LOVE FOR BIG STEVE
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
Dayton is a town thgat comes together to celebrate and to mourn.
The latter was sadly the case when University of Dayton said farewell to student basketball player Steve McElvene.
MORE: Tom Archdeacon: Memories of ‘Big Steve’ touch hearts at UD Arena
The 6-foot-11 center died May 12 at his family’s home in Fort Wayne, Ind.
His death came just days before he was to return to campus for the start of the first summer session at UD. A coroner's report in August revealed the cause of death to be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart.
The crowd at UD Arena gave McElvene's mom, Jenell Shoals, her two younger sons Trayshawn and Escarvar, and her sister Vanessa Jackson a standing ovation as the stood mid court in November.
UD coach Archie Miller gave Jenell the Atlantic 10 championship ring her son won last season.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
BABY’S FIRST SHAMPOO
In the aftermath of one of the most divisive elections in American history, a newborn getting her very first shampoo was able to unite us.
A Facebook video of Amira Yvonne Glenn having her hair washed by a Miami Valley Hospital nurse melted hearts here and around the nation.
MORE: Dayton newborn gets first shampoo, goes viral
The sweet video posted by Amira's dad, Taveon Glenn of Dayton, has received nearly 40 million views on Facebook.
LITTLE BOY SELLS TOYS
The community rallied around a Franklin police officer who bought a meal for a 7-year-old boy who tried to sell stuffed animal to buy food.
For his actions, officer Steve Dunham received support from people all over the nation.
Due to his action, Warren County Children Services intervened and helped the boy and his siblings.
The 7-year-old and his four siblings also received the community’s support.
In August, the five children went on a shopping spree arranged by the Franklin Walmart. They received back to school supplies, new shoes and clothing.
MORE: Franklin police help boy trying to sell toy for food
AGGIE’S STORY
Aggie Parrish's journey from a life of abuse hampered by epilepsy and mental issues uplifted many of those who read it.
Aggie married a 69-year-old man when she was just 16.
MORE: Married at 16 to 69-year-old, Dayton woman "free" after 23 years in nursing home
At age 39 Aggie suffered seizures and what she called a nervous breakdown and was put in a nursing home after a three-month hospital stay.
Estranged from her family, Aggie stayed in the nursing home 23 years in virtual isolation among much older people, many suffering from dementia and severe illnesses.
A social worker threw Aggie a life vest through the Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley HOME (Helping Ohioans Move – Expanding) Choice program which helps people with disabilities living in long-term care facilities.
Aggie has lived happily and independently since.
“I am my own boss and it feels great. I can go any place I want. I don’t have to listen to nobody. I just feel like I want to hug everybody,” she told us.
GRACE’S RUN
Local residents found Xenia Christian graduate Grace Norman's performance in
the 2016 Paralympic Game awe inspiring.
A congenital amniotic band disorder meant Norman was born without a left foot and missing a big toe on her right foot.
With the world watching, the Cedarville University student won gold in the triathlon and bronze in the 400-meter run at the games.
MORE: Grace Norman wins gold at Paratriathlon World Championships
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