For the past five years, 14 year-old Connor Dantzler has been giving thousands of people in crisis something to smile about. In 2003, Connor realized that hospitalized children and adults could benefit from the gift of laughter. He felt that humor provided a way for helping patients to relax and be distracted in a positive manner, which could promote the physical, emotional and spiritual recovery processes.

Connor started delivering new joke books to area hospitals and senior care centers after school. He named his volunteer project "Health Through Humor". The early response from patients, parents and caring staff was so positive that the program became Connor's passion. Today Connor has shared more than 7,500 new books of humor with young children fighting cancer, wheelchair-bound seniors, as well as doctors and helping staff who just need a good laugh, too! Connor makes sure that there are always boxes of new books ready in the car, so that he can make deliveries anytime and anywhere - even while traveling on vacation!

Connor continues to acquire, deliver and share new joke books to caring facilities throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and DC. His Health Through Humor program was recently named a President's Volunteer Award certifying organization. Connor has created a website with the hope of encouraging kids everywhere to start similar volunteer projects in their communities.