Nov. 5 - Community Kindness

Day 308 of a year of kindness

Today I went to my favorite hair stylist, Dawn Simonelli Brady, and noticed a flyer on her mirror: “Kindness Starts with You.” 

Dawn explained that Sandra, a hair stylist in the salon, had been diagnosed with breast cancer and recently had a double mastectomy. She will lose at least 8 weeks of work.In addition, Sandra, 49, was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s Disease and has a special needs son.

It’s too much for one woman and one family to endure. 

So, Dawn created this flyer and fundraiser - and was blown away by the response.A neighboring salon (and competitor) heard about Sandra's medical issues and put up her flyer in their salon. When Dawn called her to thank the owner, the woman replied that they were all a salon family and had to look out for each other. Dawn said her gesture moved her to tears. 

Dawn's friends, clients, strangers and others have heard about Sandra’s challenges and have donated.Dawn Simonelli Brady told me that Sandra was so grateful for the help that it feels like “she’s working” because the donations help her pay her bills and get food on the table.

“Why can’t kindness stories like these go viral?” Dawn asked me while she cut my hair.

I don’t know but I hope some day we see much more stories that feature the best in humanity and not the worst.Science of Kindness: When a community lifts someone up—even strangers—kindness becomes more than isolated acts; it becomes a social force that signals that people care. #BeKind #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindness #kindnesseffect