The holiday season is the perfect time to look back and reflect on everything you've experienced and learned in the past several months. There have been so many amazing stories to get inspired by recently, but the ones that stuck with me the most were those about the brave, beautiful, generous kids who made a big difference this year. These young heroes prove that one person can change the world at any age and this Thankgiving, I am just thankful; to have had the opportunity to hear their stories.
Below, just 12 of the incredible children who have reminded me to stay strong, dream big & never give up:
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Talia Castellano
Talia Castellano is a 13-year-old Latina cancer survivor whose YouTube makeup tutorials recently made her an online star. But in September, the young girl reached a new level of fame when she met one of her idols, Ellen Degeneres, on the comedian's talk show and was named an honorary CoverGirl!
Cassandra Bankson
Nineteen-year-old Cassandra Bankson first became an Internet sensation after bravely posting a YouTube tutorial of herself before and after she applies makeup to flawlessly cover her cystic acne. Her videos have not only garnered her millions of views, but also helped land her a spot on the runway for Stacy Igel's Boy Meets Girl line at New York Fashion Week this past September.
Megan Ryan
Megan Ryan, an 18-year-old Ohio teen with Down syndrome, has devoted a large part of her life to serving others and volunteering in local soup kitchens–despite the fact that when her doctors first diagnosed her, they believed she wouldn't even be able to walk. In October, classmates showed their appreciation for Ryan's efforts by unanimously naming her Homecoming Queen 2012.
Adam Cudworth
Nineteen-year-old Adam Cudworth proved he was NASA-worthy after he floated a $40 eBay camera up to space and managed to snap some stunning photos of the Earth…all on only a $320 budget and with virtually no scientific background other than A-level physics. The incredibly clever teen proves that the greatest ideas can come from the most unexpected of places.
Clara Bergs
Clara Bergs first became a viral sensation after viewers caught wind of a clip in which the young girl perfectly recreates a routine from a 19th century ballet, "Coppelia." But what makes her talents all the more remarkable? Bergs is autistic and has DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder that hinders development. Though Bergs' conditions affect many aspects of her everyday life (she has to be fed through a tube to stay nourished), __she has never allowed her illnesses to interfere with her love of dancing.
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Whitney Kropp
__Whitney Kropp i__nspired people around the world after she stood up to her bullies, who voted her to homecoming court as a cruel joke. The 16-year-old's entire town rallied around her to show supportm pitching in to help pay for her dress, hairdo, etc. Kropp not only attended the event, she also looked beautiful and brave doing so –which I think is honestly the best revenge of all!
Jake Zeldin
Jake Zeldin suffers from severe stuttering…but that hasn't stopped the amazing 13-year-old from pursuing his passion for rapping. When he performs, his stutter disappears and he sounds like a pro! He's so good that he even got to rap on the same stage as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Elton John at a recent event! So amazing and inspiring!
Wyatt Erber
Few people have hearts as big as Wyatt Erber. After the 8-year-old won $1,000 in a bank-sponsored scavenger hunt, he immediately knew where to donate his winnings: to his neighbors, whose 2-year-old daughter, Cara, is currently suffering from leukemia.
Sam Gordon
Nine-year-old Sam Gordon from Salt Lake City, Utah, made headlines this year for outperforming all of the boys on the field with her amazing abilities. She also caught the world's attention after tackling Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk!
Seb White
After mom Caroline White posted a picture of her 4-year-old son with Downs Syndrome on UK company's Mark & Spencers Facebook page, they had him come in for a Christmas catalog photoshoot and was also featured in a commercial!
Joshua Neidorf
In an incredible act of kindness, 13-year-old California boy, Joshua Neidorf, donated a big portion of his bar mitzvah money to Operation Mend, a program that reconstructs the faces of severely burned US veterans. What an incredible kid!
Zoe Everett
In a heartbreaking yet selfless move, 19-year-old Zoe Everett gave up her studies at Rutgers University to take care of her three younger siblings after their parents were killed in Hurricane Sandy. After hearing her story, the Wish Upon a Hero foundation began raising money for the family and ended up earning an astounding $56,000 in donations.
