In September, I learned of the death of a special friend of my nephew's, Alyssa Josephine O'Neill. Alyssa passed away at the age of 18 due to complications of epilepsy. She was about to begin college at Penn State Behrend at the time of her passing. Alyssa was a kind girl, with a beautiful heart, and she showed kindness to all whom she met. Alyssa cared about everyone, in such a genuine way.
Below is a link to read about Alyssa's story, and the Pay It Forward activities that others across the world are spreading in her honor.
It all started with the desire for a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks....Click the link to read more...
Below is a link to read about Alyssa's story, and the Pay It Forward activities that others across the world are spreading in her honor.
It all started with the desire for a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks....Click the link to read more...
Tonight at the Devon Starbucks I #AJO' d and bought a gift card to pay for however many coffees it would cover in honor of #AJO. It was my second time doing this. It caught the site manager's attention, and the employees working tonight chipped in and doubled the amount on the gift card. My friends and I stayed and had our coffees. The people who came up to me/us to thank me for paying it forward to their benefit were super nice and shared their stories of how this small act of kindness touched their hearts tonight. People of all walks of life and across many cultures shared with us and opened their hearts. One woman was on her way through PA from Delaware to visit a friend dying in hospice and was very tired and sad. Having an #AJO cup of coffee warmed her heart and brought tears to her eyes. Another woman and her mother thanked me, and said "We should do more for others. It feels good." and started to talk about how they could make a difference in the lives of people in need. An older gentleman just smiled and said "thank you, thank you for sharing your friend's story. It meant a lot to me tonight." And there were more who came to talk to us. Their stories touched me. I'm so blessed to be able to share love with others and to make a difference.
Not only that , but Starbucks corporate was called and the story shared with them tonight, and corporate will be doing something with The National Epilepsy Foundation in terms of raising funds for education, awareness and care programs.
#AJO . Shine on beautiful girl, shine on.
It is my hope that you, too, will #AJO it, and pass along kindness to someone else. No matter how big or how small the act, your caring can touch others' in such a profound way.
Not only that , but Starbucks corporate was called and the story shared with them tonight, and corporate will be doing something with The National Epilepsy Foundation in terms of raising funds for education, awareness and care programs.
#AJO . Shine on beautiful girl, shine on.
It is my hope that you, too, will #AJO it, and pass along kindness to someone else. No matter how big or how small the act, your caring can touch others' in such a profound way.