a goal! And the joy this kid brings is undeniable.
Zach Sobiech
Go grab the tissues. We’ll wait.
OK, when then-17-year-old Zach Sobiech learned that he was running out of time, losing his battle with osteosarcoma, he lived more purposefully than ever … and taught us perhaps the reason we’re all here: ”That’s what’s awesome about living in this world … is that you can help people.” Zach lost his battle with cancer on May 20, 2013, at the age of 18.
Ellen Degeneres Has a Boyfriend
Tayt Anderson has won over the heart of openly gay daytime talkshow host: “You’re my only boyfriend, Tayt,” Ellen told the 8-year-old boy who suffers from Hypoplastic Left Heart. Their ongoing friendship is heartwarming, and Tayt’s joy despite his health challenges is an example we could all learn from.
Take a Seat, Buddy!
Take a page from Christian Bucks’s book when it comes to having compassion for those who are feeling alone. Christian came up with the idea for the “Buddy Bench,” a place to find a friend when you feel like you don’t have any.
He Can Hear!
When Grayson Clamp, born without auditory nerves, became the first child to receive an auditory brainstem implant as part of an FDA-approved trial, he was able to hear for the first time in his young life. Seeing the wonder on his face is a reminder of what the hearing-abled so often take for granted. Something as simple as hearing someone say “I love you” becomes that much more powerful.
Beautiful Inside and Out
Talia Joy Castellano was only 13 years old when she lost her battle with childhood cancer, but she painted joy in the world like she was making up a face … a talent she procured in her short time on earth.
Ohio Kidnapping Victims are Found!
After being missing for 10 years, three girls — Michelle Knight, Gina Dejesus and Amanda Berry — are discovered in a house in Cleveland. Their kidnapper, Ariel Castro, had been sentence to life plus more than 1,000 years, but he died in September in his prison cell of apparent suicide.
