Amid tragic events, touching stories emerge about selfless acts of kindness. The good Samaritans behind them become society’s silver lining. In honor of Patriot Day, we’d like to feature three heroes from around the country who were selfless and willing to help strangers in their time of need.
The Altruistic Donor
Kelly Wright is a 45-year-old woman from Newport Beach, California. Last year she went through the intensive pain of surgery in order to give one of her healthy kidneys to a complete stranger. Ed Beatrice was a 51-year-old sales manager from Massachusetts who had been suffering end-stage renal failure. Doctors expected him to be on the transplant waitlist for five years or more. Read the full article for more details about Kelly’s compassionate story.
Packages of Kindness
Earlier this year, 9-year-old Mandy Sperando from Gibsonton, Florida, decided to spend her spare time making care packages for the homeless instead of playing with her toys. It started when she mistook construction workers for homeless people. She didn’t have anything to give them and wanted to find a way to help. She decided to raise money by selling some of her toys and books at her school. When she realized it wouldn’t be enough, her parents stepped in to help. They created an account for her on a fundraising website. Now she makes “Packages of Kindness,” which are filled with toiletries and snacks for homeless people. Learn more about her story and her accomplishments by going to her website here.
Bodybuilder with a Big Heart
Ned Norton used to be a fitness trainer for Olympic athletes and bodybuilders. A young man with a spinal cord injury asked him for help. They developed a unique workout program together, which made great improvements to the man’s physical and psychological health. After seeing the difference that his help made, Norton decided to open a gym in Albany, New York, to fit the needs of disabled men and women. He created Warriors on Wheels, which is a nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost strength and conditioning training. Read the full article hereto learn more!
From a girl raising money for the homeless to a man providing physical training to disabled men and women, a hero can be found in many places. Do you have a story of heroism? It could be something like a neighbor helping you with your groceries or a fireman you witnessed saving people from a burning building. Share your story with us in the comment section! There are many kinds of heroes, and they all deserve to be celebrated.