Strength isn’t always about being tough. Embrace your vulnerability, let yourself feel what you feel, and share your feelings with others.
It’s in these moments of vulnerability, that we find the keys to connecting with others and the renewal of hope.
At the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” — Denzel Washington
Every week we celebrate people who find a way to make a positive difference in the world, despite facing setbacks in life.
This week, we have wonderful stories about:
- A retired police lieutenant has a miraculous reunion with man he saved as a baby
- Students spread joy through random acts of kindness
- Young girl shaves her head as an act of support for her best friend who’s battling cancer
- Fashion plays a big role in the fight against multiple sclerosis
Weekly Uplifting Stories – May 13th, 2024
A retired police lieutenant reunites with man he saved as a baby after 24 years
Gene Eyster, a retired police lieutenant, helped save an abandoned newborn two decades ago.
The baby was discovered by college students in a common apartment building hallway. Eyster took him to the hospital and gave him a teddy bear as a token of care.
Years passed, but Eyster never stopped thinking about the boy. That little boy, Matthew Hegedus-Stewart, was adopted by a loving family and is now a police officer himself.
Matthew was assigned to the same apartment complex where he was found. He connected the dots and with the help of his senior officer, he got in touch with Eyster.
As fate would have it, Eyster and Matthew were reunited 24 years later!
“Full circle moment,” Matthew said. “That hit home. I can only imagine from his point of view.”
This reunion was nothing short of miraculous since Eyster had recently lost his only son, Nick.
“So the timing couldn’t have been any better, it helped to fill a void that I’ve had to deal with,” Eyster said.
Students spread kindness in Kenmore village, one duck at a time
Residents of Kenmore, New York are being greeted with cute little ducks and uplifting messages.
Students from Kenmore Junior Senior High’s Big Picture program placed rubber ducks throughout the village to bring inspiration to the lives of those around them. The ducks have messages attached to them, that feel like a warm, loving hug.
“Being positive and being kind can really cheer somebody up and I believe if you put positive energy out into the world that will come back to you,” says Jaeda Morgan.
Small acts of kindness like these can make a world of difference for those who may be in dire need of some positivity and hope.
A young girl battling ovarian cancer and her best friend are on a mission to raise funds for Cancer Research
Chloe is doing everything in her power to support her best friend Tirion, who is battling ovarian cancer.
The 11-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy.
Chloe has pledged to shave her head as an expression of solidarity and to raise money for lifesaving childhood cancer research.
Thanks to a guest appearance on the Ben Fordham Live, the duo has helped raise over $87,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“The first thing I said to myself was ‘I don’t think I’ll meet many friends like Chloe in my lifetime’ and I was very proud of her. It means the world to me, if there’s anything I could say to her, it’s on bad days…(she) makes them feel way better,” Tirion said.
This non-profit is making great strides towards finding a cure for MS
Founded in 1993, Race to Erase MS has played a major role in raising funds for finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
Founder Nancy Davis, who was diagnosed with MS at 33 years old leads the fight against MS.
Every year, the nonprofit organizes a charity gala event, which is graced by key individuals in the fashion and entertainment worlds.
The foundation’s Center Without Walls program is a collaboration between eight of the leading MS research hospitals across the country. The Race to Erase MS Foundation has raised over $58 million and facilitated 26 FDA-approved therapies.
This year L’Agence is the fashion sponsor for the gala. L’Agence is donating 20% of its profits from sales to the non-profit from April 29th and continuing through May 12th.
Have a Great Week Everyone!
And there you have it!
Don’t forget – we are always looking for more Uplifting Stories! If you have a tale to tell, or want to submit one for a future article, connect with us in the comments below, or through our Instagram page. We’d love to hear from you.
Have a great week everyone!
Photo by Huu Huynh
