11 Good News Stories: Happily, Docs Wrong; Dream Makers In Scrubs

ACROSS AMERICA — We’re back this week with a collection of Patch stories to help take your mind off the troubles of the world and savor some news that will, hopefully, touch your heart and tickle your funny bone.

In the first category, no one cheered more than the parents of a New Jersey teen who graduated fourth in her class. Before Sara Deuidicibus was born, her parents were advised to terminate the pregnancy after tests indicated she would be born with Down syndrome and struggle with a lifetime of physical and intellectual disabilities.

They didn’t listen.

And, as Sara has shown through her accomplishments, the doctors were wrong. By Carly Baldwin for Middletown Patch

Dream Makers In Scrubs

It became clear to the medical staff at Chicago-area hospital that hospice patient Karen Hoehne wouldn’t live to see daughter Alyssa Sutherland’s wedding. Both mom and daughter had always dreamed of that day. Hospital workers became dream makers. It made the bride’s day to see her mother happy and smiling, Sutherland told Patch: “She perked up that day, she was like, ‘I’m ready. This is the day. I’m so happy I’m here.’ It literally was the best thing ever.” By Jonah Meadows for Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch

The Pandemic According To A 4-Year-Old: Watch

The pandemic is wearing on everyone, but especially for small children who don’t understand why they can’t run to the curb when they hear the ice cream truck’s bells or climb on their favorite playground equipment. A particularly articulate 4-year-old (top photo) with a flair for the dramatic lays it down straight in an adorable video. By Beth Dalbey for Phoenix Patch

On 4th Of July, A Walk For Beloved Vets

National Guard soldier Joshua Yajcaji wanted to do something more than barbecue in the back yard. His wife’s grandfather had recently died, and so had a couple of his buddies’ dads, both veterans. They hatched a plan to walk along a New Jersey highway and honor their service. “I just wanted to do something special,” Yajcaji told Patch. “It was one last walk with my wife's grandfather.” By Karen Wall for Brick Patch

Turning Empathy Into Action

Riya Dadheech was only 12 the first time she heard heartbreaking stories about people suffering from various illnesses but without the means to seek the treatment they desperately needed. The more stories she heard, the more they resonated with a girl who considers herself fortunate to have everything she needs. She turned her empathy into action with a nonprofit that helps people in need. By Jeff Arnold for Parsippany Patch

Some Kids Who Really Needed Support Got It

The Kids for a Cure Club in Virginia provides support for families with children who have diabetes. Now more than ever, Mary Washington Healthcare felt children isolated from school and friends due to the coronavirus needed the support of the camp, where they know they’re not alone in meeting the challenges of type 1 diabetes. They had to get creative at a time social distancing measures are still recommended. By Mark Hand for Fredericksburg Patch

Fun In A Box

For some of us, it’s not that difficult to find creative ways to have fun and still be mindful of social distancing. But for people living with disabilities, it’s not that easy. At the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association in New Lenox, Illinois, staff worked to brainstorm ideas on how to connect with those folks and came up with a solution that was delivered door to door. By Andrea Earnest for New Lenox Patch

Learning While Giving A Big Assist

When the coronavirus pandemic came crashing down, Maryland 10th grader Ayra Hussain built a 3D printer and started turning out face shields for front-line workers. She had never used a 3D printer before and had to learn as she went, but now has a new skill as well as the satisfaction of helping others. By Kristin Danley-Greiner for Ellicott City Patch

Former Football Star Makes Life-Saving Catch

The game-winning touchdown pass Phillip Blanks made as a high school player was nothing compared to his life-saving catch in a Phoenix fire. The instincts that propelled him on the gridiron took over when he saw a 3-year-old twirling through the air from a third-floor apartment and dove to catch him. By Beth Dalbey for Phoenix Patch

Who Says Playing The Lottery Doesn’t Pay?

Two Stafford, Virginia, women have cashed in after playing lottery games. One of them had a winning ticket for $2,777,777, while the other turned in a ticket worth $1.2 million. Each plans to make life better for her family with the windfall. By Mark Hand for Fredericksburg Patch

Smooth Dance Moves: Video

When it comes to dance moves, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez have absolutely nothing on a talented sea lion who calls Georgia Aquarium home. Neptune, the sea lion, recently went viral after video of him surfaced on TikTok dancing his little heart away with his trainer. By Nikki Gaskins for Atlanta Patch