Through the Fire

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00

Through the Fire

Shannon and Manoj >> larger

Manoj Rana came to the U.S. from India in 2004 to study computer engineering. But one month from graduation, Manoj was caught in a devastating apartment fire that burned 90 percent of his body.

Manoj awoke in a Chicago hospital, immobile and completely dependent on others. At first he despaired and thought of suicide. But when he met Shannon Hendricks, an occupational therapist, both Manoj’s and Shannon’s lives changed. Manoj went from being barely able to stand to running a mini-marathon more than two years later. Manoj and Shannon talk with Dick Gordon about the ups and downs in Manoj’s journey toward independence – and how their friendship inspires them both. This story originally aired on February 13, 2009.

Building a Dream House

Cassandra and Dan Brush >>More

In the midst of a national housing crisis, Cassandra Brush recognizes what a privilege it is to live in her dream home. Cassandra and her husband, Dan, were determined to be homeowners without a mortgage. So the couple set out to build a house from scratch. They lived for years in a one-room cellar hole that would eventually become the basement of their new house. But when neighbors and friends started showing up to help, Cassandra realized she was getting a house and a community. Cassandra speaks with Dick about building a home and why it was worth the wait. A longer version of this story originally aired on February 27, 2009.

The Story from APM - Through the Fire

Through the Fire

Through the Fire

Building a Dream House