We all know people who inspire us with their brains, creativity, compassion and drive — people who make a difference by changing lives and even saving lives. Beginning today, Good Morning America anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Sam Champion, Juju Chang and Bill Weir will share stories of remarkable people who inspire them.

“Be Inspired” week runs May 17- May 21 on GMA, and will also feature inspirational stories from such celebrities as Michael J. Fox, Chris Rock, Vanessa Williams, Alyssa Milano, and Rosie ODonnell.

Today, Sam starts off the series by turning to his family. He has always looked up to his older sister Teresa, but especially 17 years ago, when Teresa put her promising legal career on hold to not only raise a son diagnosed with Autism, but to help other families with Autistic children. Whether raising money for therapeutic programs early on when Autism was not so prevalent, to running support groups out of her home helping other parents cope with the challenges of an Autistic child, to lobbying a change in public policy and spearheading legislation for Autistic children and their families, Sam said his big sister has selflessly committed to a cause, putting her own needs aside to help others. (WATCH the video below, or read the story here)

Since the day my son was born eight years ago, I’d been writing a book for him. It’s a collection of heroes — from Jim Henson, to Rosa Parks, to Mr. Rogers. I spent the better part of a decade not just finding great people, but finding the single moment that makes each of these people great. Thomas Jefferson not taking credit for writing the Declaration of Independence. What Miep Gies did when she first found the red-checked book that was Anne Frank’s diary. This book was a gift to my son. It was written to teach him. To inspire him. To prove to him that anything is possible. And now…finally…that book ⎯ “Heroes for My Son” ⎯ was bound and edited and just waiting to be shared with its true intended audience ⎯ the audience of one: My Jonas.

While reading this book to him, for the very first time, I broke my child’s heart, because to teach heroism, you have to teach loss.

(READ the author’s tale at Huffington Post)