Human Interest Archive: Jan-Mar 2009
Spreading The Kindness Cure
(Kerry Hall, MyNC.com) She goes from car to car outside a Raleigh cancer treatment center, tucking a small piece of paper in each door. Each has a short message on it, meant to brighten the day of a patient, but one in particular sums up CJ Scarlet's mission. It says, ‘The way to be happy is to make others so.'
Employer's kindness generates interest in kidney donation
(KSL) Six months ago we told you about a boss who donated one of his own kidneys to an employee suffering from kidney failure. We checked in with both of them Tuesday, at a time when their story is helping to generate more interest in kidney donation.
Vet's 'extraordinary' care for animals spans globe
(Stephanie Riel, Arizona Republic) One Glendale veterinarian has treated animals from cities all over the Southwest to military dogs and livestock in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dr. David Rice, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Clinic in Glendale and a Scottsdale resident, served in active military duty starting in 1992. He spent six years with the Air Force and transferred to the Army to become more involved with its veterinary work in 1998.
Selling The Silver Lining
(Daniel Stone, Newsweek) Is the glut of bad news getting you down? Not me. I've tapped into the growing number of outlets that produce nothing but positive stories—and I'm never going back.
From homeless to actress: A theater class helps marginalized women reclaim their lives
(Sarah More McCann, Christian Science Monitor) "Squirrels," said Vanity Reyes, a young woman wearing a New York Yankees cap and sweats, with a confident tilt of her chin. "Vendors," shot back Claire, an older woman with pressed black pants and perfect makeup, who asked that her last name not be used. With lightning speed, the improv partners parlayed back and forth everything one could spot in the Boston Common, a mile from the church where they were practicing. The exercise ended abruptly when Claire missed a beat – though she stole the show with a conciliatory fall to the floor.
Teenager's selflessness an example to live by
(Ann Fisher, Columbus Dispatch) One night last December, Katie Snell goofed up. She left more than two dozen poinsettias in her car overnight and, by the next morning, they were blackened, droopy and apparently dead. The flowers were supposed to be delivered that day to raise money for her French Club's spring-break cruise to the French-speaking Caribbean islands.
Students roll up their sleeves to help during school break
(Yadira Betances, Eagle-Tribune) Moving bales of hay, scrubbing floors and picking up dog poop are not ideal spring break activities for most college students. However, 15 students from Northern Essex Community College spent four hours on Monday doing just that at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, as part of alternative spring break.
Vet glad he heeded plea for mercy
(Mike Harden, Columbus Dispatch) On the day before Operation Varsity dropped World War II soldier John Kormann into the heart of Germany, the private first class was cleaning his M3 submachine gun when mail call brought a letter from his mother. "Please, son," it began. "I know you're going into combat. Never forget that the young man you are going up against has a mother who loves him and prays for him just as I love and pray for you. Be merciful."
Coach who gave 'tough-up' talks can now walk the walk
(Peggy O'Farrell, Cincinnati Enquirer) Karl Gaston knows a lot about motivating students to work harder, smarter, stronger. Now, seven months into a grueling year of physical therapy after a freak accident left him unable to walk, the motivational speaker, coach and firefighter is himself the lesson as he rebuilds his strength and his career.
Born in homelessness, their love has already endured 'for poorer'
(Daniel Rubin, Philadelphia Enquirer) We'd been talking for an hour about how they met and their plans for the wedding when the bride-to-be leaned forward and said: "People don't realize that homeless does not mean bum, addict. Homeless means without a home." Aislyn Oliver, 27, met John Washington, 39, nearly three years ago at the Germantown Mennonite Church, when neither had a home.
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Having a Bat Mitzvah in Their 90s Because It’s a Hoot
(Christopher Magg, New York Times) Ann Simon is worried she might forget all the Hebrew words she has memorized to become a bat mitzvah, a Jewish girl marking the transition into religious adulthood. Ms. Simon is no 12-year-old, though. At 94 she can be forgiven her fear that she might be seized by a senior moment or two as she stands on the bimah on Sunday to recite the section of the Torah that was read in synagogue on the Saturday closest to her 12th birthday.
Mesa boy raises $3,500 so far for cancer research
(Nicole Ethier, Arizona Republic) A 12-year-old East Mesa elementary school student has brought together a community by garnering interest and support in his fundraising campaign for cancer research. Vinny Ciaramitaro, a sixth-grader at Las Sendas Elementary School, has been fundraising since November and has organized his school and peers for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of East Mesa, which will be held at Red Mountain High School on April 4.
Hoosiers taking steps to help homeless
(Mary McDermott, WISH) Hundreds of Hoosiers are working on new projects to help those who are hungry or without homes. At the Indiana Convention Center Friday, volunteers helped the homeless by donating something else: their time. Homeless people received all kinds of services, including medical care, help with housing, even haircuts.
Bucks girl's fund-raising a winner
(Michelle Scober, Philadelphia Enquirer) There's a tradition of birthday benevolence in the Gupta family of Bucks County. Whenever one of them has a birthday, the Guptas shower someone in need with gifts. "Many years ago, my grandparents, who live in India, began visiting an orphanage on family members' birthdays," said Neha Gupta, 12. "They would bring treats and gifts to the orphans, and celebrate their birthdays there." Neha has picked up the cause, raising more than $9,000 for an orphanage in her family's hometown in India. And she plans to widen her efforts.
Random Acts of Kindness: The Starbucks cuppa Joe that keeps on giving
(Diane L. Gleason, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) A few weeks ago I was running a few errands in Monaca. I was feeling a bit droopy and decided to stop at the Starbucks drive-through for a cuppa. Since I was on my way to get a haircut, I ordered a coffee for my hairdresser. I moved ahead to the pickup window, where I was second in line. Someone in a dark SUV was at the window, taking what seemed to be a long time to get their order accomplished.
Jane Goodall promotes youth activism
(George Plaven, Denver Post) When it comes to inspiring youth activism, Dr. Jane Goodall says the secret is getting to somebody's heart. This path is found not through statistics, but through stories. The 75-year-old anthropologist and U.N. Messenger of Peace has had plenty of experiences that prove young people can make a difference. In an interview Wednesday, Goodall gave as an example the actions of one girl in a rural U.S. community that led to the creation of a no-kill shelter for stray dogs.
Man's lost $400 returned, faith restored
(Tom Dalton, Eagle Tribune) Sarah Murray spotted the money as soon as she pulled her car into the parking lot at Panera Bread in North Andover. There it was, under a car, a big stack of bills. Murray, 23, a substitute teacher from Salem, stops at the Route 114 Panera twice a week for coffee on her way to Lawrence, where she tutors in an after-school program. Last Tuesday, she jumped out of the car, picked up the money and started counting it: $380 in $20 bills.
Aussie comes to S.F. to see sub that saved him
(Carl Nolte, San Francisco Chronicle) An old soldier from out of the past stepped carefully aboard the World War II submarine Pampanito at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf to relive a day he can never forget. His name is Harold Martin. They used to call him "Curley" after his thick blond hair back when he was an Australian soldier, back when he was a prisoner of the Japanese, working as a slave laborer on the infamous "railway of death" in the jungles of Thailand.
Generosity Keeps Family Under One Roof
(WTVF) A Middle Tennessee family who was on the verge of homelessness now has a roof over their heads. Jodie Jarvis and his wife were laid off and they lost their home. Jarvis and his wife have three daughters. The family was hours away from being kicked out of a motel room and living in their car, but minutes after their story aired on NewsChannel 5, Jodie's phone started ringing.
Good Samaritans help with a kidney, 2 canines
(Laurel Walker, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) If Tuesday's 70-plus temperatures weren't enough to lift your spirits and warm you through, then how about a couple of heartwarming updates to finish the job. Dog-lovers answered the call after reading my column a week ago about A.J. Marhofke, the Summit man whose search and rescue border collies needed help themselves while he had surgery and recovers from a broken heel. More than 50 people contacted Marhofke and offered help.
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Many ways to give without spending a dime
(Meredith May, San Francisco Chronicle) Those who once gave to charity are keeping a tighter grip on their wallets during the recession. But donating doesn't always have to mean dollars, and there are many ways to help thy neighbor without cash. The following Bay Area residents show how with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart, it's possible to still be a philanthropist on a shoestring budget.
Years of pain - but Kirsty Ashton just wants to help our kids
(Mandy Appleyard, The Mirror) Kirsty Ashton has had years of surgery to battle an incurable disease. But instead of feeling sorry for herself, she raised £75,000 to make other children’s wishes come true.
10-year-old refugee gets life-altering surgery
(Melissa Blasius, 12 News) A 10-year-old girl with severe birth defects has found happiness and healing in America after a journey from war-torn Iraq. Fatima Ibrahim, now 10 years old, was born with her intestines and other organs outside of body. She's also deaf and has spine problems. The Iraqi refugee, her parents, brother, and grandmother moved to Arizona from the Middle East a year ago. Last summer, Fatima underwent a 14-hour surgery at Phoenix Childrens Hospital.
Workers quietly help street people, guide them toward housing
(Bill Lindelof, Sacramento Bee) As he walked around Sacramento's business district, Jvance Stewart rattled off names of street characters he's encountered: Whiskey Jack, Rabbit, Grasshopper and Blanket Betty. But then he stopped, took out a handkerchief and dabbed his eyes. He had to gather himself before he could tell the story of the homeless elderly woman whose spot was outside the downtown library.
Falling in love again, 60 years later
(John Faherty, Arizona Republic) Jack Ross and Win Cushman fell in love the first time more than 60 years ago. They were students at Highland Park High School near Chicago. They were just kids, but their love was real. They held hands and went to dances. They talked about the future.
Group makes the prom a reality for those who might have missed out
(Esmeralda Bermudez, L.A. Times) Libby Soto pulls back the black curtain of her dressing room, timidly steps up to her reflection in the wall-sized mirror, and the girls around her gasp. "It's stunning!" "That dress was made for you."
Want to keep your job? Be happy.
(Becky Fleischauer, Christian Science Monitor) Does the recession with its rampant layoffs and cutbacks make your job look better all the time? Believe it or not, donning a pair of "recession goggles" can be good for your career and your mental health. Research shows that an attitude of gratitude in trying times can not only help you keep your job, but get you the job you want.
Good Samaritan honored for act
(JJ Hensley, Arizona Republic) Ismael Mayorquin was sentenced to 24 years in prison for attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl, but he might have never been caught, much less tried and convicted, if not for the bravery and quick thinking of a Chandler man.
Restaurant Owner Finds Opportunity in Firing
(ABC) Have you ever dreamed of just ditching it all? Moving to Hawaii and opening a bar on the beach? Or how about a B & B in Vermont? Come on, admit it.
Humane Society rescues people, too
(Sadie Jo Smokey, Arizona Republic) Wendy Huffman of northeast Phoenix is an animal lover. She's also an ex-con. For 16 years, she was addicted to heroin and has been in and out of prison since 1995. But seven months ago, after she was released from prison, Huffman reached out to Arizona Women's Education & Employment Inc.
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He Never Forgets: Meet the Super-Memory Man
(Victoria Thompson, ABC) Feb. 18, 1981 was the day Bob Patrella met his friend Susan Angelo. "It was a Wednesday," he said. He remembers. She doesn't. In 1976, Patrella met his friend Tom Challis. "I remember the first time we really talked, though, was New Year's Day 1978 when we watched Oakland and Denver," Patrella said. "It was over Patty's house."
Relatives of kidney recipients inspired to give to others
(John Faherty, Arizona Republic) Organ-donation surgeries have become both miraculous and mundane. But in July 2007, when doctors in Phoenix took a kidney from one patient and placed it in another, it was a groundbreaking procedure. That surgery, the first link in a kidney chain, is becoming a national model.
Quick-thinking teen comes to aid of bus driver
(Ray Parker, Arizona Republic) When her bus driver braked and ran off the bus wheezing last week, Health Science High School junior Sera Ratcliff, 17, used the skills she's learned to help the driver, who was throwing up and couldn't talk because of a bronchial asthma attack.
The Unforgettable "Memory Olympics"
(Jeff Glor, CBS) All of us experience the odd memory lapse from time to time. Not the competitors in this weekend's USA National Memory Championship, though. At the competition, 52 mental athletes at the peak of their game tried for unforgettable performances.
Would You 'Pimp This Bum'?
(Sally MacDonald, Fox 26 News) An edgy website created for a Houston homeless man is asking you to "Pimp This Bum." A local father and son team created www.pimpthisbum.com to help give "Tim" the boost he needs to get off the streets. The site has been up and running for just a couple of days, and already there are more than 30,000 hits from around the globe.
A small wedding day detour
(David McGrath, Christian Science Monitor) A pretty flower in a greenhouse is, well, just another pretty flower. But put it in a pot and take it someplace where beauty and light are in short supply, and that flower becomes special, like a rainbow in a storm.
Despite cancer, swim instructor still coaching
(Laura T. Coffey, TODAYShow.com) Swimming well requires grace and precision, discipline and purpose, endurance and confidence. For two decades, YMCA swimming coach Jon Brenner has been building such qualities in legions of young people, one freestyle stroke at a time. The kids he’s taught love him. Their parents love him. The staff at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA in Wisconsin loves him. Now Brenner, 53, is relying in a big way on the support of his community, as well as the lessons he’s learned from the countless hours he’s spent at the pool. Seven months ago, he was stunned to discover that he had a cancerous brain tumor.
Little girl gives up birthday gifts to help four-legged strangers
(Sault Star) Sarah Boyer shocked her parents when she didn't want a gift for her birthday but, instead, wanted to help feed sheltered cats and dogs. On Feb. 22, Sarah Boyer celebrated her seventh birthday.
Spring breakers skip Cancun for volunteer work
(Elham Khatami CNN) This spring break, thousands of college students will ditch the bars and the beaches to do something more meaningful with their vacation time.
Minden, Nev., class adopts teen cancer patient
(Sheila Gardner, The Record-Courier) A 13-year-old Gardnerville cancer patient has been “adopted” by fourth-graders at Minden Elementary School who believe a simple act of kindness can be a powerful medicine.
Generosity not bound by jail walls
(Graham Orams, Daily Examiner) It may surprise some people to know there are some very generous people behind the walls of Grafton jail. A group of inmates at the prison decided to try and help the victims of the Victorian bushfires. They spread the word and the other inmates responded generously.
Officer's Kindness Leads To Act Of Generosity
(WMUR) A Laconia police officer's act of kindness initially helped a shoplifter, but now it will help more of New Hampshire's homeless and hungry.
Quilts offer families healing, comfort
(Claudine San Nicolas, Maui News) Quilting for families of Maui's war dead has helped to heal the wounds that Paula Kalanikau has been carrying from her own soldier brother's death.
Soldier’s Afghan dog story comes back to bite
(Lawrence Lerner, Christian Science Monitor) US Army Staff Sgt. Dan Barker remembers when he first met Jack. The Special Forces medic and his team were securing an abandoned village in southern Afghanistan last June when they entered a compound. The desert sun was beating down upon them, and pomegranates crunched underfoot. With two men behind him, Sergeant Barker warily inched through the doorway to a small, dark room, rifle cocked, and quickly surveyed the scene for anything hostile. What he found would change his life.
'Love' campaign aims for million acts of kindness
(Alison Healy, Irish Times) Commit random acts of kindness. Love your neighbor. Make people feel cared about. Surely some mistake? This sounds like a positive story. And it is. A year-long campaign has begun to encourage people to commit random acts of kindness at least once a month.
Homeless people act out realities of life on stage
(Jocelyn Wiener, Christian Science Monitor) One hour before curtain call, Dennis Forester realizes his acting troupe has a problem. “We forgot the crack!” he hisses. The other members of the Seldom Seen Actors look up, surprised. A few giggle. But the missing prop worries him. Drugs figure prominently into tonight’s show. The script depicts their experiences with addiction and homelessness on the streets of Oakland, Calif. They have lived this play. And tonight Mr. Forester wants to make sure they nail it.
A Recipe To Heal A Heavy Heart
(Steve Hartman, CBS) When 11-year-old Aaron Ware showed signs of depression a few months ago - his pediatrician prescribed something extremely unusual. After talking with the boy, Dr. Marilyn Corder came up with a treatment plan that was either pure genius or malpractice.
Bronx doctors give Afghan girl a bigger smile, for free
(NY Daily News) For eight long years - half her life - Wahida Sher-Agha has been in near-constant pain. The 16-year-old cannot open her mouth more than half an inch, making eating and talking a daily chore. Yet her coy smile and girlish giggle give nothing away. After Wahida fell off a bridge in her native Afghanistan at age 8, part of her jaw broke and welded together as it healed. Doctors were unable to correct the problem, leaving her with the debilitating condition and hoping for a miracle. Thursday, that miracle happened as doctors at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx performed surgery to reopen her jaw, for free.
Good samaritan goes the extra mile
(KTBS) If it wasn't for the kindness of a stranger, a missing man out of east Texas could still be missing. Thurman Wright, 84, is right where he belongs, at home surrounded by family.
The fluffy face of graffiti
(Perri Lewis, The Guardian) If you strolled down the Southbank in London on Friday, you may have noticed pieces of brightly colored knitting tied to various objects, or perhaps your bike lock was covered with wool. Welcome to guerrilla knitting.
Random acts of kindness tend to stick with us
(Gerard Dziuba, Daily Herald) What is love but an act of kindness? Sometimes it's unexpected, sometimes comes from a stranger and it doesn't always come on Valentine's Day.