8 Inspiring Stories to Beat the Monday Blues

Need some inspiration to start your week?

For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about your neighbors - neighbors who have faced challenges that would seem insurmountable to many of us. 

But not to the people we've featured in this series, Journeys.

Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Great story..." "Thanks for sharing..." "So wonderfully inspiring..." 

And, so, here they are again. Great stories shared to inspire. Take a look at what these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Keeps Child's Dream Alive

Alexandra "Alex" Scott was not your typical 8-year-old. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma around her 1st birthday, she defied the expectations of her doctors by beating the cancer and learning to walk. Read about how her mother has turned Alex's mission into Alex' Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Phillies Pitcher Cole Hamels Delivers Education to Communities in Need

After winning the World Series in 2008, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi founded The Hamels Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting education in the United States and establishing a school in Malawi, Africa. Read about the challenges Hamels has faced.

Med Student Back to His 'Old Self' After Near-Fatal Bike Crash

In November 2008, Matt Miller was riding his bike with two friends to train for a triathlon when his bike swerved into the path of a car and he hit it face-first. With the help of what he describes as superb care at the University of Virginia hospital and "incredible blessings," Miller not only survived, but he made it out of the hospital faster than anyone anticipated. Read about his journey.

Inspired by His Daughter, Dad Loses 125 Pounds

'Big Andy' Aubin set out on a running and weight loss journey that led him to finish a half marathon and lose more than one-third of his body weight. Find out about this 6-foot-3 dad's journey to shed 125 pounds.

Boy's Death Inspires Good Deeds Nationally

Gavin Leong, 5, fought since birth to overcome health issues. Now an outpouring of generosity from across the country is helping others with their challenges in his memory. Read how his journey is inspiring others to "pay it forward."

Sister's Death Inspired Woman to Fight Domestic Violence

When you lose someone to violence, Heidi Markow says, your life gets lost inside a fog. She speaks from experinece. In 2005, Markow's sister, Robin Shaffer, was murdered by her estranged husband. Read about her journey to create camps for survivors to support each other.

Student With Autism Shines On Stage

Eighth-grader Justin Sartor was diagnosed with pervasive development disorder, in the autism spectrum, at the age of 2, and he also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Read about how he overcame challenges to follow his own path.

Surviving Cancer Just the First Step for Teen Amputee

In a span of just 10 months, Jason Garstkiewicz had not only survived cancer, but also survived the loss of his right foot and a good portion of his leg. Read about his journey back to health.