Dear David: Stories of triumph — a marathon runner, a 79-year-old graduate and a 6-year-old kitten foster hero

This edition of "Beg-Knows America" shines a spotlight on inspiring stories of perseverance and compassion, including a man who defied paralysis to run marathons, a 79-year-old who fulfilled his dream of graduating college, and a 6-year-old girl who has dedicated herself to fostering kittens.

In 2009, Ian Bowen faced a terrifying diagnosis when a tumor was found on his spine. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota warned him that removing a piece of the tumor to determine if it was cancerous could paralyze him. Bowen courageously told the doctors to proceed.