Kindness Helps: Random Acts of Light Day
June 13th is Random Acts of Light Day. It encourages and celebrates the kindness we give and share to family, friends, and strangers. But, what are the origins of this national occurrence? In today’s blog, we’ll talk about the origins of a day centred around bringing light into someone’s life. Plus, some ideas for how you can help with kindness.
What is Random Acts of Light Day?
National Random Acts of Light Day encourages us to bring light to the darkness of cancer by surprising someone with the act of kindness. Established by the The Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society, this day brings awareness to the importance of providing cures. Additionally, the organisation gives access to treatments for blood cancer patients.
Launched in 2016, more than 40 cancer patients and survivors across the USA have been surprised with special moments. From favourite athletes to celebrities, the society aims to spread kindness in these fighter’s lives. Beyond this, the national day gives the organisation the opportunity to create awareness about the critical need to fund research to find cures. What’s more, it aims to ensure that patients have the access to these lifesaving treatments.
The Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society
Founded in 1949, the LLS is the largest voluntary health organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer in the word. Its mission is to cure these diseases and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Leukaemia is a group of blood cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow. They result in a high number of abnormal blood cells. The success of treatments depends on the type of disease and the age of the person. However, outcomes have improved in the developed world. What’s more, children with actor leukaemia who are cancer-free after five years are less likely to see the cancer return.
Lymphoma develop from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). They are enlarged nodes that refer to cancerous tumours. They have a similar treatment and survival rate to leukaemia.
The LLS have six signature fundraising campaigns to help patients battling these diseases:
- Team in Training. The largest charitable endurance training program in the world.
- Light the Night. An annual series of community-based walkathons.
- Man & Woman of the Year. Community-based competitions where adults raise funds in honour of local children who have survived blood cancer.
- Students of the Year. Community-based fundraising competitions amongst high school students.
- Leukaemia Cup Regatta. Fundraising sailing events held by yacht clubs across North America.
- Pennies for Patients. A programme providing North American elementary and middles schools access to STEM curricula.
And of course a handful of awareness days such as Random of Acts of Light which we know promotes solidarity and kindness.
Helping with Kindness
“There are two way of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
Want to help spread the kindness? Check out these ideas.
- Have an appreciation day for someone you love.
- Give compliments to people you meet — even strangers.
- Send cards to sick children who are fighting serious diseases.
- Make gift baskets for neighbours and friends.
- Offer a helping handing in running errands or doing chores.
- Use your talents to volunteer to hang out with children in hospital (once it’s safe to do so!)
- Listen and share stories. Sometimes, people just want to feel like they still exist beyond their hardships.
The Benefits of Kindness
Why be kind? Well, it actually has a ton of benefits for yourself and others!
It increases:
- Oxytocin which improves self-esteem and optimism.
- Energy.
- Happiness.
- Serotonin — a feel-good chemical which heals wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!
It decreases:
- Pain via endorphins (a natural painkiller)
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Blood pressure
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