Illinois Stories From 2020 That Will Make You Smile

ILLINOIS — There's no doubt that 2020 was a year unlike any other. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we couldn't gather in person, but people found new and inventive ways to come together and support one another. Tailors set their skills to making masks, citizens turned their attention to gathering food for those in need, and communities piled in their cars to have impromptu birthday parades.

We hope this roundup of the year's best "smile stories" throughout Illinois reminds you of the good in the world and stirs a sense of togetherness even when we are apart.

The Rock, Other Stars Surprise Oak Forest Kid Who Has Cancer

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Jack Black, Gal Gadot, Dave Bautista, Jim O'Heir and others made videos celebrating Liam Anderson's end of chemo.

Mom Ran Injured In Self-Made Marathon For Kids With Rare Syndrome

Laura Brown ran her self-made marathon in the streets of Tinley Park to spread awareness for Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome.

Drive-By Birthday Party For Girl, 5, Makes Her Day

The mom of a 5-year-old Elgin girl had to cancel her daughter's birthday party. But she came up with a creative alternative.

Despite Cancer Diagnosis, Theo The Dog Is Living His Best Life

A Crystal Lake dog with terminal cancer has been staying busy checking items off his bucket list.

107-Year-Old Tinley Park Woman Lives Through Second Pandemic

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Laura Petruzzelli waited over 100 years to see her beloved Cubbies win a World Championship.

Elmhurst Woman Gets Zoey Back, Thanks To Chicago Woman

The dog was inside a car that was stolen in Elmhurst. The Chicago woman reached out to Elmhurst police.

Alsip Church Gives Away Half A Million Dollars During Pandemic

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Lighthouse Church of All Nations has given away $500,000 to randomly selected people.

Jim and Margaret: Still Crazy In Love After 66 Years

In the middle of a pandemic, family members honor Palos Park couple with a car parade for their 66th wedding anniversary. Watch the video.

Soldier's Homecoming Surprises Family In Middle of Pandemic

Illinois National Guard Spc. Liam Farrell almost surprised his family with his homecoming from being deployed in Afghanistan.

Naperville Tailor Sews, Donates Over 3,000 Face Masks

Tailoring By Monica is doing its part to give back during the coronavirus crisis by sewing masks for community members and Edward Hospital.

May these good news stories carry you into 2021 with a smile!