Swandeh Terhide

Amy Schmitt and her son have a cherished tradition of dressing up for Halloween, transforming their home into a festive hub adorned with decorations. The local community recognizes their house as a must-visit stop for trick-or-treaters, eagerly anticipating the delightful experience each year. However, this Halloween was different. Just two days before the holiday, Schmitt’s son Jacob was hospitalized, leaving her unable to partake in the festivities. In her disappointment, she left a simple note on the door explaining their absence and apologizing for not handing out candy. As the evening progressed and darkness enveloped the neighborhood, Schmitt received an unexpected notification from her Ring doorbell camera. To her surprise, a group of children had gathered at her porch, generously emptying their own candy bags into a bucket she had placed there for Jacob. This heartwarming gesture filled Schmitt with gratitude and joy, as she realized the kindness of her community. “It’s overwhelming, all the love we’ve got… and I don’t know half these people,” she shared with local news outlets. Among the young benefactors was 6-year-old Mia, who had just finished trick-or-treating but felt compelled to return with more candy specifically for Jacob. Her father, James Sayen, recounted how Mia expressed concern that no child should miss out on candy during Halloween. This act of compassion exemplified the values instilled in these children by their parents and highlighted the spirit of community support that shone amidst Schmitt’s challenging circumstances. Schmitt expressed her admiration for the considerate young neighbors who took it upon themselves to ensure that Jacob would not feel left out this Halloween

A young girl from Africa named Fudia underwent life-changing surgery to correct her bow-legged condition, resulting in a significant increase in her height—five-and-a-half inches (14 cm). Born with a progressive orthopedic issue that caused her legs to turn inward at a severe angle, Fudia faced immense challenges in walking, which led to considerable pain and difficulty in her daily life. Local hospitals in Sierra Leone were unable to provide the necessary treatment, but her uncle Joseph recognized a glimmer of hope through Mercy Ships, an international charity that offers surgical care aboard hospital ships. Joseph took the initiative to relocate with Fudia to Freetown, where they could seek assistance from Mercy Ships when it next docked. After a six-year wait, Fudia was finally seen by medical professionals in 2023 and diagnosed with Blount’s disease, a condition that leads to severe leg deformities. British volunteer surgeon Rachel Buckingham performed a four-hour surgery in January that successfully straightened Fudia’s legs, allowing her to walk with newfound confidence. Joseph recalled the moment of realization about Fudia’s condition, noting the social isolation and mockery she faced from peers due to her physical appearance. The recovery process for Fudia was not without its difficulties; she encountered unexpected delays and required additional wound care. Nevertheless, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and is now able to stand tall and walk freely. Dr. Buckingham expressed her admiration for Fudia’s courage throughout this journey, emphasizing how painful it was for the young girl before the surgery. The success of the operation has transformed Fudia’s physical capabilities as well as uplifted her spirit, enabling her to engage more fully in life. Fudia’s aunt Massa shared how the surgery has positively impacted the girl’s social interactions and self-esteem. No longer ashamed to attend school, Fudia now enjoys playing with friends and has even developed aspirations of becoming a doctor herself, inspired by the care she received from the Mercy Ships team.

On a fateful day in 2019, Charlotte found herself standing on the train tracks, contemplating ending her life. She was overwhelmed by her mental health struggles and felt a sense of despair as she waited for a train to come and end it all. However, the driver of that train, 47-year-old Dave Lay, had a different fate in mind. Upon receiving an alert about a pedestrian on the tracks, he immediately slammed the brakes, bringing the train to a halt. Lay then disembarked and spent nearly half an hour talking to Charlotte, patiently reassuring her until she felt safe enough to step away from the edge. After they spoke, local police arrived and assisted Charlotte in connecting with mental health support services right on site. Though shaken by the experience, Dave felt a sense of fulfillment knowing he had made a difference that day. He left the station believing that his intervention had brought closure to the incident. However, Charlotte had other intentions; the next day, she sought out Dave on Facebook to express her gratitude for his kindness during such a critical moment in her life. In her message, Charlotte recounted how she had been feeling lost and hopeless before Dave’s intervention. She described how his calm demeanor and willingness to engage in conversation helped alleviate her immediate crisis. Their exchange continued as they began messaging each other regularly. After two months of communication, they finally met for coffee, marking the beginning of a deep connection that would eventually lead to marriage. Fast forward three years later, Charlotte and Dave tied the knot while expecting their first child together. Charlotte, who works as a nurse for the NHS and has faced t mental health challenges in her past, reflected on how that day changed her life forever. She recognized that Dave’s approach during their conversation was akin to de-escalation techniques used in mental health crises. Their story is as a reminder of how one person’s compassion can impact another’s life, even in moments of darkness, hope and connection can emerge.

As I was driving along Interstate 75, I noticed a state trooper parked in a turnout, but a quick check of my speed reassured me that I was in the clear. Moments later, however, my attention was drawn to a distressed dog lying in the ditch near the exit 20 sign. Torn between my commitment to an appointment and a sense of urgency for the animal’s welfare, I made the decision to turn around and head southbound, fully aware that I might face a ticket for doing so. To my relief, when I arrived back at the turnout, the trooper was still there. He rolled down his window and acknowledged me with a friendly “Yep! I’m here.” I quickly explained the situation regarding the dog and expressed my willingness to accept a ticket if it meant I could help her. The trooper simply asked where the dog was and promptly set off to find her. We soon discovered her still in the same spot, panting heavily and clearly in distress. The trooper sprang into action, pouring out his water jug to create a makeshift bowl for the frightened dog. As she cautiously approached, she sniffed at the water before realizing it was meant for her; she drank eagerly. The trooper didn’t stop there—he fetched more water and even offered her a Little Debbie snack. Despite her initial wariness, she slowly began to trust him. Demonstrating patience and kindness, he retrieved a chair and an umbrella, vowing to stay by her side until she felt safe enough to be taken to a shelter or even adopted. This encounter with Trooper Tudors of the Tennessee State Highway Patrol is indeed a reminder of the goodness that exists in our world when we least expect it.

A 21-year-old, Bailey-Greetham Clark, is making a significant impact by offering boxing lessons to seniors in care homes, promoting both fitness and enjoyment. His journey began at the age of 17 when he spoke at a day center for adults with educational needs. This experience opened his eyes to the lack of access to sports and fitness for vulnerable populations, prompting him to establish a wellbeing initiative called ‘Be Great Fitness’. Now, Bailey travels throughout Lincolnshire, England, ensuring that schools, hospitals, community centers, and senior care homes have access to fitness activities. His mission became even more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he recognized the need for joy and physical activity among these groups. “Sport and exercise cheer people up; we make jokes and have a laugh with everyone, enhancing their day,” he explains. His efforts have led him to conduct fitness classes in 20-30 different care homes, where he guides residents through engaging one-hour sessions that include boxing drills and hand-eye coordination games. Participants don vibrant neon pink, yellow, and green gloves during these activities. Bailey has gained popularity through heartwarming videos shared on social media, which have garnered numerous views. This exposure has resulted in an overwhelming number of inquiries about his sessions. “My calendar is insane at the moment! We’re working on expanding our team and rolling out sessions nationally,” he shares. His passion for helping the elderly stems from his own challenging upbringing; after being raised by his grandparents, he developed a strong desire to support older individuals. At 14, after taking a year off school due to personal struggles, he found boxing as a means to improve his fitness and outlook on life. “Seeing firsthand the genuine impact we make is incredible. We can uplift not just the residents but also the staff,” Bailey notes. He recalls a moment when a care home shared a video expressing their enjoyment of his session, highlighting how one resident even complimented his legs. Bailey’s commitment to this cause reflects a unique fulfillment that is often absent in other fields. “It’s beautiful and it keeps me going,” he concludes with heartfelt sincerity.

In a quaint town in Upstate South Carolina, a touching story unfolded aboard a public transit bus, showcasing the power of empathy and kindness. One evening, a young woman, visibly distressed and lost in an unfamiliar country, stepped onto the bus. Her confusion was evident as she struggled to communicate with the English-speaking passengers. Mary, the bus supervisor, quickly recognized her struggle and enlisted the help of Eddie, a colleague fluent in Portuguese and familiar with some Spanish. Together, they managed to piece together the woman’s predicament: she was frightened, lost, and unsure how to return home. Moved by her situation, Mary took it upon herself to ensure the woman’s safety. She not only provided her with directions but also accompanied her home, offering reassurance throughout the journey. When asked why she felt compelled to help, Mary simply stated, “What if that was my daughter?” This heartfelt remark encapsulated the compassion that motivated her actions. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that everyone out there has their own story. By taking a moment to understand and assist others, we can profoundly impact their lives. Mary’s selfless act exemplifies how even small gestures of kindness can create ripples of positivity in the world.

A heartwarming story emerged from Minneha Elementary in Wichita, Kansas, where 8-year-old Christian Moore’s act of kindness captured the attention of social media users. On his first day of school, Christian noticed a fellow student, Connor Crites, curled up and crying in a corner. Without a moment’s hesitation, Christian approached Connor to offer comfort, holding his hand and leading him inside the school. This simple gesture helped Connor feel supported and also sparked a beautiful friendship between the two boys. What Christian didn’t realize at the time was that Connor, also 8 years old, has autism and was feeling overwhelmed by the new environment. His mother, Courtney Moore, witnessed the interaction and was moved by her son’s compassionate nature. She took a photo of the boys holding hands and shared it on social media, where it quickly gained traction. Courtney described how Christian consoled Connor until they could go inside together, highlighting the deep bond that formed between them from that moment on. As the photo circulated online, both mothers expressed their hopes that this story would inspire others to practice kindness. April Crites, Connor’s mother, emphasized that kindness should transcend differences in color, gender, or ability. She remarked on how Christian treated Connor like any other student, reinforcing the idea that one small act can have a significant impact on someone’s life. Courtney echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in her son’s loving nature and the positive example he set for others. Despite their newfound fame on social media, Christian and Connor remain humble about their actions. When asked about their experience, Connor simply stated, “He was kind to me,” while Christian added that they hope their friendship serves as a reminder to “be nice.” Their story illustrates how compassion can bridge gaps and foster connections, reminding everyone of the importance of empathy in everyday interactions.

Amit Ghose, a 34-year-old from Birmingham, England, has made a significant life change by quitting his job as a regional manager at a law firm to become a motivational speaker. Born with neurofibromatosis type 1, a condition that causes tumors to grow along nerves, Amit has faced considerable challenges throughout his life. At the age of 11, he underwent an arduous 18-hour surgery that resulted in the removal of his left eye, leaving him with an eye patch for six months and subjecting him to bullying and isolation from his peers. One particularly hurtful comment from a classmate during Halloween still resonates with him: “You don’t need a Halloween mask, you’ve got one for life.” This painful experience has fueled his passion for helping children who are bullied for their differences. In his new role as a speaker, Amit shares his story with school children, emphasizing the importance of kindness and mindfulness in their interactions. He urges them to consider how their words can deeply affect others, noting that what may seem like harmless banter can leave lasting scars. Despite the financial challenges many schools face in affording his speaking fees, Amit has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $3,900 to provide free talks. His mission is to ensure that every child has access to the support and inspiration they need to overcome adversity. Amit’s journey toward becoming a motivational speaker began when he was encouraged to give a talk at his manager’s daughter’s school. The positive feedback he received, particularly from a boy named Vinnie who was inspired to pursue football and motivational speaking after hearing Amit’s story, solidified his decision to make this his full-time career. His father played a crucial role in supporting Amit’s aspirations, advocating for him to engage in sports like cricket despite concerns about safety due to his condition. This encouragement helped Amit transition from being perceived as “the boy with a funny face” to being recognized for his athletic skills and personality. In addition to his speaking engagements, Amit has found personal happiness; he married a woman from India in 2021. He is also active as a global advisor for Billion Strong and an ambassador for Face Equality International. Through these roles, Amit aims not only to inspire individuals but also to challenge societal perceptions of disability and difference. His story serves as hope for many, demonstrating how resilience and self-acceptance can lead to success and fulfillment.

A Massachusetts senior citizen recently experienced a heartwarming turn of events after losing an envelope containing $12,000 at a local supermarket. Seventy-one-year-old Ha was devastated when she realized the envelope was missing after shopping at Market Basket in Shrewsbury. With limited English proficiency, she reached out to her nephew, Truong Huynh, for assistance. Together, they returned to the store to search for the cash, but despite their efforts and inquiries at the help desk, their search proved fruitless. Manager Dan Desfosses reviewed the security footage in hopes of tracking down the lost envelope, but unfortunately, Ha was not captured in any of the relevant footage. Just as they were about to give up and head back to their car, Desfosses and another man, later identified as Skip, rushed out to inform them that the envelope had been found and returned intact. Huynh expressed immense relief and joy at the reunion with the money, stating that they were so happy they almost cried. He praised Skip for his integrity, emphasizing that many people might not have acted so honorably. Skip’s actions were particularly commendable as he had discovered the envelope in the parking lot and promptly turned it in to management. Desfosses remarked on Skip’s character, noting that such honesty is rare and highlights the goodness that still exists in people today. After this uplifting encounter, Ha decided to show her gratitude by returning to Market Basket the following day to reward Skip with a cash gift of $300, which she left with his girlfriend since he was unavailable at that moment. The incident underscores both the importance of community and the value of integrity. Ha had always carried her life savings with her due to fear of misplacement, a strategy fraught with risk given the significant amount of cash involved. Huynh shared his admiration for Skip on social media, stating that his selfless act touched more lives than he might realize.