Inspirational Stories

Stephanie Decker is a hero. She saved her two children from a tornado by laying her body on top of them. She lost both her legs, but that didn't keep her from walking onto the Ellen stage. It's only been two months and doctors said it would take a year before she'd be walking, but she is. Not only that, she's dancing!

Charisa was in the audience, and had no idea she was about to be on the show. She's already led an incredible life for such a young woman, and has seen her share of tragedy. Her story inspired us all, and Ellen gave her some well deserved surprises!

Darrell Watson is the bandleader for Ballou High School in Washington D.C. This amazing educator has given so much to his students, and today, Ellen wanted to give something back to him.

Monarch School in San Diego is doing everything it can to help their students, many of whom are homeless. Their amazing Principal was here to tell their story, and Ellen had a very special surprise for him!

When the money for her salary from her school ran out, Sara Ferguson did something amazing. She was here to tell her story, and Ellen couldn't miss the opportunity to do something incredible for her.

Seeing a taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres" show was the last thing on Jodi Fisher's "fun list," and she achieved it! Watch this incredibly inspiring story of awoman who faced her cancer with courage, hope and love.

He tap danced his way into our hearts, and now Josh Johnson is back -- and Ellen has a big surprise for him... he's going to the red carpet of the Kids' Choice Awards! He also has a paid internship for the summer!

Willow Tufano is only 14, but she's already accomplished something many adults dream of. She's a homeowner! She got her start selling things she found on Craigslist and worked her way up to being able to buy a house! Watch her story here.

He travels by bus every weekend from Penn State to NYC... where he tap dances to earn money for school. Joshua Johnson was here to tell Ellen his heartfelt and inspiring story, and to get a check that will certainly have him dancing for joy!

It's an unbelievable story from start to finish. This amazing grandson was able to save his grandfather's life when he was trapped under a car. When Ellen heard their story, she had to meet them, and give them an incredible gift!

Josh Dueck was injured eight years ago in a skiing accident in which he went ten stories in the air instead of three. Now he's partly paralyzed, but that hasn't stopped him from doing what he loves! Not only is he skiing again, but he just became the first person to do a backflip on a sit ski!

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Garvey is a high school student with a passion for science. Despite the fact that she and her family are homeless, she defied the odds by becoming a semi-finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search. She was here today to tell Ellen her inspiring story.

Nine of the brave men and women who saved the lives of four people whose car overturned into a freezing Utah river were here to explain everything that happened that day -- including a special quote that meant a lot to Ellen. Watch it here.

Three young children survived a terrifying experience when their car overturned into a freezing Utah river. They survived, thanks to the heroic efforts of passersby who saw what happened and rescued them. All four of the survivors were here to tell Ellen their story, and to be reunited with nine of the brave heroes who saved their lives.

After a harrowing few days, there's finally a suspect in custody for the over 50 fires set across Los Angeles. Ellen sat down with the hero volunteer deputy who made the arrest, Shervin Lalezary, and thanked him for bringing back a sense of peace in the community.

Ellen found an incredible elementary school that needed help. Take a look at the amazing work these teachers are doing. Ellen was so impressed, she made sure the school got $100,000!

These eight men and women may not have known each other before, but they came together to do something incredible. After a dangerous car crash, a young biker found himself trapped underneath a burning car. They jumped to the rescue, risking their lives to lift the car to save him. They are true heroes, and today they told Ellen their story.

Our hero principal wasn't leaving the show without a huge surprise. Our friends at Target hooked-up this amazing principal with an astounding check for $100,000! They also had a big surprise for all of her students, and our audience!

If you were moved by Principal Sherrie Gahn's amazing story and want to help her and the children and families of her school, you can make a donation! Checks can be sent to Whitney Elementary School, 5005 Keenan Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89122-7461.

Or, donate by credit card here.

To see a list of items that Whitney Elementary needs, please visit their website.

After our audience heard about the amazing things that Sherrie has done for the students of her school, they jumped to their feet. Watch the emotional clip as the audience, and Sherrie's husband, show their appreciation for everything that she does.

If you were moved by Principal Sherrie Gahn's amazing story and want to help her and the children and families of her school, you can make a donation! Checks can be sent to Whitney Elementary School, 5005 Keenan Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89122-7461.

Or, donate by credit card here.

To see a list of items that Whitney Elementary needs, please visit their website.

She's the principal of a school where the kids are struggling to make ends meet. Sherrie Gahn has dedicated herself to making sure her students get what they need to stay in school, whatever it takes. Watch her amazing story here.

If you were moved by Principal Sherrie Gahn's amazing story and want to help her and the children and families of her school, you can make a donation! Checks can be sent to Whitney Elementary School, 5005 Keenan Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89122-7461.

Or, donate by credit card here.

To see a list of items that Whitney Elementary needs, please visit their website.