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How can I help? I believe, based on years of anecdotal experience, that that is the first question most people ask when confronted by someone in need.

Any publication -- a newspaper, a Web site -- derives its power from its readers. The case of Sara Lenna is but the most recent example. And that power should be put to good use. Help us do that.

Steve Rushin of Sport Illustrated reports this week on the results of a column he wrote two years ago about a 14-year-old with cancer whose dad was taking him to every NFL stadium for a game. After the column appeared the boy, Ty Kessler, got free football tickets from readers all the country and face time with pro players everywhere. It is moving. It is inspiring. (It is not available online unless you are a subscriber.)

Here's a taste, though.

Last season, Ty got a tour of the Seahawks' facility from kicker Josh Brown, who beat the Cowboys the next day as time expired. When Ty and Brown met up again hours later at Seattle's Metropolitan Grill, the kicker signed a football, "Game-winning 50-yarder for my buddy Ty."

In October, in an Arizona hotel lobby, Ty told Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher all about his travels. Instead of looking for the nearest elevator, Urlacher listened for 10 minutes. As the Kesslers were heading out to the parking lot, a man stopped them and handed Bob his business card. It read, "George McCaskey, director of ticket operations, Chicago Bears." Three weeks after that, as a guest of the Bears, Ty had a front row seat at Soldier Field for a game against Miami. When Dolphins receiver Marty Booker caught a touchdown pass, he beelined for the boy in the Bethlehem Catholic sweatshirt. "I froze," say Ty. Booker flipped him the football. The two have never met.

Here's the deal: We can do the same thing. You know people. You know stories. Is there a genuine need? Are someone struggling against odds to achieve something, to make a difference, to have a great life?" Send us your suggestions or your stories about people doing extraordinary things for themselves and for others. Between the reach of the paper and the Web, we can make a difference.