If you know someone who has performed an act of kindness, tell us about it! Is this a person who is struggling financially that helped someone else in need? If their actions moved you, we want to hear about it. Tell us what they did and why they could also use some help, right here.
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Ellen,
Over the past few months, I've followed from a distance (via facebook) the struggles of one family (the mamma is a friend of mine from elementary and high school). The journey of 15 sailors as they escort "Tyler-the-Monkey” around the world in honour of Tyler Peutz. Tyler was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in Sept 2012, at the tender age of 5. A monstrous disease that is all too real! As I followed, I learned more about Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which is usually diagnosed in children from ages 5 to 10 and approximately 150 to 200 children are diagnosed with DIPG each year.
Tyler's school did a fundraiser in the fall and one young girl cut nearly all her hair off and donated to locks of love to show her support. (Story here: http://www.leaderpost.com/news/regina/Locks+cream+pies+support+Regina+student/7867690/story.html). We live in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and despite the never-ending winter this year, the warmth and generosity of the citizens here is truly amazing.
Despite radiation and chemotherapy treatments Tyler is now on pain management and the cancer will most likely take this young life. I can only imagine what a day in the life of this family is like these days. I'm not going to lie when I say I try not to, as just reading the posts has me in tears and heart ache. This week, I have seen so many acts of kindness towards this young family as the followers to the page have nearly doubled. One lady even started an online auction to raise money for the family, including a special gift just for Tyler's younger brother Brayden.
There is nothing out there that this family needs, with the exception of time with their son, and of course, the love and support from family and friends. I only wanted to let you know that I watch your show and see your generosity and kindness spreading each and every day. It may start as a flicker, but its spreading. So, thank you.
Hi Ellen, I would like to tell you about a lady who name is Rosie that gave up her life to rise three grandkids so that they would have a good life and one is special needs and requires a lot of attention and she ran back and forth from south bend to riley hospital in Indianapolis to help him and to make sure he see all his doctors, Ellen she does so much to help them and her disable husband that she forget about her self and she try so hard and want to help the kids have a one in a life time good vacation, but she can't cause she don't have the money cause thing in her house keep breaking like she just had to use the money to replace the water heater that went out and now she trying to work over time to fix the central air unit that went out, cause she have to have it for the special needs one and she also got to replace her roof thats is leaking. Ellen can you help give these kids something that they have never had is like a good vacation please!! thank you
Hi Ellen!
I wanted to inform you about my beat friend Lauren. She has been my friend for 20 years and has always been there for me. On numerous occasions she has given my her last 10$ to put gas in my car that we shared back when we were just teenagers. At 18 she becamepregnant with her son and ended up a single mom, i did whatever I could to help her and her Lijah bug :). She then met the man of her dreams ans they had a daughter Malayna together. This past Friday April 5,2013 Malayna went to our local hospital for a fever and vomiting, right away the hospital did an MRI and they knew something was wrong. They had never seen so much fluid on a 4 year olds brain before and immediately had her transferred to Johns Hopkins Children Medical Center in Baltimore. She needed brain surgery to have a shunt put in to drain to her stomach. Malayna came home from the hospital on April the 10th and is feeling well. To think of my best friend and the terror she and her husband must have felt is not a feeling I'd wish on anyone, he next fear is the medical bills to follow. She has insurance but is not sure what it covers as far as major surgery. Malayna will now have to have surgery every 3-10 years to have the shunt replaced, she doesn't know how they'll pay for that either but it is a must. Her concern lies with why the doctors never showed any concer as to why a 4 year old doesn't have the motor skills she should have. She can't run,jump or walk with out being a little off balance (all due to the mass amount of fluid) no one detected it until now. Needless to say Lauren, her husband and 2 kids are still so amazing and have all the faith in the GOOd Lord above. They've kept in high spirits through this whole ordeal. I reeally don't know what I would do without my sister from another mister. She is my saving grace all the time. Please keep her in your thoughts :)
Thank you!!!
Hello Ellen,
I know you are always on the lookout for fantastic people or heroes....And I am blessed to know of one that has saved well, at least MY life numerous times over. Her name is Jennifer, but she is also my life partner/wife. Lets start at the beginning. You know the sappy love story movies about love at first sight? Well, it happened here. I was boarding the public transportation bus at the time, and saw her face. The world slowed to a halt, those little glinty lights appeared, and funniest thing...someones radio started playing a sappy love song. I dont know just how long I stood there, staring at her...but Im sure it was enough to make things awkward, since when I finally pulled myself together, the bus was laughing at me, and she was blushing. Well, we started to talk, and eventually started to date. Sad thing about that time was, I was in a bad place, and angry at the world. I was breaking the law on a regular basis, and lying to everyone I met, including her. I almost lost her from it too...I was horrid. I still don't understand what she saw in me, but from that point on, I walk the legal path, and tell the truth. Fast forward 10 years of active trying to have children, and we finally just decided to give up trying and just enjoy our pets and ourselves together. One night, she get these horrific stomach cramps, and we go to the hospital. The doctor notified us that it wasn't intestinal gas, but a MISCARRIAGE. We were devastated to say the least. But through the tears, she somehow saw through the hurt, and loss, to tell me that it's a sign we CAN have children! Long story short, after our grieving and the next ovulation, you can guess what happened LOL. We now have two wonderful boys, who are respectful, and compassionate to others due to her diligence in raising them right. Now...I hated doctors, calling them a bunch of quacks, etc, and wouldn't go to see them at all. Well, one day, after working on a roof in the rain, I can down with pneumonia. True to form, I thought it was just a common cold and prepared to ride it out like any other sickness. Well, after a week, It was getting MUCH worse, so she said to me, "Either your going to the hospital, or i'm breaking a bone and we're going anyways! " Well, if I hadn't listened to her, I'd be dead. The doctors went from one doing the tests, to a full on crew of twelve, with full machines, and more injections than I could count. I guess I was within an hour of dying, but thanks to her, I made it through that whole mess. After that I got a great job, and we were living pretty decent for once, having all our bills paid on time, the boys were getting compliments all over about their behavior, and the house was spotless. All I had to do was go to work and make the money? I WAS BLESSED...TRULY. Then on December 4th, 2008, the unthinkable happened. I was diagnosed with final stages of squamous cell carcinoma. I was told that I would only live for an hour tops, and to get my affairs in order. She was there Ellen, in that room with me, in tears. I thought...yup...this is it. My final run. She's going to leave with the kids, and I can't blame her. I'm going to die. I told her my thoughts, and she reassured me that her choice was me, and no other, till the end of time. We got things in order, just in case and held each other. Well, two hours passed, then six, then a day, and finally after 3 days, the hospital released me and told me they would contact me for the start of chemotherapy. At that time, she made me promise to fight this with everything I've got. ( Im funny about promises, you make one, you move heaven and earth to keep it.) 6 MONTHS LATER, Jennifer finally blows a gasket and calls the hospital, and the hospital scrambles around, and FINALLY gets my chemotherapy rolling. The most amazing thing happens...while everyone is praying for a full recovery, IT HAPPENS. 3 rounds of chemo and I get the phone call that its gone...GONE! Can you believe it?!!? GONE! So were our savings, since we were living on them while I went through that mess. But I was ALIVE! So, after two years of docs orders of no work, I finally got the paper saying I could work again! I took that back to the company, only to find that my job, was replaced, and there was now an awkward silence any time I was around. They stopped calling me in for work eventually, and I found out about the stigma that comes with a cancer survivor and jobs. They see my scar on my neck, and im either too experienced for the job, or they simply arent hiring. So, in an effort to save us all yet again, (including our father in law) she took a job that pulls her away from the house for 3 days out of the week, as a live in caregiver. She sacrificed yet more time away from us to keep us going financially while I struggle to find work. She needs to get her drivers license again, as a few years back she lost it. Now, not due to some driving infraction, the whole purse came up missing. We got her state issued I.D., but we had to sell the car to pay bills while I was going through chemo. Im not asking for anything, but possibly a nod to her, or maybe an autographed pic? We are still struggling with daily expenditures, and bills, but it's ok. Somehow, some way, with her as my hero and at my side as my life partner, we'll make it. She is a true hero, sacrificing her time and energy to the betterment of others, and I thank God for her every day. One last neat thing about her, is still after 17 years, she still gets the world to stop, the lights to come on, and the music to start playing. She is truly an angel on earth, and a hero to many people, and not just me.
Ellen,
I wanted to share our Superintendent's Blog about our little custodian, Sheila, who is courageously battling colon cancer and tackling this battle without insurance. We have shared this story about Newaygo High School embracing one of our Lions with you in earlier emails, but I wanted to share this update. She just completed her first round of chemo and is preparing for the surgery. Our latest funddraiser occurred on Thursday , Pi day (3.14), March 14. To celebrate and raise money for our Sheila, collection jars were placed in the cafetorium for students to put money in Monday-Thursday. The top five teachers (or administrators) were the recipients of a pie in the face during advisory (whole school in gym) and money was donated to Sheila. For every $0.50 donation (or whatever amount we choose) students would get a slip with their name entered in a separate jar. We then drew five names to throw the pies.
Ellen, thanks for all you do to make us laugh and enjoy life. As teachers, we appreciate all the lessons you teach us about life, love and compassion. You are always welcome at Newaygo High School, Lion Country.
P.S. Below is also the blog from Newaygo's Superintendent, Peg Mathis. Newaygo, Michigan is a small town but we have big hearts and we take care of our Lion Pride!
A Huge Ellen Fan and Proud Educator,
Donna Grodus
Newaygo High School Teacher
March 8, 2013
In my role as a school superintendent, I have the opportunity to see and witness what public schools employees do for kids on a regular basis. Something that you should know however, is what public school employees do for the community and each other when someone is in need.
Earlier this school year, one of Newaygo’s employees was given some tough news. Sheila Bichler, a member of the evening cleaning staff at NHS, was diagnosed with cancer. In a matter of a couple of days, the students and staff had started implementing plans to raise funds to help Sheila with her treatment and care. The staff had a t-shirt designed and took orders from staff and students. Students, with the assistance of teachers, organized a dance in December with the proceeds being donated to Sheila. The high school and middle school staff collected donations and gave away prizes at their staff Christmas party. Most recently, a group of students with the help of a teacher, arranged for the order and sale of homemade tamales. An account has been set up at Choice One Bank where all of the funds have been deposited. Sheila can then access these funds when she needs assistance with medical expenses.
The high school has also set up a rotating schedule where students from different advisory classes make cards for Sheila so they can be delivered periodically to assist her during the difficult treatment period. Bear in mind, that our school community has rallied around Sheila as they value and recognize her contributions as a member of the custodial staff. It does not matter what role a person fills in this school community. We are all part of the Newaygo school family and all of this is evidence of how Lions Protect Their Pride.
As you read this email, I ask you to consider the following:
1.) I am certain there is no “metric” that measures what our staff and students do for each other when one is in crisis.
2.) I don’t think the value of the care and compassion on the part of NPS staff and students will show up in a school ranking or other performance measure.
3.) Do you publicly acknowledge the things that school employees do for their community in addition to working to raise MEAP scores?
I quote Dr. Mike Paskewicz: “Improvements in public schools happen when the local community gives permission. Permission is granted when local communities trust their school district. Trust between our community and our schools is one reason why public schools work.”
With Pride and Respect,
Peg Mathis
Dr. Peggy A. Mathis
Superintendent
Newaygo Public Schools
231-652-6984
Blog http://pegmathis.com/
waaauuuww, I have no idea where to begin with.
I would first like to thank you for the smile that you put on my face every single time i watch your show. I'm Sofia Sabbar (16) and i live in the Netherlands in Amsterdam, i watch every episodes of the show and I'm a really big fan.
But enough about me, the reason i´m writing you is because i have a very good friend of mine who really needs your help, she has spent the last few years in a lot of stress and it´s not been a really good time for her. It's a really long story.
Her name is Gulbeyaz (16) and she really is the sweetest girl i ever met. she always helps others but forgets her self. She is the #1 fan of One Direction and nothing more could cheer her up than this 5 boys. Gulbeyaz unfortunately does not live with her parents but with her grandparents, and when she heard that one direction was coming to the Netherlands her aunt en uncle wanted to cheer het up and buy her a ticket to the concert in may 2013. But when they were ready to order the tickets, it turned out that everything was sold out. Gulbeyaz has really been crying for days, she really wants nothing more than to meet the 5 guys and I thought maybe you could help us with that, I want her to forget al the problems she's been to in her childhood and just have fun for one night. She had been to very awfal thing and i want her to be happy because she's my best friend. I reallyyyyy hoooop you can help her. you would make her so happy
dear ellen im would like to share my stroy with you about a young woman im in love with and would love to marry. her name is anna brahier and she in her 40s. shes an amazing woman because she trys to help everyone she comes in contact with exp the neighbers. shes always trying to feed the whole neighberhood even when she doesnt have enough food to feed us. she disable and we have to walk just about every were we go she had 5 backsergeres she been stabed hit in the head with a bassball bat thrown down a flight of steps 3miscarriages and she still try to do everything even when i try to do the cleaning and cooking she still try to do it all herself. i would love to be able to help her but im trying to get disablity because i have menntal problems of my own if u can help us in anyway i would thank god because u are a beautiful person with a warm heart an d if anyone can help us i know u can. i love this woman and i just want her to know thats shes loved because she been in so many bad relationship. its time she see what real love is. so if u can help us pls give me a call or email me my #is 401-405-6546 we live in woonsocket R.I 02895 thk u we watch you everyday love your show and tell tony we said hi. and its good to have him as a US citz. pray to god that we hear from u. love u ellen
Trying to recognize a wonderful person who gives of herself and always had s smile for everyone, Frustrated over not being able to submit her for recognition. Her name is Betty Straub .
She Volunteers that feed's shut ins with the meals on wheels program She also serves meals to the homeless and buys shampoo
soap and razor blades for the men that comes for tteerdhe free meals
She is a widow and volunteers tine for less fornutate
Hi Ellen!
My name is Siobon Inu and I am from Auckland, New Zealand. Quite a long way! Anywhoo, I want to mention someone who never does an act of kindness but rather is made of kindness from the inside out! Her name is Susannah Lee-Watts and she is the Joint Head Girl for my school at Auckland Girls Grammar School. She is 24/7 busy all the time I see her around school. Either doing Head Girl stuff, science competitions, assessments, music lessons, sports, the list goes on and on and on...you get the idea. But the most remarkable thing about Susannah is that she always as time to give people hugs when she sees them and her hugs are amazing. Whenever I see her she always has a smile of her face and greets people with that bright smile. She is a humble character that nobody can dislike because her kindness reaches out that far deep. It is impossible to not like her! So all I ask is that you recognize Susannah as the most kindest person you'll ever meet.
Thank you, Siobon.
Dear Ellen, my name is Angel Chase I live in DeSoto Illinois I have a son named Eric Sarver. Eric work at grottos in Delaware. very hard worker and his fiance just had their first child. a little boy named Luciano Eric Sarver. I move to Illinois in 2008. I have two grandsons. little Robby is my first grandson. I haven't seen them in over five months. they say your kids need you. But I need m y kids more.l have had it very hard lately. I try to keep up with my bills.but its.not working.I have had to ask my son for help. thats the hardest thing to do.even when i know he has.it hard.he always helps me. Ellen he had a heart of gold. He will help anyone in need. I want them to know how much i appreciate them. Ellen you would have to meet them to know just how special they are. I love my kids more then life. They have gone without so manyelp them time please help them love and respect Angel
I met a man today named Romeo working at Davis Cup ( Tennis Tournament ) working as Security, I spent maybe 20 minutes with this man and he went into telling a bit of his life story. He's from Iraq and has been in Canada for 6 years. His family was assassinated in Iraq, 26 year old wife and 8 year old kid, he told me as to how he was tortured but didn't go into details as to what happened. He has no family nor friends in Canada from Iraq, just a positive soul looking to pass the act of kindness which was the most inspiring thing as he said he looks to make people happy. He was a Plastic Surgeon back in Iraq and now working as a security guard in Canada making minimum wage. He may have been through a lot but still making the best of things and the last thing he did for me was passed me a bottle of orange juice and a candy and told me next time I was too see him to return the favor, which is amazing in my eyes. With only talking to this man for 20 minutes, he's an inspiring person and even though he may not have much to pass the kindness, which shouldn't cost a penny he truly touched my heart. The one thing I would wish for this guy in return is schooling to get the credentials in Canada to be a plastic surgeon!
my husband Rob is a union plumber.for 30 years he had steady employment.22 of those years he was a foreman for Professional Plumbing.four years ago he was laid off and our world as we knew it changed.(I was working full time)We saw our home, the home we built with our own 4 hands go into foreclosure.We were able to keep our home with the help of my uncle. Rob and I were blessed when he got a call to work out of state and he took it. We were still struggling I was doing my best to keep our checking acct.positive. Rob went into a grocery store to purchase a few necessities and our debit card was denied!! He was embarrassed, the cashier swiped her debit card telling him that she had been blessed all her life,and to please when he could,pay it forward. I wish I knew her name so I could write her a thank you note. Just like you Ellen,she gave from her heart. Ellen, every night when I say my prayers I thank our Lord God for helping Rob and I.
Hi Ellen, I would like to tell you about my sister and the marvelous things happen in her life. She has 5 healthy children that she homeschools. 3 of the 5 kids have disabilities, but she looks at the situation as a blessing because the can learn at home and travel more. Her AMAZING husband has decided to follow his dream and is owner of the Brown Bag Bakery. They make the best pastries ans cinnamon rolls the size of your head. Everyone LOVES them! It is open early in the morning to catch the oil field me heading out and the police men stopping by for a large donut and rich organic coffee. They help out local artists in the community by displaying their art in the store
Now let me tell u some not so great stuff. They bought the business trusting humanity and on a handshake. Their investors have dropped out. They have had to see one of their cars. My sister sold her wedding ring. They cannot afford glasses for the feisty 4yr old who just broke them. If Josephine looses her hearing aides again they will not be able to replace those. Two weeks ago they sold there house without knowing where to live next. ALL OF THIS TO GO TO WORK EVERY DAY AND BE HAPPY AND COME HOME TO YOUR FAMILY HAPPY.
I live in another state and have my own family to take care of. She is my baby sister. I have been looking out for her her entire life. There is NOTHING I will not do for her. If there is anything you could do to help them stay in their bakery. Again thank u.
I wanted to share the following that was created and posted by a "True Friend" to help a family in need. I have known Patrick Guerre (husband) for over 35 years and wish that I could do something to make their dreams come true. Ellen, If you can do anything, please do. This family really needs help! I also think John Baltic, the friend who started this deserves recognition too.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/10-000-hearts-help-gina-realize-her-goals-and-battle-scleroderma?fb_action_ids=10200873770716974&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
Thank you,
Joannie Basile
A Devoted Fan
http://www.godvine.com/Farmer-Dog-Rescue-Sheep-Buried-Alive-Under-Snow-for-3-Days-3096.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4-7-2013.
I saw this today and right away thought of Ellen and her love of animals.