HALES CORNERS, Wis. — A Wisconsin couple is making a difference by spreading positivity and joy while visiting a local school each week.

Mark Laing and his wife Luanne McGregor are this week’s Everyday Heroes.

They have been coming to Hales Corners Lutheran School for the past few years to talk with kids, hoping to make an impact that will last a lifetime. They come each Friday, and each Friday starts the same way, with first bumps and a little of joy from Laing and McGregor.

The couple comes to school each week to bond with the kids and create relationships through conversations and a constant presence. They speak with them in the classroom, hallways, and lunchroom. You can tell their presence brings joy to many kids each week.

They both have cerebral palsy and are hoping to show the kids that they are just like them and how to treat those living with a disability. In the entire school of around 500 kids, there currently aren’t any living with a disability. That is why it’s important to these two to get out and chat with the kids.

“Oh, I love kids. Kids are the reason in my life than I am here. I have a big void in my life for kids,” McGregor said.

The kids seem to like her too. You can find many of them running up to her and hugging her, overjoyed to see her in the lunchroom or hallway.

The couple tends to split up during the lunch hours to make their rounds, chatting with all the kids. Their goal is to let them know they are just like them and to allow the kids a chance to be comfortable with a friend who uses a wheelchair.

“The more experience and exposure they have with people in our situation, the more comfortable they will be and the more accepting they will be,” Laing said.

Whether it’s something as simple as a hello or asking what they are having for lunch, it can break that barrier and hopefully leave a lasting impact.

“I hope that they can remember me and remember how positive I want them to be,” McGregor said.

It’s something staff members can see when they come each week too.

“To be able to see the kids ask Mark and Luanne different things then maybe they would ask a different teacher because they are so comfortable with Mark and Luanne and they are so open with their situation,” Hales Corners Lutheran School teacher Mary Gabler said.

Not only do these interactions spark joy for the kids, but for them too.

“It gives us a purpose. It gives us a reason to get out of bed and hopefully make a positive influence with the kids,” Laing said.

Their one true goal, to make a difference and share that being different is beautiful.