My Unsung Hero from Hidden Brain

Laura Holmes Haddad lost her hair when she was undergoing chemo. She said she was self-conscious until an X-ray tech offered a new perspective on baldness. Laura Holmes Haddad hide caption

Bob Cialdini was ready to sign a contract to play baseball professionally in the minor leagues, but he walked away from that chance after the scout gave him some advice that changed his life. Bob Cialdini hide caption

Betsy Cox with her husband, Steve, and their son, Blake. Betsy Cox hide caption

When Nicole George-O'Brien was experiencing a seizure while driving over a bridge, a stranger jumped into action to make sure she and others on the road that day were safe. Nicole George-O'Brien hide caption

In his letter to Sarah Feldman, Bill Carver said that he hoped this copy of The Medieval Book would help her shape her new library collection after all her books were destroyed in a flood. Sarah Feldman hide caption

Linda Reddish was worried about flying with her newborn, but a woman who was a pediatric nurse made sure the flight went smoothly for Reddish and her baby. Linda Reddish hide caption

In the 1970s, Cynthia Page was working as a copywriter in New York City and living in New Jersey. Cynthia Page hide caption

Sabrina Kronk and her daughter Katie. During a time when Kronk said she was worried about finances, a group of mechanics helped the family of two out by providing free parts and labor to fix their SUV. Sabrina Kronk hide caption

When Vanessa Foster found herself stranded in Alaska, a stranger with bright blue eyes stopped to give her a lift. Vanessa Foster hide caption

Nearly 20 years ago, Jeff Fister was in a car accident with one of his children. They weren't injured, but it was still overwhelming until a stranger from a nearby healthcare center came and helped soothe the child. Jeff Fister hide caption

Stephanie Cole was a frightened teen on her first day at a new job. When she froze during a transaction, a customer had some kind words for her. Stephanie Cole hide caption

Twenty years ago, Kate Baker's then-2-year-old, Neil, had a seizure while on an airplane. A group of Muslim women surrounded her and comforted her, an experience she never forgot. Kate Baker hide caption

After being bullied consistently for more than a year in middle school, Jennifer found an ally in an unexpected person who helped put an end to the torment. Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot hide caption

Karl Goldstein nearly gave up playing the piano, but then a word of encouragement from a tough teacher put him on a lifelong career path. Karl Goldstein hide caption

Jessica Israelsen (first from the left in the second row from bottom) in 2003, when she first joined the U.S. Air Force as a medical technician. In 2008, when she was struggling financially, her unit purchased Christmas gifts for her family. Jessica Israelsen hide caption

Jackie Briggs had a rose-shaped birthmark on her upper arm. One day a stranger noticed it and asked a question about the mark that ended up saving Briggs' life. Jackie Briggs hide caption

Carolyn Hax and her mother, who battled ALS decades ago. Carolyn Hax hide caption

Joe Arrigoni is the full-time caretaker for his wife Joani who has early onset Alzheimer's disease. Joe Arrigoni hide caption

Early in her career, therapist and author Lori Gottlieb had a patient with a terminal cancer diagnosis. When her patient died she was comforted by a stranger who turned out to be another patient. Rohina Hoffman hide caption

Joy Ladin's unsung hero responded to her need and her disability. Joy Ladin hide caption

When he opened up, Chewey Clinton felt like he finally had a confidant. Chewey Clinton hide caption