Joy Dispatch

Nature’s Splendor

Piggy-Sue and Vodafone give us the best commercial of the year.

Stuart was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 2007 and then it came back two years later. During Stuart's speech, he talked about living life to the fullest while you're alive. He also said that it's about leaning on others for help and not just fighting the battle alone.

Yesterday Chris Norton accomplished his goal of walking across the stage to receive his diploma at graduation. Chris Norton was injured in a football game on October 16, 2010 and was given a 3% chance of ever regaining any movement below his neck. 

Make-A-Wish foundation grants 5-year-old Miles wish to become Batman. Turning San Francisco into Gotham City, Miles shows the community just how strong of a fighter he is. After being diagnosed at 20 months-old with Leukemia, Miles has beat cancer and is now in remission.

“...The truth is, I didn’t lose. I believe that was the best wave and the biggest triumph of my career.”

Derek Anthony Redmond didn't win a medal at the Barcelona Olympics. In fact, the British 400m runner didn't even make it past the semi-final stage. But it was his determination to finish that will live forever in the minds of millions. Redmond charged out of the blocks, making good speed over his first 250m. At that point his right hamstring snapped. The one time British 400m record holder pulled sharply up as the rest of his field ran away from him, leaving Redmond on his knees and crippled, his Olympic dream over. Redmond got back to his feet and tried to finish the race. In an act of true courage against adversity, Redmond could only hop on one leg towards the finish line. Pain etched on his face as each step became more painful than the last, Redmond would not give up. He had promised himself and his father, that he would finish the race 'no matter what,' and he would keep that promise. Half way to the finish line on one leg and crying with desperation, Derek was joined by his father Jim. The moment Redmond crossed the finish line brought sixty-five thousand spectators to their feet in a standing ovation, many also in tears. Few can remember that Steve Lewis of the USA won the semi-final in a time of 44.50. But no one who saw it will ever forget Derek Redmond's courage on the day he defined the essence of the human and Olympic spirit.