Positively Uplifting Stories | June 16 2025

In these times of increasing polarization, it’s easy to fall into the trap of indifference. No matter how bleak things may appear, know that people still care.

There are individuals actively working to make life better for others. And acts of kindness save lives every day, everywhere.

“The very nature of kindness is to spread. If you are kind to others, today they will be kind to you, and tomorrow to somebody else.” - Sri Chonmony

Kindness can open hearts. A simple act of giving can spark a transformative process in someone’s life.

Let’s take a look at stories that are a testament to the power of generosity.

• A cat finds a loving home after surviving a fatal fall
• A teen’s work ethic touches hearts
• An elderly woman sews stuffed dogs that promote healing
• Pups bring joy to elderly veterans

Positively Uplifting Stories | June 16 2025

Helicopter pilot gives cat a second chance at a loving home.

Chelsea Tugaw is a helicopter pilot who rescued a senior cat that miraculously survived a nearly 400-foot fall in Bryce Canyon National Park.

The tabby cat, Mirage, was orphaned after her owners died in the fall.

Once Mirage made a full recovery at a specialty vet hospital, Chelsea decided to adopt her.

After getting a second chance at life, Mirage is now thriving in a loving new home.

“I know that a lot of senior pets have a hard time getting adopted sometimes, so I didn't want her to spend an extended amount of time in the shelter waiting for somebody to adopt her, especially when she needed vet care. So, I knew that day after we rescued her, I immediately decided that I'd love to have her in my home and give her a good retirement,” said Chelsea.

Teen’s act of generosity on graduation night leads to a life-changing outcome.

After attending his graduation ceremony at Mills Creek High School, Mykale Baker went to the local Burger King, where he works, to pick up food for his family.

Donning his graduation medals, Mykale jumped in to help his Burger King coworkers prepare the customers’ orders, despite not being scheduled to work that night.

Customer Maria Mendoza captured the moment through a drive-through window, which ended up going viral. Witnessing the outpouring of support for Mykale, Maria set up a college tuition fundraiser on his behalf. The fundraiser has raised over $200,000 so far!

Mykale can now afford to go to college!

"I like helping people and not expecting anything back from it. That's just me. I knew that all the good I put out there is going to come back to me somehow," said Mykale.

Elderly woman sews stuffed dogs that bring comfort to children in need.

Margie Conlin uses her passion for sewing to bring some comfort to children battling life-threatening illnesses and disabilities.

The 92-year-old sews life-sized dogs for children in hospitals.

She has partnered with Chasin A Dream Foundation, which offers support to children in need.

Along with the stuffed dogs, the organization also provides a hospital backpack containing an iPad, toys, oils & diffuser, blanket, and other comfort items.

“Lori can get the parents’ permission to send me pictures of the children hugging the dogs, and she tells me stories about them, like one little boy who wouldn't go anywhere, but when he got the dog, he'd go everywhere as long as he could take his dog. So that's what it’s about, and I think it was a blessing for me to be able to do this,” said Margie.

Pups bring companionship to elderly veterans.

Hero’s Bridge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving veterans' quality of life. Their Paw Patrol program brings service dogs to visit assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centers.

A group of volunteers brings these adorable furry friends to visit homes and nursing facilities to help veterans feel less alone and promote healing. 

“People that are in these facilities may not have a lot of moments of joy. And if we can bring them one at least or three, you know, at that time, then that's all that matters,” said J.D., a volunteer for Hero’s Bridge.

Showing Kindness Costs Nothing

Just like Margie Conlin, who uses her passion for sewing to cheer up sick kids, we all have something we can contribute to making the world even a little bit better.

We say it all the time, but sometimes something as simple as holding a door for someone, smiling at a stranger or waving when someone lets you in during some crazy gridlock - you never know when you're reminding others that there are friendly folks all around them.

Thanks for reading everyone, and have a great week ahead!