The Week in Uppers

Good cancer news, a rabies miracle, a 99-year-old college grad, and much more

Published June 19, 2011 3:20PM (EDT)

News these days can be a bummer. And sometimes, all the uplifting stories get buried below the fold. That's we we compile some of the most heartwarming stories from each week. Check 'em out:

  • Nothing like adorable father-toddler YouTube videos to get you in the Father's Day spirit. (NBC News)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

  • If at first you don't succeed: An Oregon man who quit college nearly eight decades ago finally earned his degree -- at the tender age of 99. (AP)
  • In an effort spearheaded by British Prime Minister David Cameron and billionaire Bill Gates, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations raised more than $4 billion at a donor conference this week. (Huffington Post)
  • When Whomas and Ann Rose realized they'd never have grandchildren, they decided to reach to other kids in need of support.. Since then, they've served as foster parents to 71 boys and girls. (Huffington Post)
  • In a shfit that pays both economic and environmental dividends, more and more Americans are participating in bike-sharing programs across the country (AP)

  • A medical miracle this week: An eight-year-old California girl survived a rabies infection without receiving any vaccine, making her only the third person in the country known to have ever survived the disease without treatment. (AP)
  • Cancer death rates continue to decline across virtually all demographics, according to a new report issued by the American Cancer Society (Boston Globe)
  • Post-Stanley Cub riots in Vancouver were a downer, but a group of more than 10,000 residents have already pledged their time to clean-up efforts through social media. (Huffington Post)
  • The town of Phil Campbell, Ala., was devastated by tornados this spring. But, in an unusual, and uplifting, twist, Phil Campbells from across the country have arrived to help rebuid. (NBC News)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


By Peter Finocchiaro

MORE FROM Peter Finocchiaro


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Uppers Viral Video