David Plant and Frank Lilley

This is a story about reaching the end of life.

It was recorded as part of our Legacy Initiative–an effort to collect interviews with people who have life-threatening conditions.

In 2010, David Plant was diagnosed with skin cancer. Since then, the cancer has metastasized in other parts of his body.

David sat down for a StoryCorps Legacy interview with his stepson, Frank Lilley.

Paul Crowley and Dreamer

Many veterans seek out the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital in hopes of feeling better. Thanks to Dreamer (R) those veterans often end up looking better, too.

Since the 1970s, Dreamer, a veteran himself, has been giving free haircuts to vets.

He can be found in a red, white, and blue painted trailer parked at the VA, where he averages about 200 haircuts a month.

In 2011, Paul Crowley (L) showed up looking for a trim. Today, he’s Dreamer’s assistant.

At StoryCorps, the pair sat down to speak about their friendship.

Originally aired February 24, 2012, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Jay McKnight and Andrea McKnight

This love story started with a song. It was Brooklyn in the late 1950s. Jay McKnight and his friends spent summer evenings outside, singing a cappella. And one night, Jay caught the ear of a girl named Andrea. Jay and Andrea McKnight came to StoryCorps in New York to talk about what happened next.

The music at the end of the story is by Jay’s group from the 50s, Little Nate & the Chryslers.

Originally broadcast August 4, 2011, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Jose Noriega and Lynn Guarch Pardo

Jose “Pepe” Noriega , one of over 14,000 children who came to the U.S. as part of Operation Pedro Pan, speaks with Lynn Guarch Pardo about the role her father, Jorge “George” Guarch, played in the historic airlift.

Rob Sanchez and Felix Aponte

Felix Aponte (left) and Rob Sanchez (right) both served time in New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility, but they did not meet until Felix showed up at a job placement center where Rob was working.

Quickly they became close and when Rob was diagnosed with an aggressive form of kidney disease, Felix offered to get tested and see if he would be a match for a transplant.

They came to StoryCorps to talk about the early days of their friendship and how it led Felix to make a sacrifice that saved Rob’s life.

Originally aired March 12, 2010, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Frank Lynch and Antonio Douglas

Frank Lynch, owner of the Cactus Car Wash, talks with his friend and regional manager, Antonio Douglas, about Frank’s concerns over Antonio’s high weight. Eventually Frank, 70, challenged the younger man to a foot race beating him the first time they ran, but following a year of training, Antonio, 45, emerged victorious the next time they ran.

Originally aired January 1, 2010, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Lawrence Anthony and David Shirley

Lawrence Anthony (pictured above at work) has been cutting hair for over 60 years in Drexel, North Carolina. He and fellow barber, David Shirley, talk about their work, the many generations of heads they have cut and trimmed, and the changing town they work and live in.

Originally aired July 24, 2009, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Johnathan Emerson and Brian Miller

Johnathan Emerson was 7 years old when he was adopted by Brian Miller. Johnathan had previously been abused while being shuffled between foster homes. At the time, Brian was told that Johnathan suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome, and at StoryCorps they talk about Johnathan’s difficult adjustment to living with Brian, and the moment Brian realized Johnathan was his kid.

Originally aired June 19, 2009, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Sue Adam and Deborah Dimasi

After giving birth to her, Sue Adam decided to give Deborah Dimasi up for adoption. At StoryCorps they discuss why Sue made the decision she did to find an adoptive family for Deborah, and Deborah feelings about being put up for adoption.

Originally aired on May 8, 2009, on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Siddiqi Hansoti and Gus Hernandez

Gus Hernandez (right) talks with Siddiqi Hansoti (left), owner of the El Dorado Motel in Salinas, California, about how they met after Gus lost his home to foreclosure, and how Siddiqi became a friend to Gus for life after offering him a job.

Originally aired April 3, 2009, on NPR’s Morning Edition.