As the days go by and the 52nd week of 2016 approaches, I'm excited that the year is coming to an end. From our favorite celebrities' deaths to political mayhem and much more, 2016 will be remembered as distressing.

I was beginning to think that the only inspiring event of the year was the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series after an 108-year-drought. Then I heard that my favorite dynamic duo Kelly Ripa and Anderson Cooper were going to host the 10th Annual CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute. From the title alone, I knew the program would be inspiring and I was not disappointed. The event recognizes and honors everyday people for their service to others and contributions to improve their communities. Below are brief bios of the honorees provided by CNN.

Jeison Aristizábal:
Aristizábal who was named the CNN Hero of the Year has an organiziation in Colombia called ASODISVALLE that helps children with disabilities. Aristizábal, who has cerebral palsey, started his organization 15-years-ago in his garage and now has grown to help thousands of kids.

Craig Dodson:
Dodson is the founder of Richmond Cycling Corps where he serves as a mentor to at-risk kids through cycling.

Sherri Franklin:
Franklin started the non-profit Mutville that rescues older dogs and then finds homes for them.

Brad Ludden:
Ludden is the founder of First Descents. His non-profit unites young adults who have cancer and organizes outdoor activities for them.

Luma Mufleh:
Mufleh is the founder of Fugees Family an organization that provides a soccer league and school to refugees in Georgia.

Umra Omar:
Omar is the founder of Safari Doctors an organization that uses all means of transportation to provide medical services and support to people in Kenya.

Georgie Smith:
Smith is the founder of A Sense of Home which is an organization that helps former foster children set up a new home in Los Angeles.

Sheldon Smith:
Smith is the founder of the Dovetail Project, an organization that teaches fathers how to become role models for their children in Chicago.

Becca Stevens:
Stevens is the founder of Thistle Farms an organization that provides support to women who have been affected by trafficking in Nashville.

Harry Swimmer:
Swimmer is the founder of Mitey Riders an organization that provides horseback riding lessons and therapy to children with disabilities.

While 2016 might not have been the best year, the stories of this year's CNN Heroes should ignite a sense of urgency in all of us to take steps to make the world a better place in 2017. For extended information about the honorees visit CNN.