A karate coach celebrates his 50th birthday, and more

A karate coach celebrates his 50th birthday

A karate coach has vowed to fight 50 opponents on his 50th birthday to raise thousands of dollars for charity. Brian DeGori, a former Marine and martial arts instructor from Pitman, N.J., will take on 50 pugilists for 90 seconds each this weekend, showing off his skills at boxing and mixed martial arts. Tickets to the event cost up to $50 a head, and all proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a charity that connects kids with mentors. “He’s fighting for kids, just like we are,” said Robert Jakubowski, the charity’s CEO.

Sick 2-year-old takes to Oklahoma

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A British 2-year-old suffering from a rare form of cancer got vital medical help from doctors in Oklahoma, but her parents think the state’s hospitality might be the real cure. Lilly Gillon received lifesaving treatment in an Oklahoma City hospital last year, but her spirits faltered when she returned home to the U.K. When Lilly’s father, Graham, brought her back to Oklahoma on vacation last week, he noticed an immediate change in her behavior as she took in waves of goodwill from friendly Oklahomans. “They were just so nice,” he said. He is considering moving his family to Oklahoma to speed his daughter’s full recovery.

Stranger saves the life of an ill woman

A grievously ill woman dialed the wrong number last week when she tried to get help, and received lifesaving assistance from the stranger who picked up. Loretta Smith began suffering a stroke in her home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and attempted to alert her son. But the 70-year-old misdialed and got connected to Kenny Crater of Broomfield, Colo., who called 911 to order an ambulance sent to Smith’s home. Crater said he just did what anyone would do, but Smith said she owed him her life. “I know he doesn’t want to be a hero, but he is in my eyes,” she said.