Friday, May 11, 2012 Everyday Heroes
"Being rich of heart makes you wealthy beyond compare"
— Rodney Williams

Small-town Doctor, Big-time Hero

Small-town Doctor, Big-time Hero
Rushville, Illinois is a small town where sunflowers wave in the wind. One of its claims to fame is Dr. Russell Dohner. A man who has been looking after his neighbors for 55 years, charging them about what we pay for a fancy cup of coffee: five bucks a visit. "In a mercenary world," a waiting patient told me, "this place is an oasis." Dohner will go anywhere, at any time, to help those in need, often arriving before emergency crews. He once saved a small boy from smothering to death in a corncrib, once climbed down into a coal mine to help rescue four men. The only times he's ever closed his clinic was when he broke his back, and when he had a heart attack. More about this beloved doctor, who at 85 still continues to heal his community.

Be the Change

With Dr. Dohner as inspiration, make a special effort today to reach out to someone in your neighborhood with a caring gesture.

Get Daily Inspiration

For 29 years, we've delivered hand-selected stories that spark creativity and kindness. Join 139,035 subscribers on this journey.

Subscribe Free