StoryCorps
StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives.
Six years ago, Rick Bounds was told he would die without a kidney and liver transplant. Today he is a triathlete, thanks to donor organs from Dorothy Biernack's late husband, Marty.
A Gift Of Life And Friendship After A Family's Loss
In February 2007, Rick Bounds was diagnosed with a serious liver disease and given eight months to live.
Carol Kirsch and her daughter, Rebecca Posamentier, visited StoryCorps in 2008. Posamentier visited again recently.
Preserving The Motherhood Advice And Memories Of A Mom
When Rebecca Posamentier was pregnant with her first child, she visited StoryCorps with her mother, Carol Kirsch. The soon-to-be mother tried to glean all she could about parenting from her own mother, before it was too late.
Alexis Martinez (left) worried that coming out to daughter Lesley as transgender would mean giving up any relationship with her grandchildren. But she needn't have worried.
After Years Of Hiding, 'Walking In Love' As Transgender
For decades, Alexis Martinez, born Arthur, had to mask her transgender identity by "being as macho as I could be." But in a visit to StoryCorps, she tells her daughter how, with her family's acceptance, she's finally been able to live as a woman full-time.
From Poor Beginnings To A Wealth Of Knowledge ()
April 26, 2013 Herman Blake and his six siblings struggled so much during the '40s that one brother decided to drop out of school and help support the family. A friend of the family stepped in and made sure that didn't happen, despite her own meager means. That sacrifice taught the Blake children the value of an education.
Losing A Leg, But Gaining A Sense Of Purpose()
April 19, 2013 Jack Richmond was a young father when his leg was crushed in a work accident. Though in denial at first that it would need to be amputated, he quickly realized he could share his experience to help other amputees, as he tells his daughter, Reagan, on a visit to StoryCorps.
A Pianist's Ultimate Sacrifice: Giving It All To Go To War()
April 13, 2013 At 17, Daniel Hodd was starting a promising career as a concert pianist, but he decided to become a Marine instead. Before his second deployment, he broke a finger and was given a choice: Treat it and stay, or cut it off and deploy.
Adoptive Dad Dreamed A Dream That Brought Him A Son()
April 12, 2013 John Curtis never thought he would be able to be a dad. But in 1998 he held his son against his chest. It was "like we fit," he says.
Drafted To Fight For The Country That Hurt Him()
April 5, 2013 Ruben Aguilar, 85, was forcibly deported with his family from the U.S. to Mexico at age 6. While his parents were not American citizens, he was, and at 18, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. Aguilar is a man who "got hurt by his country, came back to this country and is going to die in his country."
Tattoo Removal Artist Helps Clients With Emotional Scars()
March 29, 2013 Dawn Maestas helps women who have been branded with tattoos as a result of domestic violence.
Living And Loving Through The Bubonic Plague()
March 22, 2013 Lucinda Marker and her husband, John Tull, fell ill when fleas carrying the bacterial infection bit them in 2002. The plague is so rare in the U.S., they were suspected of being terrorists or bioterrorism victims.
A 'Good Enough' Dad And His Special Son ()
March 15, 2013 Tim Harris had wanted to open a restaurant for as long as he could remember. In 2004, with help from his father, Tim, who has Down syndrome, opened Tim's Place in Albuquerque, N.M. He calls it the world's friendliest restaurant, and doles out hugs to customers six days a week.
Returning From Duty, Finding Families' Embrace()
March 9, 2013 For Navy Lt. Mark Radlinski, coming home from Iraq was both the best and worst day. But his brother had no mixed emotions — it was all positive. When Felicia Banks deployed with the Army, her children were not as aware of what was going on. They knew they were thrilled to have her back, though.
A Real-Life Nick And Nora Charles, Hot On Love's Trail()
March 8, 2013 Investigating cheating spouses may not be the most conventional way to fall in love, but for private investigators Shaun Kaufman and Colleen Collins, tailing lovers gone wrong was the best thing that happened to their relationship.
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