Marine Surprises Mother After 2.5 Years Apart: Feel Good News

Need a reason to smile? NewsNation and Patch are back to bring you more feel-good stories from communities across America.

This week's roundup includes a free reading program helping kids excel in school, a blind runner celebrating his first marathon, and a Marine reuniting with his mom after 900 days apart.

Adrienne Bankert, the host of NewsNation's national morning show, Morning In America, is bringing you this week's headlines from Patch.

Watch below:

Book Buddies Program Helps Alexandria Student Shine In Reading

When Vanesa Hernandez attended her daughter Roxana's parent-teacher conference, she was told her daughter was behind in her reading level and needed additional help. Hernandez struggled to find affordable tutors.

Then Hernandez learned about a free Books Buddies program that pairs retired teachers with struggling students. Roxana graduated the program as a reading superstar and is now reading above her grade level.

Philadelphia Man Finishes Marathon After Knee Injury, Vision Loss

Mike Zampella crossed the finish line at the San Francisco Marathon, completing a goal he had for over 10 years. Zampella, who began to lose his vision in his early teens, was one of three runners on Degree Deodorant's Not Done Yet Marathon Team.

Marine Surprises His Mom In Homecoming Video: Watch

A corporal in the U.S. Marines surprised his mom on Thursday after they had not seen each other for more than 900 days.

Corporal Joseph A. Hobbins, a graduate of Northport High School, returned to Long Island to surprise his mother, Paula DiMeo Stayne, while wearing a Santa Claus costume. The emotional reunion was caught on video.

For fact-based and unbiased breaking news reporting as well as big interviews, real people and always something to make you smile, tune in to Morning in America, NewsNation's live three-hour national morning newscast hosted by Adrienne Bankert. LIVE at 7/6CT on NewsNation. https://www.newsnationnow.com/morninginamerica