kindness

From Australia comes the remarkable story of a shark attack survivor who met face to face with the man who saved her life. Blake Donaldson was at Gunyah Beach in Bundeena with his partner when he heard a scream from about 30 feet offshore. There, 57-year-old Mangyon “Mani” Zhang was standing motionless in a pool of blood, having been bitten by a bull shark that had taken a 15-inch chunk out of her right leg. Though the injury was severe, Zhang was terrified and initially thought she had been stung by something. The water quickly turned red with blood, and she was frozen with fear, not wanting to provoke the shark again. After a moment, Zhang called out for help, and Donaldson, the only other person on the beach, immediately leapt into the water without hesitation. He said his fight-or-flight instinct took over, and despite the risk of another shark attack, his sole focus was to save her. Donaldson pulled Zhang to shore, where his partner, Ellen Melchert, administered first aid. Paramedics later described Zhang as having lost a catastrophic amount of blood, and she briefly lost consciousness on the way to the hospital, thinking of her loved ones. Thanks to prompt rescue and surgery, Zhang survived and retained her leg. More than a month later, she reunited with Donaldson on 60 Minutes Australia, expressing deep gratitude and calling him her “lifesaver and hero.” Donaldson, however, remained humble, saying he didn’t think of himself as a hero until the reality of what he did sank in. When humanity calls, may we respond swiftly and with kindness too.

Richard Munoz’s story, featured in The Guardian’s “Kindness of Strangers” series, recounts an unexpected act of generosity at a moment when he was most in need. After breaking his ankle during a basketball game, Munoz required surgery and found himself reliant on crutches. Navigating daily life in his urban neighborhood meant frequent walks past a park regularly occupied by groups of teenagers, whose presence he typically avoided due to their reputation for making snide remarks at passersby. One day, returning from the corner store with a carton of milk, Munoz attempted to slip past the teens unnoticed. When one called out to him, he braced himself for ridicule. Instead, a few of them approached and, to his surprise, offered to help carry his bags-a gesture he accepted, with some hesitation, albeit. Reflecting on his experience, Munoz noted that while many people showed him kindness during his recovery, none were as consistently helpful as those teenagers. They assisted with daily tasks, such as taking out his garbage, letting him skip ahead in line at the store, and regularly checking if he needed help. Grateful for their support, Munoz wrote a letter to their school administrators, recommending that the teens be recognized for their good deeds, though he was unsure if the letter was ever received. Munoz’s experience challenged his own preconceptions, shaped by past bullying, and helped him overcome lingering wariness toward groups of teenagers. “Those teens were more than their stereotype-and I’m grateful for it,” he wrote, emphasizing that brief encounters rarely reveal the full character of strangers

A UK charity, Band of Builders, brought together a group of at least 25 volunteer builders to construct an extension for Paul Kitterman, a 58-year-old man from Addlestone, Surrey, who has been unable to walk since a spinal abscess left him paralyzed three and a half years ago. Without a ground-floor bedroom, Paul had been sleeping in his dining room since returning home from months of hospital recovery and rehabilitation. Thanks to the project, Paul will now have his own accessible bedroom and bathroom. The volunteers, coordinated by Band of Builders-a charity that mobilizes tradespeople to help those in the construction industry facing life-changing illness or injury-donated their time, and all building materials were supplied at no cost. The effort, valued at nearly $200,000, was also supported by donations from friends, family, and local businesses. Paul expressed deep gratitude, saying, “The first night was the best sleep and the best shower ever. I can’t thank everyone enough… It’s overwhelming to realize that people would do this for me.” The project has been described as a real-life “DIY SOS,” echoing the spirit of the well-known British TV show. Nothing radiates more beauty than a group of hearts united in kindness with the sole intent of making better for others.

In 2014, tragedy struck when Kristina Ulmer’s younger sister, Katie Amodei, was killed in a car accident on her way home with $100 in tips she’d earned waiting tables. Katie had always cared deeply for those less fortunate, so after her passing, Kristina felt compelled to use the money in a way that would honor her sister’s compassionate spirit. Kristina, a ninth-grade English teacher near Philadelphia, held onto the money, gradually adding to it over the years. She wanted to do more than simply donate it-she wanted to create something meaningful that would reflect Katie’s legacy of kindness. By Christmas of 2018, Kristina had saved enough to launch a special project with her students at Hatboro-Horsham High School. She shared her sister’s story with the class and handed each student a $20 bill, with one simple instruction: use it to help someone in need or perform a random act of kindness. The response from her students was remarkable. Some donated to charities, others helped individuals in their community, and many found creative ways to brighten a stranger’s day. Their acts of kindness ranged from sewing hats for premature babies and assembling hygiene kits for the homeless, to buying toys for children and paying off school fines so classmates could graduate. The project quickly gained attention, inspiring donations from others who wanted to keep the kindness going. An anonymous donor sent a check to fund the next round, and over time, the initiative has grown, resulting in hundreds of unique acts of kindness and more than $7,000 raised to sustain the challenge for years. Kristina continues to be moved by the impact her students make, compiling their stories and videos into a tribute that keeps her sister’s memory alive. As she puts it, “Everything that comes out of those kids’ mouths as they are sharing what they did and what they learned is my sister speaking. She’s been gone for years now, but her spirit lives on through all the things people are doing in her honor”. What began with heartbreak and $100 in tips has blossomed into a living legacy-a ripple effect of kindness that shows no sign of ending. It gets so beautiful when kind hearts beat in synchroneity with humanity.

In the spirit of National Donate Life Month—a time dedicated to honoring those who give the gift of life and inspiring others to do the same—comes a story that beautifully weaves together loss, friendship, and the power of generosity. Anjie Lynchard had this to say “Fifteen years ago, I moved across the street from Mary Ann Carroll in Columbia, Maryland. Our sons, Jared and Phillip, quickly became inseparable, their days filled with biking, fishing, and the kind of childhood adventures that forge lifelong bonds. But as life often does, it led us down different paths. After just three years, we moved away, and our families drifted apart, keeping in touch only occasionally through social media. Years passed. Jared grew up and joined the Marines, while Phillip built his own future. Then, just a year ago, my world was shattered—Jared, my son, died suddenly at 23. In the midst of my grief, Mary Ann appeared at my door, offering condolences and a prayer shawl. I noticed she seemed changed, and when I asked, she shared her struggle with end-stage liver disease—a battle that had lasted three years and left her in desperate need of a transplant. Mary Ann had just been placed on the national transplant list, joining more than 10,000 others waiting for a miracle. After she left, I prayed for her, never imagining that I might be the answer to that prayer. Months later, I saw her Facebook post searching for a living liver donor—her family, heartbreakingly, weren’t suitable matches. My faith—and the memory of my son—gave me the courage to get tested. When I told Mary Ann, she hesitated, not wanting to add to my pain. But my husband, Steve, reminded me of a message we’d received on a missionary trip after Jared’s passing: “Out of Jared’s death, new life will be born.” That message echoed in my heart and made the decision clear. When the results came back, I was a match. The transplant was scheduled for December 3, 2024—exactly one year after Jared was moved by a sermon titled “The Perfect Plan.” It felt as though the universe, and perhaps Jared himself, were guiding every step. The surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital was a success, thanks in part to advanced robotic techniques that made my recovery easier than I’d imagined. I was left with only a few small scars, physical reminders of a much larger healing. Three months later, Mary Ann is thriving. She often says it feels like divine intervention brought us together again, and I can’t help but agree. Our story is a testament to the ripple effect of kindness: not only did Mary Ann receive a second chance, but my donation also moved someone else up the waiting list—a double gift of life. This April, as we celebrate National Donate Life Month, I hope our journey inspires others to consider living donation. If you have the chance to save a life, why wouldn’t you? There is no greater gift. Let us honor the memory of those we’ve lost, celebrate the miracles among us, and let life sing for all those still waiting for their second chance” In all honesty, occurrences of life sometimes cut like a knife, but if only we stick to the path of kindness, love and empathy, we definitely will appreciate the reality that even a broken crayon still has the capacity to make beautiful paintings.

Officer Eric Robbins of the Philadelphia Police Department demonstrated remarkable courage by setting aside his fear of heights to rescue a young child from a dangerous situation. On December 10th, while patrolling the two-story homes on N. 64th Street, Robbins received a call from neighbors reporting that a child was walking on the pitched roof of a nearby house, about 20 to 30 feet above the ground. Despite his acrophobia, Robbins knew he had to act quickly to prevent a potential tragedy. After gaining entry to the home, body camera footage shows Robbins rushing up the stairs to the second floor, climbing out an open window, and carefully approaching the child. He was mindful not to startle the boy, who seemed unaware of the danger and unaware of Robbins’ presence. Robbins managed to quietly grab the child and bring him safely inside. The boy’s family, though initially too shocked to speak, later expressed deep gratitude for Robbins’ compassionate dedication to protecting and serving their community. Reflecting on the experience, Robbins said overcoming his fear of heights in that moment was driven by empathy, as he imagined the child could have been his own. His quick thinking and bravery prevented a potentially fatal fall, pointing out the extraordinary lengths officers go to in fulfilling their duty—even when facing personal fears

Tracy Holmes-Williams, a 26-year veteran of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), has turned her Route 36 trolley in Southwest Philadelphia into an oasis of positivity. Known as “Tracy’s Trolley,” her vehicle is adorned with motivational placards, notes, and uplifting messages that aim to brighten the day of every passenger. “We’re the frontline workers; we are the first thing passengers see when we come down the street. I try to be the person that makes them smile,” Tracy explains. She decorates the trolley with inspirational quotes like “Have a wonderful day!” and “Smile, and the whole world smiles with you,” as well as references to local sports teams like the Eagles and Phillies. Tracy’s mission extends beyond her passengers. She even sends heart signals to her co-workers on passing trolleys, recognizing that everyone, including her colleagues, might be having a challenging day. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: “Your energy and attitude determine what kind of day you’ll have. So keep those positive vibes, stay smiling, and you’ll be alright”. This dedication to spreading joy has not gone unnoticed. Tracy takes pride in hearing customers thank her for the messages, and she believes that happy riders make the journey easier for everyone. Her efforts paint clearly how a small act of kindness can have immense effect, potentially improving the day of the approximately 750,000 customers SEPTA serves each workday. Tracy Holmes-Williams’ approach to her job exemplifies the idea that treating strangers with kindness can make a significant difference in their lives, as we never know what challenges they might be facing. Through her daily actions, she transforms a simple trolley ride into an uplifting experience, proving that positivity can indeed be contagious.

After years of relentless efforts, UNICEF has successfully prevented the collapse of two-thirds of Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The initiative, primarily focused on rural areas, has been monumental, employing 28,000 full-time healthcare workers and physicians, alongside 32,000 volunteers. Together, they manage 96 fully equipped hospitals and 2,400 rural healthcare centers, some of which are as modest as a single room. Despite their size, these facilities have made a significant impact, particularly for vaccinations, childbirth, and routine checkups, while also fostering better medical practices among rural populations traditionally resistant to change. UNICEF stepped in after Afghanistan’s medical system collapsed in 2021, sustaining critical healthcare services despite severe financial constraints, as no funds can be transferred into the country’s financial institutions. Since the program’s inception, 2.2 million babies have been born in UNICEF-supported facilities, marking a 20% increase since 2019. Afghanistan’s rugged terrain, shaped by 40 years of war, poses immense challenges for both healthcare providers and recipients. In remote regions like Nuristan and Ghor, families live in terraced villages along valley sides, often requiring hours of hiking to access clinics. The 32,000 volunteers bridge this gap, delivering essential medical services to these isolated communities and demonstrating the value of modern medicine to skeptical populations. UNICEF has shared stories of lives transformed through these efforts. For instance, Safina’s village now has a health post that assisted her in delivering three children, while Roqia, a two-year-old diagnosed with polio, was carried by her grandfather over treacherous mountain paths to receive life-saving care after being advised by a UNICEF community health worker. These firsthand experiences are pivotal in encouraging others, particularly men, who are often reluctant to seek medical care for minor issues. In rural settings, however, minor ailments can quickly escalate, making the role of community health workers critical in promoting early intervention and preventive care. Today, more than half of Afghanistan’s population benefits from basic medical services through UNICEF-supported programs, with three-quarters receiving hospital-level care, primarily for women and children.

Hayden Carlo, a 25-year-old father living in Plano, Texas, was pulled over by a police officer for driving with an expired registration sticker. Struggling to make ends meet, Carlo explained to the officer that he had faced a heartbreaking choice: renew his car registration or buy food for his wife and two small children. With no excuse to offer, he admitted his financial difficulties openly. The officer issued him a citation, but what happened next left Carlo overwhelmed. When he opened the ticket, he discovered a $100 bill tucked inside. Overcome with emotion, Carlo broke down in tears in his car. The anonymous officer never publicized his act of kindness, but Carlo’s grandfather, Billy McIntire, was so touched by the gesture that he wrote a letter to the police department to express his gratitude. The unexpected gift allowed Carlo to update the registrations on both his car and his wife’s car. It also helped him secure a new job and better provide for his family during tough times. Reflecting on the experience, Carlo shared how it restored his faith in humanity and God: “He helped me out when I needed it, and I appreciate that. I’ll never forget that man.”

From Lantana, Florida, comes the inspiring story of Jakob Thompson, a brave 17-year-old who rescued a woman caught in the fast-moving currents of a canal leading to the Atlantic Ocean. His heroic act earned him the prestigious Carnegie Hero Award and a full scholarship to the Boynton Fire and Rescue Academy, supporting his dream of becoming a firefighter. The incident occurred in December 2023 at the Boynton Beach Inlet, known as South Florida’s most dangerous due to its rapid currents. A woman was spotted struggling in the water, and without hesitation, Thompson removed his shirt and dove in. Swimming 80 feet, he secured the exhausted woman around his waist and powered back to safety against the strong current. CBS 12 News reported that the woman remained calm during the rescue, allowing Thompson to focus on bringing her to shore. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I just swam as fast as I can to get her. By the time I got to her… she was very tired from struggling.” The rescue was captured on video by bystander Maria Gutierrez and widely shared on social media. It caught the attention of Sarah Perry, a local resident whose son Aden tragically died trying to save someone from drowning years earlier. Perry manages the Aden Perry Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund, which rewards students for acts of heroism. She was moved by Thompson’s actions and surprised him with a scholarship during his visit to a Boynton Beach fire station. The scholarship covers all expenses for his firefighter training—a dream Thompson had long pursued. Months later, Thompson received further recognition with the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund, awarded to civilians in the U.S. and Canada who risk their lives to save others. He joined 17 other recipients honored in 2024. The medal bears a verse from John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Since its inception in 1904, over 10,000 Carnegie Medals have been awarded, with about 20% given posthumously. Despite these accolades, Thompson remains humble about his actions: “Putting my life out there to help somebody came with a reward, but I was never looking for one.”