What is a hero?

When mentioning the word hero, most people associate it with someone who “saved” or “rescued” another person, or perhaps helped them out in a time of need. Usually, a hero provides a positive connotation when being described. We recognize heroes for outstanding acts of service towards. In the end, I believe everyone can share their own meaning and personal story of a hero.
One person who I think of as a hero is Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Research Hospital. Danny Thomas is a hero in my eyes because of his attempts to better the lives of ill and innocent children. He expressed heroism because he wanted to provide children with a hope that they could live a normal life. Without a doubt, you could say that Danny “saved” and “rescued” the lives of many sick kids and even their parents. Danny Thomas wanted to save the lives of others because Christ saved his child’s life, when diagnosed with cancer. After realizing what Christ had done and provided for him, he decided to give back to his Savior by helping children. Only a few believed in Danny, but that did not stop him because he took a stand for and carried on his promise to God. Therefore, to me, Danny Thomas expressed many admirable qualities of a hero by rescuing children and providing salvation towards a healthy and prosperous life.
In Updike’s story “A &P”, we are left questioning whether the character of Sammy is a hero or not. Sammy is a teenage cashier who decides to stand up to his manager and defend three girls, who dressed inappropriately in a super market. He also decides to quit his job after he sticks up for the girls. In my eyes, I do not believe that Sammy has expressed any acts of bravery or courage for a respectable cause. I feel like he only quit his job to try to impress the girls and he only stuck up for them just so he would be noticed. A true hero does not serve for attention and credit. A genuine hero intentionally tries to help others, and only does it to make the lives of others finer.
There are various acts of heroism that can be expressed. Small and simple acts of heroism can mean just as much as saving the life of another. You don’t have to create a research hospital to be a hero or rescues someone from a burning building. Yes, these are commendable acts that heroes have been known for, but a hero can be anyone who has provided some act of service or support towards another. Maybe an encouraging parent that helped you through a rough time, or a caring teacher who provided extra time out of their days to assist you with your education, or any of these kinds of stories. A hero provides a light out of darkness, strength when you are weak, and encouragement when you feel like you cannot go on.