StoryCorps

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of StoryCorps we hear again from Wil Smith, a single dad who took his infant daughter, Olivia, with him when he went to college. Now, Wil is helping Olivia with her school search, a role he says he's happy to have after a battle with colon cancer.

At its core, StoryCorps founder Dave Isay says, the project is about letting people know their lives matter and won't be forgotten. The result often means that listeners have a good cry on their way to work. As the oral history project marks its 10th anniversary, NPR will be revisiting some of your favorite stories.

Growing up, Barbara Handelsman often felt out of step with her family. She says she has always been shy and isolated, but with her grandson, Aaron, she says she's free to be herself. "I think we bring out the best in each other," Aaron says.

Ondelee Perteet survived being shot more than three years ago, but his recovery has been long and uncertain. Still, thanks to his mother, Detreena — who he calls "a drill sergeant" — the teenager is relishing his second chance.

In 2007, 4-year-old Faith Marr was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Doctors were uncertain about her chances of survival. Faith and her father, Jerris, talk about how their bond grew stronger during hospital stays when he would "tattoo" her favorite things on her skin and scars.