Health Benefits of Kindness

November 8 - 14, 2010 World Kindness Week

November 13, 2010  World Kindness Day

Random Act of Kindness:  A selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There is no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.

Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide a wide variety of materials on their website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher’s guide, project planning guide, publicity guide and workplace resources - all free of charge. Random Acts of Kindness Ecards.  

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the United States delegate to the World Kindness Movement, an organization that includes various nations. People in these countries promote kindness within their countries’ borders and are creating a global network of kindness and compassion. As people from different cultures and from all walks of life are joining to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world.

Health Benefits of Kindness

Studies have shown acts of kindness can result in physical and mental health benefits.

• Kindness can bring a sense of richness and fulfillment to our lives, and promote good health and longevity.

• Helping others can decrease the effect of diseases.

• After performing an act of kindness many experience a feeling of euphoria followed by a period of calm.

• Acts of kindness have shown to reduce feelings of stress, depression, loneliness, overeating, etc.

• Helping others increases self-worth, happiness and optimism.

• A person feels more energetic after performing an act of kindness

• A more optimistic and happier outlook on life


Kindness is not only something that has positive benefits for ourselves, it is something that has a positive effect on the community.

Try Some Kindness (The Letter K Song)

Pay it Forward - The Power of Three

As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change in their lives and the lives around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Ability Awareness

Mission

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Meet a family who shares their
amazing story of love and living.

About Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past fifteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to more than 300 expected in 2010 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $9.5 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Help Jerry's Kids

The first Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon was broadcasted over Labor Day weekend in 1966 by one TV station in New York City. Now, more than 40 years later, the show will be broadcast by more than 170 MDA “Love Network” stations, assisted by approximately 250,000 volunteers across the country. Nearly 40 million people will see the show.

In 1998, MDA's Telethon made history as the first telethon seen around the world via Internet simulcast.

Jerry’s goal of raising “one dollar more” than the previous year’s total has been more than met almost every year, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the American public.

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.

Where Telethon Dollars Go

The Telethon is the single most important fundraising event of the year for MDA. Funds raised help the Association carry on its fight against muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases, including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education. Children and adults with muscle-damaging diseases benefit directly from dollars raised during the Telethon.

Strolling through the Archives of MDA

Early MDA telethon, mid-1960s.

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
Reunion on the MDA Telethon

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis reunite after twenty years on the 1976 MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon. Frank Sinatra surprises Jerry by bringing on Dean and then some nervous and hilarious clowning between the two ensue. This is followed by a medley of American Standards by Dean and Frank. In two parts, this is the complete segment of the reunion. An important and historic piece of entertainment history.

Sammy & Jerry Friendship

from 1987 MDA Telethon

A Dedication to Mattie Stepanek (7/17/90-6/22/04)

Mattie Stepanek was a 13 year old boy who had a rare form of
muscular dystrophy. He was a poet, a peacemaker, and a hero.
The song is "He Was Just Like Me" was written and recorded by Mattie's friend
Madison Cross in memory of him.

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.

MDA Tribute to Ed McMahon (1923 – 2009)

Muscular Dystrophy Association (PBS)

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.

Abbey Umali Sings "For Good" on the
2009 MDA Labor Day Telethon

Abbey Umali - Jerry Lewis
MDA Telethon Collection

2009 MDA Telethon finale,
“You’ll never walk alone”

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.