Random Acts of Kindness

People often stop and ask me how I do it, or wonder why I bother making my story such a public one. The truth is, I do it for myself just as much as others. I've said it on a consistent basis. The positive response I receive is overwhelming and gives me the strength to carry me through the roughest days.

I'll be honest with you, I sometimes get more messages from strangers than my own friends. I've learned to accept this as the new norm. Cancer can be such a scary thing. While the word itself is becoming more commonly used and understood, how to be there for someone battling this disease can be tricky.

Like I said, I get at least 10 messages a day from strangers telling me how inspirational I am or offering to lend a hand around the house. While I do surround myself with amazing friends and family, it's often the people I don't know that leave me in complete awe.



Tonya and Tina (fellow survivor)

A month ago a fundraiser was held in my honour, along with another survivor, Tina. I had never met Tonya, a Country singer, who organized the entire event and performed. But it was a pleasure to spend the night with her and all the others that joined us that evening. I've had a lot of fundraisers held for me since I was diagnosed, and I plan to write about that generosity another day, but what people don't understand is that while I appreciate the money - and it will certainly contribute towards my medical bills, etc. It's actually spending time with everyone that means the most to me. You can't put a price on that kind of support. The kind new people I have the opportunity to meet and the time spent with loved ones is such a blessing.

I'm so moved that Tonya and her husband included me in the evenings festivities. That without meeting me, still wanted to help my family and I. I want to thank everyone else that volunteered their time and efforts as well. I got to meet some great people that night but I think my favourite part was watching Tina receive a new wig. I know the struggle of going through chemo and losing your hair all too well, but that was Tina's first wig. The way her face lit up really touched my heart. We stood there - at the front of the venue, with all of our friends and family united by the same cause. Holding envelopes, wigs and heavy flowers, we joined hands and laughed. It's funny the way the two of us had never met but yet in that moment shared such a bond - two survivors surrounded by so much love. 

Stacey and Gord - Owners of the Midland Drive In

A couple weeks ago I was honoured with another amazing surprise. Stacey and Gord, the owners of the Midland drive in, heard how much I enjoy going so they got in touch with my family and decided to throw me 'A Night for Nicole.' It was literally just my friends, family and I in attendance. They shut down the entire venue and allowed me to pick one of my favourite movies - the original Ninja Turtles won. I had such a fantastic evening! Their friends, Jill and Sheila even volunteered their time to run the concession stand with unlimited snacks!

It wasn't the 80's movie or food that touched me that evening. It was just the idea that these people, that I had never met, genuinely wanted to do this random act of kindness for me. It turns out they all used to work there many years ago. I loved hearing stories of how they all met and worked there as kids -arguing over who was better at soft drinks vs. popcorn. Those lifelong friends found out about my story and just wanted to give me a special night out, what an amazing surprise!

As the movie ended, the endless popcorn bags were handed out and hugs exchanged all around, I couldn't help but think how luckily I am to get to know people like that. What they gave me was so much more than a handful of sweet memories. There must've been close to 50 balloons lining all of the speaker boxes of that field that night. As the festivities came to a close, they began to cut and release them into the dark sky. It was a beautiful sight to watch that many pink balloons float through the night and disappear. In that moment all I felt was love. It's things like that I can't even begin to thank people for.

There have been so many people that have come together to help my family and I over the past few months. Whether it was a night out, donation, warm meal or nice message. I could sit here for hours and write about the kindness of strangers. I can assure you there will be a lot more blog posts about it moving forward. There's just not enough 'thank yous' I can fit into one entry!

From the stranger that covered my bill at a restaurant, (I still don't know who you are) to the family that stopped me at the mall. Please, never feel like you can't approach me. I assure you those words of encouragement and thoughtful gestures made my day. To know that I have so many people following my story and offering their support means the world! You guys remind me that I'm not alone.

I wouldn't wish what I'm going through on anyone, but it's this journey that has given me the platform to get to know so many people. For that, I am very grateful.

Never underestimate how valuable you are to a survivor, or anyone for that matter. Random acts of kindness can go a long way. You don't have to be fighting Cancer or running a fundraiser to help people. Tell someone they're beautiful, hold open that door, or offer to lend a hand. If we all took the time to do more small acts of kindness we could make a big difference!

You guys have made a huge difference in my life. I will continue to fight and make my story public because like I said, it's all of you that remind me I can do this! It's all of your support that help me fight my battle! Together we're an army!

I assure you all of your messages and help have not been random or small. They've made such a big  impact on my life and for that I am forever grateful, thank you.