Kids & Family

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

From a winery with a “Duck Dynasty” collaboration, to a boy’s touching tribute to his autistic sister and an incredible tale of forgiveness, there was plenty of feel-good news this week.

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A Joliet, IL boy has been named the grand prize winner in the Special Olympics Illinois' Share Your Story Contest. Justin Grammer, 12, says his 13-year-old sister, who is autistic, is his "hero" because she overcame her fear of swimming to become a Special Olympics aquatics gold medalist. Read the full story on Joliet Patch.  

[VIDEO] Windham Pink Wave Reaches Queen Latifah Show  

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After news spread that two New Hampshire brothers had started a school-wide movement to wear pink to support breast cancer awareness, The Queen Latifah Show came calling. Clad in pink, the brothers and mother flew to Los Angeles to appear on the show and even got a surprise message from well-known NFL coach. Watch the video and read the full story on Windham Patch.

‘We Never Thought We'd See Her Alive Again,’ Owner of Rescued Dog Says

Sammie the Bernese Mountain Dog was swept away by a stream at KLM Park in Hinsdale, Illinois, and was found by police after she traveled through an underground drain pipe. She’s now recuperating at home. Read the full story on Hinsdale Patch.   

Home Invasion Victim Tells Harrowing Story, Forgives Perpetrators

Karen Kaplan and her two children were the victims of a violent home invasion in Deerfield, Illinois in March. She shares her shocking story and how she ultimately forgave the perpetrators, who are still at large. Read the full story on Deerfield Patch.

St. Helena Winery to Produce 'Duck Dynasty’ Wines  

Trinchero Family Estates is collaborating with the Robertson family, of Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty fame, to produce Duck Commander Wines. The first vintage will include Triple Threat 2011 Red Blend, Wood DuckMiss Priss--all produced from California vineyards. Read the full story on Napa Valley Patch.

Fellow Assumption Grad Creates Bracelets in Memory of Colleen Ritzer

Katelyn Mahoney is making some special bracelets in memory of her fellow college graduate and teacher, Colleen Ritzer, who was murdered at the school two weeks ago. The hot pink wristbands bear the phrase "Find Good In Every Day." Read the full story on Danvers Patch.

Big Sister Rallies Support for Suicidal Bolingbrook Girl

A little girl has been deemed suicidal. And her big sister is reaching out in a bid to show her how much she is loved and how life’s every moment is precious. Danielle Armknecht is working to spread suicide awareness and to generate support for her little sister through a letter writing campaign called “Letters for Emily.” Read the full story at Bolingbrook Patch.


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