30 Ways To Help In Helpless Situations

Over a three-year period, Marcy Payne went from winning the 5 and 10K races she ran to being quadriplegic and on a ventilator at home. ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, struck this 37-year-old mother of 2 in the prime of her life.

Doctors give no hope, but this woman and her family exemplify hope and positive spirit. They say they draw strength from the love shown by God, family, and friends. Family and friends say they receive more than they give.

Written by Marcy's husband Rob and originally published as a series of weekly newspaper columns, these stories of good deeds for a family in need give us tangible examples of ways we can help without being asked. Each story gives each of us cause to pause and realize that every day truly is precious. We should show each person we see today how much we really care for them.