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Dad and Daughter, Both Cancer Survivors, Help Pay Medical Bills for Others

By
knotsandarrows
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You know what they say: like father, like daughter.

After 9-year-old Becca Boo Salmins completed her two-and-a-half year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, she enlisted the help of her hero father – who is a fellow cancer survivor himself – in helping to fulfill her dream of promoting awareness and raising funds for childhood cancer, so other children wouldn’t have to go through the pain that she did.

Together, the cancer-slaying duo launched Knots and Arrows, a bracelet and retail company that donates a portion of its proceeds to help with the cost and expenses of treating childhood cancer survivors. They also give money to childhood cancer research charities.

CHECK OUT: Little Free Pantries Spread Goodies From Sidewalks, Let Neighbors Pay it Forward

The two feel that it is their “duty and privilege” to pay it forward to those beginning this difficult battle – and they are ready to pay it forward together, as survivors.

Currently, Becca Boo and her dad are looking to get support so they can launch their company nationally in order to make a bigger impact on childhood cancer. If you would like to help their compassionate mission, you can visit their Kickstarter page.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Inspiring Story With Your Friends

10-Year-old Boy Delivers His Baby Brother – and Saves His Life

By
McKinley Corbley
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Childbirth can be stressful for everyone, especially for a boy who is only 10 years old.

But that didn’t stop Jayden Fontenot from helping to deliver his newborn baby brother and save his life.

Jayden’s mother, Ashley Moreau, was at their home in Sulphur, Louisiana earlier this month when she went to use the bathroom and her water suddenly broke – over one month earlier than when she was originally scheduled to give birth.

Moreau was also horrified to see that not only was she bleeding profusely from a torn uterine lining, but her baby’s feet were also poking out, leaving it in the “breech” position: a condition that can increase the risk of birth complications.

CHECK OUT: 12-Year-old Girl Outsmarts Carjacker and Saves Little Sister

She called her son into the room and asked him to fetch his grandmother from next door.

Unfortunately, the senior had just undergone a back surgery, making her too weak to walk over to their house. As Jayden ran back to help his mother, his grandmother called 911.

“I said (to Jayden), ‘You’re going to have to deliver your brother, and we have to do it fast because the baby’s feet are turning blue and he can’t breathe,’” Moreau told TODAY. “He said, ‘Tell me what I need to do and I’ll do it.’‘

RELATED: Boy Trips, Falls and Discovers Rare Million-Year-old Fossil

After rotating the infant into a safer delivery position at his mother’s instruction, Jayden managed to help his mother through the birthing process. But once the delivery was finished, Jayden realized that his brother was not breathing.

He then ran to the kitchen and grabbed a nasal aspirator that he had seen his mother use on his 1-year-old sister Remi. By the time emergency paramedics arrived at the scene, Jayden had already used the device to restore his brother’s breathing.

Newborn baby Daxx has been recovering at the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, but he is expected to be sent home in the coming week.

“Every time I think about it, I just cry,” said Moreau. “I don’t think Jayden understands what he’s done and how big it is.”

Click To Share The Inspiring News With Your Friends (Photo by Ashley Moreau)

Pit Bulls Save Children From Venomous Snake Lurking in Their Yard

By
McKinley Corbley
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While pit bulls might sometimes get a bad rap, these two pups are being hailed as heroes after they rescued a youngster from a copperhead snake.

Last week, Slayer and Paco the pit bulls were playing in the yard of their home with their owner’s grandchildren: 4-year-old Zayden and 1-year-old Mallory.

As the dogs were playing with the kids, however, they suddenly became transfixed on something in the grass. The dogs’ owner, Melissa Butt, says that since the pitties are very well-trained, she became alarmed when they would not stop barking at the unknown disturbance.

CHECK OUT: Pit Bull Elected as Town Mayor in Landslide Election

While Butt went to investigate the source of the dogs’ distress, her grandchildren were taken inside by their parents.

Butt then saw a copperhead sitting in the grass.

The dogs continued to stand guard over until the snake lashed out and bit Paco on the elbow and Slayer on the snout.

Slayer then killed the snake and the dogs were rushed to the emergency animal veterinarian 40 minutes away in Brandon, Florida.

RELATED: Pit Bull on the Verge of Euthanization Given 2nd Chance by Police

But don’t worry – after being treated with antivenin, Slayer and Paco are now recovering back home, and their family is overwhelmed with gratitude.

“There’s nothing I can say or do to show how grateful I am,” Butt told TODAY. “How do you thank someone for saving your loved ones?”

Well for starters, the Butt family has rewarded Slayer and Paco with plenty of treats and toys – and of course, tons of cuddles and kisses.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Pawesome Story With Your Friends (Photo by Melissa Butt)

International Space Station Photobombs Solar Eclipse (And Other Stunning NASA Pics)

By
Good News Network
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Well, it’s over. The great North American solar eclipse tracked across America as crowds gazed into the heavens with their protective eye glasses in cities and towns nationwide.

Some people – within the narrow path of totality – saw a total solar eclipse for a few moments, the first in this country in 38 years.

“I was in the totality path…and holy crap it was absolutely gorgeous,” wrote a South Carolina Instagram user named combustioncat.

NASA posted some incredible photos, and the International Space Station Twitter account shared one of them (above) that captured the photobombing of its orbiting spacecraft in front of the eclipse’s path.

The cluster of dark blurs are sunspots but below them and to the right, you can even make out the station’s distinctive solar arrays.

Another image was a composite showing the progression of a partial solar eclipse over Ross Lake, in Northern Cascades National Park, Washington.

A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

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We all had to wear glasses, but looking at the phenomenon through other light spectrums, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory had a magnificent view of the eclipse with their telescope, using 171 angstrom extreme ultraviolet light.

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Chile Rejects $2.5 Billion Iron Mine to Protect Penguins

By
Good News Network
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The Chilean government has just turned down a $2.5 billion mining project in favor of endangered wildlife conservation.

The original project proposal was for an iron mining initiative launched by the Andes Iron firm in the Coquimbo region. The region is dangerously close to the National Humboldt Penguin Reserve: a collection of islands that house and protect the Humboldt penguin, along with several other endangered species.

If Chilean representatives had accepted the proposal, the firm would have begun extracting millions of tons of metal from the earth, as well as building a seaport for the metal’s exportation.

RELATED: India Saves Its Tigers Instead of Mining For $330M in Diamonds

Since conservationists warned that the projects could potentially harm the penguins, the Chilean government refused.

“The compensation measures were insufficient and could not guarantee the protection of species of concern,” Environmental Minister Marcelo Mena told the Associated Press.

“We are not against economic development or projects that are necessary for the country’s growth, but they must offer adequate solutions for the impact they will have.”

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by BZD1, CC)

Wind and Solar Power Has Likely Saved Up to 12,700 American Lives, Study Says

By
Good News Network
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This new study asserts that not only is renewable energy good for the health of the earth – it is also good for human health.

The research, which was published in Nature Energy, showed that the utilization of wind and solar energy helped to prevent up to 12,700 premature deaths over a 9-year period.

According to researchers at Elsevier, burning fossil fuels releases tiny harmful particles into the air creating pollution, which is known to cause premature death. Policies that aim to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels like coal often cite the potential health benefits – and related cost savings – linked to reducing toxic emissions.

CHECK OUT: All Cars Sold in Norway to be Electric by 2025

An increase in 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air pollution particles can cut a person’s life expectancy by 9 to 11 years – more than previously thought.

In addition to positive health benefits, the researchers estimate that the renewables are worth between $5.3 billion and $106.8 billion in “cumulative climate benefits” over the course of the 9-year period.

Should the USA continue to invest in sustainable energy, researchers expect that the number of Americans positively affected by the shift will increase.

Power Up With Positivity: Click To Share (Photo by Otodo, CC)

Once a Quadriplegic He Now Throws Ceremonial First Pitch After Breakthrough Treatment

By
Good News Network
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No one ever believed that Lucas Lindner would be able to use his arms again, let alone throw the first pitch at a Major League baseball game.

That’s why the crowd erupted into cheers when the Eden, Wisconsin youth threw the first ball at Miller Park for the Reds versus Brewers game last week.

“Throwing out the first pitch at a Major League game is not something I could have imagined a year ago,” said Lucas.

Only 14 months previously, Lucas had suffered a severe spinal cord injury when his car swerved off the road and into a tree in order to avoid hitting a deer. He was flown to the hospital and given immediate surgery to stabilize his spine. He was left without the ability to move his limbs below the neck and upper arms.

CHECK OUT: First Ever Quadriplegic Treated With Stem Cells Regains Motor Control in His Upper Body

Then, in June 2016, Lucas was given an innovative stem cell treatment by Shekar N. Kurpad, the director of the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Program.

One of only five people to receive this treatment in the United States, Lucas has since regained the ability to move his triceps, hands, and fingers.

“I want to show everyone that there is hope that spinal cord injury patients can regain function,” says Lindner. “I am looking forward to going back to school, pursuing my dream of working in the IT field and living independently someday.”

“When I first met Lucas about a year ago, he had some use of his arms and little to no use of his hands or fingers,” said Dr. Kurpad. “The fact that he is throwing out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game is amazing. It illustrates the strides medical science is starting to make in helping paralyzed patients regain useful function. I’m very encouraged by the early results we are seeing with AST-OPC1”

(WATCH the video below)

Score Big With Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by Caitlin Moyer)

Watch Cute 4-Year-old Reassure His Frightened Sister at the Car Wash

By
McKinley Corbley
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This tearful toddler was terrified by the impending doom of the car wash – but thankfully, her brave brother was there to console her throughout the ordeal.

Declan and Raleigh Price were with their parents in Los Angeles, California when the family car needed a good scrub, so they visited one of their local car washes.

Little Raleigh, upon seeing the vehicle ahead of them become engulfed in the scary washers, started to cry.

Declan, who knew the spinning sponges were harmless, grabbed his sister’s hand to reassure her: “We are going to get home very fast,” said Declan. “We won’t die.”

Though his 2-year-old sister continues to wail intermittently throughout the carwash, her 4-year-old brother is there with her the whole time.

RELATED VIDEO: Grumpy Toddler Suddenly Stops Crying the Second She Sees Her Sister: “I love her so much!”

Finally, by the end of the washer phase, Raleigh starts to giggle and smile in excitement over the rinsing cycle.

“We’re going home!” smiles Declan. “All done!”

It is now probably safe to say that – thanks to her brother’s confidence – Raleigh won’t be afraid of the car wash anymore.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Adorable Exchange With Your Friends

Man Gives Up Six-Figure Salary to Teach at Poor School, Then 95% of His Students Go to Top Colleges

By
Good News Network
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This school teacher used to be a high-powered lawyer with a six figure salary – but he gave it all up so he could help young people in his home neighborhood, one of the poorest areas in England.

Before Mouhssin Ismail started teaching at the Newham Collegiate Sixth Form school in East London, he worked at the international law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright.

 

After teaching for just one year, 190 of his 200 students are set to go to some of Britain’s best universities. Of that percentage, nine have been accepted to Oxford and Cambridge. One of the students has even been given an offer to study at MIT.

CHECK OUT: Teacher Shows Students How Negative Words Can Make Rice Moldy

The 38-year-old economics instructor says that he first became inspired to work in education after becoming tired of impersonal financing.

“After a couple of years, I felt unfulfilled,” said the teacher, according to the Daily Mail. “I didn’t think, ‘that’s great, I have just done another £50 million deal,’ I thought, ‘am I making a contribution to society?’”

“I believe in the transformational nature of education and I want to give the most able students of Newham the very best chance of going to the most competitive universities in the country and abroad,” says Ismail.

“My vision for The NCS is to make sure that the young men and women that leave us have the skills and habits of mind to be able to become future leaders in their chosen profession and in society at large. They will be confident visionaries who seek out opportunities and find new ways of thinking.”

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British Columbia to Ban Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunting

By
Good News Network
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Starting on November 30th, grizzly bear trophy hunting will be banned in the Canadian province of British Columbia.

“This action is supported by the vast majority of people across our province,” said the Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson. “By bringing trophy hunting of grizzlies to an end, we’re delivering on our commitment to British Columbians.”

“In particular, we owe it to generations past and future to do all we can to protect the beauty and uniqueness of the Great Bear Rainforest. We believe the action we’re taking goes beyond the commitment to Coastal First Nations made as part of the 2016 Great Bear Rainforest agreements.”

CHECK OUT: Thriving Yellowstone Grizzlies to Leave the Endangered Species List

According to a statement released by the Government of British Columbia, there are currently 15,000 grizzly bears in the province, mostly in the 24,000 sq. mile (6.4m hectare) temperate rain forest along the Pacific coast.

In addition to outlawing trophy hunting, government officials hope to provide further funding for environmental and wildlife conservation.

Click To Share This Unbearably Good News With Your Friends (Photo by Aquila Chrysaetos, CC)

Student Saves Man’s Life Minutes Before Interviewing to be Paramedic

By
Good News Network
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When this college student was waiting to start a job interview, he had no idea that he was in the right place at the right time – that is, until someone in the coffeehouse started choking.

The wildest coincidence was that the Sacramento State student was about to interview for a paramedic internship at San Luis Ambulance in Sacramento, California.

Wil Stewart was waiting around for the interview with some of the other prospective interns when a nearby man started to choke.

RELATED: Ex-prisoner En Route to Job Interview Takes Shirt Off Back to Save Man’s Life

Stewart immediately realized what was problem was and started giving the man the Heimlich maneuver. After a few pushes, the patron recovered.

Even though he saved the man’s life, Stewart did not even mention it to the interviewer, Fred Motlo.

“We didn’t know! No one told us until after the fact,” Motlo told the Tribune. “He was very humble about the event and he didn’t mention it to us.”

Needless to say, Stewart got the job.

(WATCH the video below)

Save A Life: Click To Share With Your Friends – Image from KTXL Fox-40 News video

Boots Were Made For Walking – and Helping This Baby Flamingo Grow Healthy and Strong

By
Good News Network
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This baby flamingo named Squish is definitely following in Blondie’s footsteps with his cool new blue booties.

Zoo keepers from Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park first found Squish in an abandoned egg three months ago. After keeping him in an incubator, he finally hatched in early June.

Since he needs sunlight and exercise in order to grow healthy and strong, Squish is taken for daily walks through the zoo.

RELATED VIDEO: Hummingbird Refuses to Leave the Dog Who Saved Her Life

In order to protect his feet from the hot concrete, however, zoo keepers made him his own set of blue snap-on boots.

Flamingos are typically accustomed to walking in soft mud, rather than concrete – but thanks to his sweet kicks, his feet are expected to develop just fine.

In one month, Squish will join a flock of 300 flamingos in the bird park.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Eggsellent Story With Your Friends (Photo by Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park)

Homeless Hero Tackles Carjacker Who Was Impersonating an Officer

By
Good News Network
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Thanks to his quick-thinking, a homeless man is being lauded as a hero after he saved police from having to pursue an alleged carjacker earlier this week.

According to a spokeswoman at the sheriff’s Santa Clarita Valley station, the carjacker showed up to test drive a woman’s pickup truck that was listed for sale on Craigslist. The man, who was reportedly wearing a black tee shirt that read “Police K-9 Unit”, took off in the car and did not return.

The woman later saw a listing for a white pickup truck on Craigslist that looked suspiciously like the one that had been stolen from her.

RELATED: This Church Vowed to Bring Dignity to Homeless Folks by Building Tiny House Village Next Door

When she arranged a viewing of the vehicle, she found that it was indeed her stolen car. The woman then called police officers to the scene.

“We just rolled to a call for service in Canyon Country where a victim recognized a suspect who had allegedly committed a prior carjacking,” wrote the police department.

Instead of having to pursue the suspect, however, an unlikely hero stepped in.

“As our cars approached the parking lot near Whites Canyon Road and Soledad Canyon Road, the suspect took off running. But then… a citizen caught up to him and TACKLED HIM!! Suspect in custody!!”

The suspect reportedly had a fake police ID badge in his possession. The deputies also say that the civilian who tackled the suspect was a homeless man who was rewarded with a hot meal in recognition of his brave assistance.

Tackle Negativity: Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Santa Clarita Valley Station)

James Murdoch Pledges $1 Million to Famed Anti-Nazi Organization

By
Good News Network
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James Murdoch, son of the conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch and chief executive of 21st Century Fox, has just announced in an email that he will be pledging $1 million to an anti-hate organization.

The donation will be given to the Anti-Defamation League, an international Jewish organization dedicated to promoting equality and ending bigotry.

According to the email that was leaked by the New York Times, Murdoch says that he is making the pledge as a result of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia last week.

RELATED: Schwarzenegger Steps Up For Anti-hate Group: ‘Our Voices Are Louder and Stronger’

“These events remind us all why vigilance against hate and bigotry is an eternal obligation — a necessary discipline for the preservation of our way of life and our ideals,” wrote Murdoch.

“I can’t even believe I have to write this: standing up to Nazis is essential; there are no good Nazis. Or Klansmen, or terrorists,” he added. “Democrats, Republicans, and others must all agree on this, and it compromises nothing for them to do so.”

“We hardly ever talk about our charitable giving, but in this case, I wanted to tell you and encourage you to be generous too. Many of you are supporters of the Anti-Defamation League already – now is a great time to give more.”

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by NRKbeta, CC)

Son of Brazilian Immigrants Given Highest U.S. Medal for Bravery

By
Joao Freitas
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A son of Brazilian immigrants has just been given the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers in the United States.

David Bailey is a Brazilian-American officer of the Capitol Hill Police Department who was given the Medal of Valor for his bravery during the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia in July. Four other first responders were also honored for their heroic actions.

President Donald Trump awarded Bailey the Presidential Medal of Valor for saving dozens of Congressmen, family members, and Congressional staff after an assailant opened fire on a charity baseball game.

CHECK OUT: Realizing “American Dream” Made Tears Flow for This Haitian Immigrant Cadet

Despite being shot in the shoulder during the assault, Bailey is credited for advancing on the attacker without the benefit of cover fire until the man was subdued.

President Trump highlighted the brave act by stating: “We are honoring true heroes today. Their efforts saved many lives in Virginia… So, thank you, officers!”

President Donald Trump said that though the shooting is a reminder that evil is among us, we must also recognize our heroes willing to fight for the greater good.

Most of the Deputies playing in the match, as well as the cops and doctors active for the event, were also in attendance at the White House for the ceremony.

(WATCH the video below)

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Divorce Lawyer Helps Save Marriage by Asking Four Simple Questions

By
Joao Freitas
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This divorce lawyer may have lost a potential customer by saving a marriage – but he still has no regrets.

Rafael Gonçalves, a lawyer from the small Brazilian town of Sao Sebastiao do Paraiso, became famous on social media for salvaging a marriage by asking four simple questions. He first met the couple when they went to his office and started explaining their reasons to file for a divorce. Gonçalves noticed, however, that they seemed to still like each other.

Gonçalves’ then wrote down a list of the documents they would need for divorce – but at the bottom, he also wrote down four additional questions that he asked for them to answer before coming back.

1. Did I do everything I could to save this marriage?
2. Is a divorce really the best option today?
3. Who is influencing my decisions?
4. How many problems did you overcome together and how you met?

A few days later, the couple returned to the office saying that they decided not to move forward with the divorce.

CHECK OUT: Couple Finally Opens Mysterious Wedding Gift From 9 Years Earlier

“I don’t think I did anything special and, in my opinion, all my colleagues should act the same,” Gonçalves told the Good News Network. “Nobody starts dating planning to break up, and nobody marries planning a divorce. We live in a society that trade or throw something away instead of fixing it, and this is sadly applying to relationships, too.”

The couple decided to take a picture of the piece of paper and share it on social media with the hopes that it would help other marriages. At the same time, Gonçalves doesn’t consider himself special for his actions.

“Sometimes all it takes for a marriage to work is to find someone to pause a moment of conflict and allow them the opportunity to adjust,” he added. “Truth be told, I still get requests of people needing help in their relationships and people letting me know that their lawyers started using the same questions.”

RELATED: German Parliament Votes to Legalize Same-sex Marriage

Since the photo of the note went viral, Gonçalves has started a social media group for women to discuss their problems.

“I also have two secret groups on Facebook with almost half a million woman (I am the only guy in the group), and everything they post is classified,” he told GNN. “This way, I’ve created an opportunity for dialogue – they talk about problems in relationships, sometimes abuse, ask for suggestions, law and medical advice, etc. It’s a real virtual city only for women.”

Gonçalves also plans on publishing a book in the coming year.

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Sacking Homework, County Schools Tell Parents to Read With Their Kids Instead

By
McKinley Corbley
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In this Florida county, kids will no longer be burdened with hours of harrowing homework – instead, they will be encouraged to read with their parents.

That is because Marion County, Florida has issued a “no homework policy” for all 31 elementary schools in the district. The decision will not affect middle or high schools.

The Marion County School District Superintendent Heidi Maier says that the schools issued the policy in light of several studies stating that kids perform better when they are not being forced to do homework. Instead of covering worksheets and textbooks, the students are being asked to read for at least 20 minutes every night.

CHECK OUT: 60 Schools Are Installing Washers and Dryers For Homeless and Troubled Students

The policy does not represent an outright ban, either. Teachers can still assign homework for larger projects at their discretion – but the district refuses to allow tediously large workloads any longer.

School representatives believe that the initiative will give kids more motivation and freedom over their education, especially if they are able to choose their own reading materials.

Any parents who feel that they might have trouble fulfilling the reading request can receive additional support from school programs and resources.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Berger_Meister, CC)

Watch Adorable Toddler Mistake Batman Statue as Her Father

By
McKinley Corbley
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Some of us might know the feeling of getting cold shouldered when you call someone’s name – but when this toddler was trying to get her father’s attention, he just stood there like a statue.

Although, it might be because it was, in fact, a statue.

But it wasn’t just any statue – it was a statue of Batman.

The mother of the 22-month-old toddler posted a video of the youngster repeatedly trying to get the statue’s attention by calling out “dada”.

RELATED: Cop Apprehends Suspect – All While Dressed as Batman

While some social media users have insisted that she is probably just saying “Batman”, the parents say that the toddler has never even been exposed to Batman before (they’re reportedly more of a Marvel family, rather than DC).

“I’ve never dressed up as Batman. I don’t even have Batman stuff around the house,” says the father. “The only thing I can think of is the huge muscles that resemble mine.”

Considering Bruce Wayne’s checkered parenting past, it is probably a good thing that she doesn’t associate her loving father with the lonesome Dark Knight. But one thing is for sure – you might be as crazy as the Joker if you don’t think that this toddler is the cutest thing ever.

(WATCH the video below)

Holy Parenting, Batman! Click To Share With Your Friends

Vietnam Vet With Dementia Reassured When Colonel Tells Him ‘Your duty is done’

By
McKinley Corbley
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It has been decades since Lawrence Silk fought through three different tours in Vietnam – but due to his dementia, he still wakes up some days and feels like he has to ship out and start fighting once more.

As a means of soothing his troubled mind, however, Lt. Col. Andy LaFrazia stopped by the veteran’s bedside with an important gift.

LaFrazia first heard about the 84-year-old’s troubled predicament when Silk’s daughter Julie Dunn and her husband Kenny posted about her father’s condition on social media.

CHECK OUT: Dying Man’s Last Wish Fulfilled 45 Minutes Before He Passes Away

“He believes he has to return to the war to complete his tour and is very upset that his memory care home will not let him go,” wrote Kenny. “He is currently in hospice care and through his ups and downs, he consistently is haunted by his need to do his duty.”

The couple pleaded for a military official to present their troubled father with some kind of commemoration or certificate that would remind him of his finished service and put his worries to rest.

After being widely shared on Reddit and Facebook, LaFrazia – who coincidentally had served in the same squadron as Silk – volunteered to visit Silk at his care home in Vancouver.

WATCH: Mom With Dementia React to Being Given Robotic Cat

“Today, Lt. Col. LaFrazia presented my dad … with a certificate of appreciation from the US Air Force, a USAF Civil Engineering badge, and challenge coins from the Prime Beef and Red Horse Units,” says Julie.

“He also brought with him a reassuring message that his responsibilities to the USAF and the Vietnam Conflict have been concluded and he never has to worry again about returning.”

Since posting the photos of the exchange on social media, the couple has become inundated with support and appreciation. Though Kenny and Julie don’t know how well the gifts will stave off their father’s dark memories, they are still grateful for the gesture.

“When a loved one loses their memory in the twilight of their life, the most that we can hope to give them is comfort and dignity. We feel truly blessed that a community of strangers came together to help us bring that to him when he needed it the most.”

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photo by Julie Dunn)

Former White Supremacists are Helping Others to Renounce Their Extremism

By
McKinley Corbley
-

These volunteers know what it is like to be fooled into believing racist propaganda – which is exactly why they have now dedicated their lives to assisting other extremists to see the light.

Life After Hate is a nonprofit that employs former neo-Nazis and white supremacists to help others renounce their extremism and hateful lifestyles.

The organization, which was founded in 2011 by other members of the American far right movement, utilizes education, dialogue, and community in order to help extremists realize the root of their hatred.

RELATED: Black Man Befriending KKK Members Has Led to 200 People Quitting the Organization

While Life After Hate is based in Chicago, their Exit program has cropped up in several countries around the world, including Germany, Sweden, the UK, and Norway.

“Through personal experience and highly unique skill sets, we have developed a sophisticated understanding about what draws individuals to extremist groups and, equally important, why they leave,” says the organization. “Compassion is the opposite of judgment and we understand the roles compassion and empathy play in healing individuals and communities.”

In addition to providing counseling and community, the organization also assists their clients in more physical ways: helping them find jobs, get tattoo removals – even move houses.

While it is unclear exactly how many former members have experienced such a shift in perspective, the organization says that they have experienced a surge in phone calls and emails in recent months. The trained volunteers, however, are always ready to answer.

CHECK OUT: 95-Year-old Holocaust Survivor Has a Roommate: a 31-Year-old Granddaughter of Nazis

Exit UK states on their website: “We believe one of the most crucial steps is simply talking through and sharing with people, formers stories. Accepting what you have done, what you have believed and coming to terms with that.

“We know many people will never want to talk to people with ‘Far Right’ views as they simply will never understand how people can become involved, but we do and it is from this position we can talk, listen and develop real relationships and offer alternatives, that don’t include violence and hatred.”

Due to a recent cut in federal funding, the nonprofit is currently seeking financing through crowdsourcing and donations. Life After Hate hopes to further their work by utilizing online strategies to dissuade and discourage susceptible individuals from extremist rhetoric on social media. Additionally, they hope to partner with Muslim community representatives in order to combat ISIS-inspired extremism.

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Andrew and Hobbes, CC)

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