By: Melanie Anderson
In life, if you are lucky, you will come across a person who you know is destined to do great things. I was lucky enough to meet this person 2 years ago when I volunteered for my second year at the Jimmy Fund’s Fenway Fantasy Day.
His name is Gabriel. He was a sweet young boy and all of 5 when I met him. He was there as a guest of the Jimmy Fund to get up to bat and run the bases with his family cheering him on. That day we learned that on November 3rd, 2012, Gabriel was diagnosed with leukemia. That day was a dark day for him and his family. His mom said, “Yet, through his fight, even in the darkest moments, Gabriel always found a way to smile and let his brave and bright spirit shine through.”
Thanks to the power of social media, I was able to connect with Gabriel’s mom after we met and he is healthy young man at the age of 7. This November 3rd will be the fourth anniversary of his diagnosis
After Gabriel was done with treatments, he wanted to make November 3rd a day that was filled with light and happiness rather than dwelling on the darkness that the day brought in 2012. Gabriel, with the help of his family, created “Gabriel’s Day of Kindness.” Gabriel along with his family and friends do random acts of kindness for anyone and everyone. Last year, 650 acts of kindness were passed along in all 50 states and in 56 countries. I think it’s safe to say kindness can spread like wildfire. This year, my friend Gabriel hopes to hit 1,000 acts of kindness and we hope that you can help.
On November 3rd, pass along some kindness to someone in honor of Gabriel. Buy a coffee, send some flowers, or hold a door for someone. No act is too small.
Want to learn more or share your story of how you shared some kindness for Gabriel? Please visit http: www.facebook.com/gabrielsdayofkindness
Community Voices for Health 