UpLift Media

 Pro athletes and celebrities of have a unique position in life to give back and spread kindness. Their fame can open doors to opportunity and simultaneously encourage the publicity that comes with it. In a world where bad news is so easily spread, its refreshing when good news is flowing and even more so when someone is using their position in life as a platform to do so. Enter Spencer Knight, the Florida Panthers goalie, who felt compelled to give back one summer while in the off season. In searching for what that looked like specifically he connected with the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and came up with a unique idea. What if I had the kids help me design a new hockey helmet to wear in the upcoming season? Spencer admiring one of the kids designs Soon he was in a hospital corridor brainstorming ideas with a dozen or so eager kids to come up with some cool designs. Many thought sticking with a Florida theme seemed relevant contributing drawings of the state, the sunshine, an...

 "My daddy can beat up your daddy," was a common phrase in the school yard at recess time when many of us were growing up. For some reason it was important to show strength was on your side even if it didn't come directly from you. This boast implied that though I might not be able to handle you, my dad can handle you and he can even handle your dad, so watch out! Earthly fathers if they are doing their job correctly allow you to securely boast about them because they supply a safe home, play the role of protector and provider which creates that sense of confidence. It didn't matter that these claims were never played out, it mattered that you could boldly stand before any foe and utter those scary words to make them think twice about coming at you. Shirer shares the Lion King analogy Priscilla Shirer has a talk online that takes this relatable concept a step further drawing parallels to the movie The Lion King and our Heavenly Father. She recounts the scene where Si...

 "I am not limited. I am not disabled. I can do anything anyone else can do," says Steve Fischel as he prepares to go wakeboarding. That kind of attitude coming from anyone would be refreshing but in this case, its coming from a 57 year old man who just lost his leg to amputation last October due to an aggressive infection. After his procedure he was contacted by the Hanger Clinic in Colorado who specializes in prosthetics. This amazing group takes people with their devices out on Standley Lake in Westminster to show them that they can enjoy watersports with just a bit of training and practice. Learning to stand on a wakeboard Doctors first advised Steve to schedule the surgery a year before he finally conceded. With hindsight being 20/20 he admits he wished he hadn't waited so long because now there is no pain, he feels much better, and he really doesn't see a deficiency in what he is able to do. When asked by USA Today what advice he has for others in his situation...

 "That's what I am saying boy! I could help you but you wouldn't know that you could do it on your own! You know what I am saying? Sometimes in life you fall, but guess what? You just pull yourself back up." This quote is inspiring regardless of whom it might be directed to and regardless of the circumstances as its truth resonates and its practical application is universal. However, in this specific story its being said by a dad to a son with spina bifida. The son was in his room trying to get from his wheelchair into his bed but soon found himself trapped between the two, struggling to figure out his next step. A smile of victory As many kids often do in situations that they feel are beyond their control or ability, he calls out to dad who is in another room of the house. As dad walks in to assess the situation he immediately goes into instruction mode. "Let me see you recover." he suggests to the little guy, "Get up. Push off your wheel." And...

 Even the best self defense can fail a person in the heat of the moment. Your mind and body can freeze up. You can forget your moves and training. And if the attacker is just stronger than you, training can sometimes not be enough especially in cases where men attack women. That was probably what Thomas Jones was counting on when he first spotted Nashali Alma working out in the apartment complex gym. Posing as a resident he pulled on the door motioning to Nashali to let him in. Not thinking he was up to anything other than getting a workout going, she obliged and returned to her weights. Nashali Alma during NBC interview It didn't take long for Jones to start acting strange and approach Alma to grab her. Clearly noticing his lack of personal space she jumped into action initially batting his arms away, shoving him, and putting exercise equipment between her and the assailant. But soon he closed in and forced a physical confrontation and that is exactly what he got. Using her self d...

 Ever get transfixed by the pattern of waves on the ocean? What about how a fire flickers and dances about at a campfire? Do you go to bed with a white noise machine or maybe the tv on? If you said yes or have yet another example all together you know how comforting movement, lights, waves, and even sounds can be if in the right situation. For Finn Daly, a young boy with both autism and down syndrome, its the waving of an American Flag. He has one at home that he likes to sit and watch just outside his front door. But really, any flag will do and it makes for some fun walks through the neighborhood, since many other homes fly the red, white, and blue as well. Todd Disque noticing Finn in his front yard These walks didn't go unnoticed, especially since Finn would often stop and take time out to appreciate each newly found flag and its location. One such stop was at the home of Todd Disque where his flag flies close to the sidewalk, pole connected to a shade tree. Steve Hartman of CB...

 A K-9 police dog and human officer duo already face plenty of challenges on your ordinary day. K-9's are usually dispatched to drug scenes or when a bad guy is on the run both of which are high risk and put lives in jeopardy. But imagine surviving all of that and working together for 6 years when nature suddenly becomes your enemy. That is exactly what happened to officer Joel Nitchman and K-9 partner Roni at the Deer Park Police headquarters. Officer Nitchman & K-9 Roni The pair had just returned to the station after a training session where Nitchman went inside to take care of some administrative tasks. Per usual, he left Roni in the safety of the car equipped with the proper kennel accommodations. Shortly after entering the building the roaring sound of an oncoming tornado rang through the hallways and Joel knew he had to act fast. A vehicle is not the place to be during high winds that can exceed 100 miles per hour. The last thing officer Nitchman wanted was for his buddy ...