From the Heart Project Inspiring stories of everyday people leading, living and loving from the heart.

HS students with Down syndrome crowned prom king and queen

FOREST, Va. (WSET) — Thanks to the student body at Jefferson Forest High School, Anna Anderson and Zane Wales were crowned prom king and queen last weekend. Teacher Heather Hevener says the moment showed just how much the two teens with Down syndrome mean to their classmates. “They see these kids every day. They walk…

‘A hero always does what’s right’ | 21-year-old with autism uses comics to spread kindness

Jacob Collins is an author, movie theater employee and undercover superhero. His goal is to spread kindness and inclusion by doing what’s right at all times. SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — An employee at the Forge Cinemas in Sevier County gives his kindness away for free, but his talents go beyond the silver screen. Through a super alter-ego,…

A mother’s fight to bring an understanding of autism outside of the clinic

\From last century’s fears surrounding poor parenting to modern vaccine hesitancy, persistent misconceptions about the causes of autism have often resulted in the developmental condition being wrongfully associated with moral panic. During a recent talk hosted by McGill’s Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry for the Culture, Mind and Brain Program’s Speaker Series, Marga Vicedo, an associate professor at the University of Toronto…

A Powerful Metastatic Lung Cancer Mantra: It’s Possible All Will Be Okay

“Scanxiety” and a fear that cancer will return are common among people who have metastatic lung cancer. But visualization, positive thinking, mantras, and other techniques can help offset negative thoughts and emotions. Is the cancer back? This is one fear that many people who’ve undergone treatment for cancer can relate to, in part because they often need…

Meet Texas Children’s Hospital West’s first ever therapy dog

The Texas Children’s Hospital West location may be known for its state-of-the-art medical care, but it’s newest therapy tool is one that has been around for thousands of years. Angus, the hospital’s first ever therapy dog, brings healing to young patients in the form of gentle nuzzles and a wagging tail. Angus, a half- Labrador,…

$50,000 donation to go toward local efforts to address homelessness

The Community Resource Centers of Texas Inc. recently donated $50,000 to the Transformational Living initiative spearheaded by the Highland Lakes Crisis Network and the Texas Housing Foundation. The money will aid efforts to renovate 24 housing units in Marble Falls into transitional living facilities. “We are grateful for this partnership and hope to see great things flourish from our work…

North Texas couple’s ICU wedding shows how to love to ‘the moon and back’

Detra and Darrell Thompson worried they might never make it to the altar. Every time Detra Thompson thought about marrying the love of her life, she was overcome with the same crippling fear. “Before I would even walk down the aisle, I would lose my best friend,” she said. Detra met Darrell 22 years ago…

“Where there is great love…”

“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” Willa Cather

Girl’s brain tumour battle sparks international fundraiser challenge for specialist charity

Bermudians have signed up for an international fundraiser for a brain tumour research charity after an island teenager’s story of medical treatment for the life-threatening condition was shared online among millions around the world. Lisa Winterman, a personal trainer and fitness instructor, was inspired by the story of her friend Katie Berry, who stepped down last…

Annual Chocolate Ball goes online to support camp for kids with epilepsy

For 14-year-old Sydney Radcliff, camp is an escape. “It’s comforting. You don’t have to worry about other people being scared and judging you. You don’t have to worry about people judging you for having epilepsy and stuff,” said Sydney. This summer will mark Sydney’s sixth time at Camp EAGR, part of EPI or Empowering People’s…