The Melungeons of Appalachia are a mysterious group of people who were discovered in the wilderness of early America, particularly where modern-day Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee converge. While the more well-known Jamestown settlers and Pilgrims are often considered the first pioneers of the United States, the Melungeons predate or were contemporaneous with these groups. […]

This is Lisa. Most people walked past her, found her too “odd-looking,” laughed at her big nose. But when I saw her, I didn’t see flaws — I saw personality, softness, and a soul that just wanted to be loved. Now, Lisa rules the house with calm charm. She has the biggest heart wrapped in […]

“The illness struck back harder than ever, stealing away our once-bright and spirited daughter. When the call came, ‘Can you please tell Wade?’ I wrapped my arms around that 6-foot, 175-pound young man as he wept, asking if she would survive. Through it all, he calls his girls his strength, and they call him theirs.” […]