Heroes Among Us 2007

Get inspired: Meet PEOPLE's five Heroes of the Year, and see how some celebs have rallied for a cause

AWARD WINNER: JOSEPH DEMOCKO

AWARD WINNER: JOSEPH DEMOCKO

When his three nephews wound up in foster care, the 20-year-old fought to get them back

More Award Winners

The Garbage Busters

The Garbage Busters

These cousins pooled their savings to buy a boat and scoop up trash from Florida waterways

Judy and Jerry Horton

Judy and Jerry Horton

Their ranch gives daughter Kelly and other young adults with Down Syndrome a livelihood

The Surviving Parents Coalition

The Surviving Parents Coalition

These moms and dads are battling child predators

Doris Hicks

Doris Hicks

The principal was determined to reopen her school in the Lower Ninth Ward

Star Heroes

John Legend: Against the Odds in Africa

John Legend: Against the Odds in Africa

In Tanzania, the singer shows how villagers are helping themselves to survive amid disease and hunger

Brad Builds a House | Brad Pitt

Brad Builds a House

Plus: See 14 other star heroes, including Oprah, Leo and more

Know a Hometown Hero? Tell Us!

Know a Hometown Hero? Tell Us!

NOMINATE A HERO

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The News Now

How Madonna Is Coping with Her Split | Madonna

How Madonna Is Coping with Her Split

The singer, who was spotted with ex-husband Sean Penn, is "not heartbroken," says a source

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Leo & Kate Bosworth Celebrate All Night Long | Kate Bosworth, Leonardo DiCaprio

Leo & Kate Bosworth Celebrate All Night Long

Plus: Gwyneth reunites with Chris, Kim Kardashian and more