Since its founding, the United Nations has worked to drive global progress and tackle urgent problems on all fronts — from health and development, to human rights and equality, to peace and security. As the world commemorates the UN’s 75th anniversary, let’s reflect on all that humanity has achieved together, and all that is still…
Since its founding, the United Nations has worked to drive global progress and tackle urgent problems on all fronts — from health and development, to human rights and equality, to peace and security.
As the world commemorates the UN’s 75th anniversary, let’s reflect on all that humanity has achieved together, and all that is still left to do.
To learn more, visit: https://unfoundation.org/un75
Tell the UN the future you want: https://un75.online/partner/unfoundation
In the second season of Freedom to Thrive, host Hector Flores explores the immigrant experience, and what we can all learn from it.
Ifrah Mansour is no stranger to conflict.
A Somali refugee and current resident of Minneapolis, the multimedia artist and activist draws on her lived experiences to create work that explores trauma, displacement, and resilience. But like so many of the guests on Freedom to Thrive, an award-winning podcast produced by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), Mansour doesn’t want to focus only on trauma; she also wants to celebrate the unexpected beauty she’s found during difficult experiences.
“One of the beautiful things about tragedies is that it activates hearts, and courageous people are born,” she says. For example, Mansour has noticed more Minnesotans than ever are reaching out to help the vulnerable, after the anti-immigrant crackdowns carried out by the Department of Homeland Security. “They are bringing food, they’re bringing extra clothes, they’re walking with people, and it’s just really beautiful.”
Hector Flores, co-founder of the Las Cafeteras and host of Freedom to Thrive, agrees with her. A child of immigrants himself, he has also seen how hope and hardship often live side by side.
Flores comes from a family with mixed status and is highly aware of the challenges immigrants and refugees in his community face, and how they’re affected by people’s misconceptions. “People want to know about trauma all the time, but we’re more than just undocumented,” he says. “We’re artists, singers, creatives … there’s so much richness in the culture.”
At its core, Flores’ comment is exactly what the Freedom to Thrive podcast is all about: Celebrating immigrants as complex, dynamic individuals, and challenging the dominant narrative that too often reduces them to symbols of hardship.
Launched in 2024, Freedom to Thrive explores heritage, resilience, community, and the ways art and comedy can spark social change. Now in its second season, the podcast continues to feature conversations with immigrants, policymakers, artists, musicians, activists, and more. Recent guests have included comedian Mo Amer, Grammy Award-winning singer Lila Downs, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Where the first season focused on individual stories of identity and belonging, Flores says his goal for season two, where he joins as host, is to “take it to the next level” — using storytelling to highlight “the fact that we’re more similar than different.”
One recent podcast episode drives this point home. In December, Flores interviewed Bryan Andrews, a rising country music star and rural Missouri native who frequently uses his platform to speak about issues affecting immigrant families. At the heart of his message and his songwriting, Andrews says, is the idea that small-town Americans and the rest of the country, including immigrants, have more in common than they realize.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Andrews says on the podcast. “We’re all trying to make a living and we’re tired of getting railroaded by corporate greed or by politicians who don’t care.”
Rural Americans, Andrews says, are often stereotyped as racist and misogynistic but “the overwhelming majority of people in my home town have love in their hearts.” Media stereotypes often amplify differences and divide, he says, but at the end of the day, “we’re all in this together.”
Flores, who was raised in a working-class immigrant neighborhood in East Los Angeles, had similar thoughts. He says he often sees its residents stereotyped as wealthy, consumerist, and status obsessed. “That exists, but that’s not my life, that’s not my community,” he says. Like small-town Americans, people in the city “just want to work hard and take care of their families. We all want the same thing.”
Although the podcast tackles some heavy issues, each episode’s ultimate focus is how personal and collective struggles can be healed through art, driving home a message of hope and resilience:
Mansour’s episode about her experiences in Minnesota is just one of many examples. Flores asks her,
“What gives you hope for the people creating a home here?”
“The love I feel from other Minnesotans. It is trumping any hate we’re experiencing,” she replies.
CTA: Stream all episodes now on the Freedom to Thrive YouTube channel or the website, here.
The podcast has been nominated for a Webby in the “Belonging & Inclusion” category. You can vote for it to win until Thursday, April 16!
This article is part of Upworthy’s “The Threads Between U.S.” series that highlights what we have in common thanks to the generous support from the Levis Strauss Foundation, whose grantmaking is committed to creating a culture of belonging.
It’s super easy, no purchase or donation necessary, and you help our oceans! That’s what we call a win-win-win. Enter here.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing back our favorite giveaway with Ocean Wise. You have the chance to win the ultimate ocean-friendly date. Our recommendation? Celebrate love for all your people this Valentine’s Day! Treat your mom friends to a relaxing spa trip, take your best friend to an incredible concert, or enjoy a beach adventure with your sibling! Whether you’re savoring a romantic seafood dinner or enjoying a movie night in, your next date could be on us!
Here’s how to enter:
She’s up before the sun and still going at bedtime. She’s the calendar keeper, the lunch packer, the one who remembers everything so no one else has to. Moms are always creating magic for us. This Valentine’s Day, we’re all in for her. Win an eco-friendly spa day near you, plus a stash of All In snack bars—because she deserves a treat that’s as real as she is. Good for her, kinder to the ocean. That’s the kind of love we can all get behind.
Special thanks to our friends at All In who are all in on helping moms!
Grab your favorite person and get some much-needed ocean time. Did you know research on “blue spaces” suggests that being near water is linked with better mental health and well-being, including feeling calmer and less stressed? We’ll treat you to a beach adventure like a surfing or sailing class, plus ocean-friendly bags from GOT Bag and blankets from Sand Cloud so your day by the water feels good for you and a little gentler on the ocean too.
Special thanks to our friends at GOT Bag. They make saving the ocean look stylish and fun!
Love nights in as much as you love a date night out? We’ve got you. Have friends over for a movie night or make it a cozy night in with your favorite person. You’ll get a Disney+ and Hulu subscription so you can watch Nat Geo ocean content, plus a curated list of ocean-friendly documentaries and a movie-night basket of snacks. Easy, comfy, and you’ll probably come out of it loving the ocean even more.
Soak up the sun and catch a full weekend of live music at BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach, May 1–3, 2026, featuring Duran Duran, The Offspring, James Taylor and His All-Star Band, The Chainsmokers, My Morning Jacket, Slightly Stoopid, and Sheryl Crow. The perfect date to bring your favorite person on!
We also love that BeachLife puts real energy into protecting the coastline it’s built on by spotlighting ocean and beach-focused nonprofit partners and hosting community events like beach cleanups.
Date includes two (2) three-day GA tickets. Does not include accommodation, travel, or flights.
Stay in and cook something delicious with someone you love. We’ll hook you up with sustainable seafood ingredients and some additional goodies for a dinner for two, so you can eat well and feel good knowing your meal supports healthier oceans and more responsible fishing.
Giveaway ends 2/15/26 at 11:59pm PT. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email from the Upworthy. No purchase necessary. Open to residents of the U.S. and specific Canadian provinces that have reached age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence at the time. Please see terms and conditions for specific instructions. Giveaway not affiliated with Instagram. More details at upworthy.com/oceandate
It’s super easy, no purchase or donation necessary, and you help our oceans! That’s what we call a win-win-win. Enter here.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re teaming up with Ocean Wise to give you the chance to win the ultimate ocean-friendly date. Whether you’re savoring a romantic seafood dinner, catching waves with surf lessons, or grooving to a concert by the beach, your next date could be on us!
Here’s how to enter:
Hang ten on the ultimate ocean date! Whether you’re beginners or seasoned surfers, a cozy stay by the ocean and surf lessons will have you riding the waves and making unforgettable memories together.
Get cozy and explore the wonders of the ocean right from your couch! Whether you’re diving into breathtaking documentaries or finally watching My Octopus Teacher, enjoy a full year of streaming on us.
Soak up the sun and enjoy Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Alanis Morissette, and more at BeachLife Festival May 2-4, 2025. Celebrate your love for music and sea at the LA’s Premier Beach Music Festival!
Learn how to make a delicious meal with Matthew Kammerer who has earned a Michelin green star due to his commitment to sustainability in addition to two Michelin stars for his restaurant – Harbor House Inn.
Sustainable seafood isn’t just delicious, it’s an excellent way to combat overfishing. Enjoy dinner for two at the incredible Wrench and Rodent, courtesy of Chef Davin Waite in San Diego, California. Wow your date with both a delicious meal and the knowledge you’re supporting a healthy, thriving ocean!
Giveaway ends 2/11/25 at 11:59pm PT. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email from the Upworthy. No purchase necessary. Open to residents of the U.S. and specific Canadian provinces that have reached age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence at the time. Please see terms and conditions for specific instructions. Giveaway not affiliated with Instagram. More details at ocean.org/date
Serving up Christmas trees and pizza dinners, Postmates partnered with local businesses to deliver holiday cheer to the Boys & Girls Club families of Altadena.
On December 17th, the holiday magic arrived on wheels. As a room full of kids watched in delight, a Postmates delivery truck adorned with lights and topped with giant replicas of burgers, fries and ice cream pulled up in front of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena’s Mackenzie-Scott branch bearing Christmas trees, twinkling lights, inflatable decorations, and STEAM-inspired toys designed to spark imagination and discovery. And as if that moment weren’t magical enough—it even snowed that day (thanks to a snow machine, also courtesy of Postmates).
Since early 2025, Postmates has made a concerted effort to support communities affected by the Eaton Fire, which was the fifth deadliest and second most destructive wildfire in California history. Postmates and Uber jointly pledged $3 million toward fire relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the fire—and in the months since, they’ve continued to show up and find meaningful ways to uplift communities that were affected the most.
Altadena residents, in particular, suffered profound losses. Beloved churches, community gardens, and longtime local businesses were destroyed, and entire residential neighborhoods were devastated as well—including nearly half of the area’s Black households. The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena quickly became a hub of relief for Altadena and Pasadena families in the hours following the fire—and so bringing holiday cheer back to the Club felt like a true full-circle moment and a heartfelt way to honor a community still rebuilding.
Dozens of kids at the holiday party enjoyed face-painting, crafts, and pizza—but the holiday cheer didn’t stop there. Postmates also partnered with local restaurants such as Prime Pizza, HomeState, Kismet Rotisserie, and Howlin’ Rays to deliver meals, gifts, and tokens of appreciation to local nonprofit organizations and LA Fire Station 11 that have supported Altadena’s recovery.
For many in the Altadena community, this holiday season marks the first since being displaced, losing homes or businesses, or grieving loved ones as a result of the fire. While rebuilding will take time, this small holiday celebration offered a moment of joy, comfort, and togetherness amid so much grief, guiding the way forward for the families who need it the most.
Want to keep spreading holiday cheer to Altadena? Shop local this holiday by ordering from LA restaurants, and consider making a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena by clicking here.
The news can be bleak—so we’re here to brighten it up a bit.
Joy has a way of finding us when we least expect it. Sometimes it’s as small as the sound of a contagious laugh. Other times, it arrives in big, unforgettable moments—like a stranger showing up with an unexpected Christmas gift for a child in need.
These moments of joy are everywhere online, quietly breaking through the noise. But with today’s nonstop news cycle, they can easily get overshadowed by stories that are heavy, dramatic, or discouraging. We’re here to change that.
We all need reminders of what joy looks like—and better yet, what it feels like. That’s why we’re highlighting the five best examples of pure joy we’ve seen on the internet this week. From small, everyday wins to life-changing acts of kindness, these moments are your excuse to pause the doomscrolling and soak in something good.
@michlivinlife The best day of my life so far ? I found out at 8am and had to keep it inside until 6:30pm when he got home from work ? #pregnancy #triplets #pregnancyannouncement #viral #husband @bradyfrags ♬ som original – Músicas Legendadas
In what she calls the “best day of my life so far,” content creator @michlivinlife found out early one morning she was pregnant after over two years of trying to have a baby. When her husband got home from work that evening, she led him into the spare bedroom, supposedly to show him how well she was able to clean it out. But once they went inside, the secret was out, thanks to a small sign she set up on a rocking chair, flanked by a baby blanket and a teddy bear. Watching her husband’s expression, and their hug at the end, shows you just how overjoyed they both are to share in the news.
Best of all, though? This couple is in for another big surprise — and a lot more joy — because they find out shortly after that there’s more than one baby they’re expecting. Like, several more. That’s right — triplets. That’s a lot to be joyful for!
@solpanozzo Everything I’ve done, has always been for you. We are HOMEOWNERS #FYP #foryou #homeowners #surprise #daughter ♬ original sound – Sol
Imagine having to keep a secret from your kid. It’s not easy — especially when it’s a happy secret and you’re bursting at the seams to tell. The joy at the end is worth it, though, and nowhere is it more evident than in this video, where a mom gets to reveal her long-kept secret to her daughter — the empty house they’re touring is actually their new house. Surprise! Cue all the happy tears.
Meet George. George was born with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, a genetic condition that makes bones extremely fragile and easy to break. George has been getting intensive, specialized care for his condition since he was just 15 days old.
Here’s the joyful part: Thanks to years of surgical care, physical therapy, and bone-strengthening infusions he received at Shriners Children’sTM, George is able to walk, run, sing, act in local plays (his favorite) and live his life to the fullest, despite living with his condition.
George’s story is truly amazing — and it also reminds us why supporting other people truly matters: Shriners Children’s is committed to caring for all children who need them — no matter how complex their needs are and regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status. They’re able to do that through generous donations from people like you.
Want to learn more about helping children like George reach their greatest potential? Learn how you can support Shriners Children’s this giving season, here.
Have you heard of the “Whitney Houston Challenge”? Long story short, in Whitney Houston’s classic song “I Will Always Love You,” there’s a loooonnnng pause between the bridge and the final chorus. Just before Whitney starts singing the iconic “And Iiiiii…” part of the song, there’s a single drum beat that interrupts the long pause — and apparently it’s really hard to hit at the exact right time. It’s such a challenge, in fact, that people have taken to holding friendly competitions where they line up and try to hit the drum beat, one by one.
Which brings us to this video, where students from Township of Ocean Intermediate School had their own Whitney Houston challenge and one of their own absolutely nails it. When he does, every student, teacher, and staff member is there to celebrate — and chances are, you’re watching at home and celebrating right alongside them, because hitting that note is difficult. And there’s nothing more joyful than watching someone absolutely nail a difficult task. Way to go!.
@shea_mchugh i’m speechless? #littlebrother #specialneeds ♬ original sound – xavier
Getting a new job is always something to celebrate—but there’s something really special about this video from content creator Shea McHugh, who films her brother, Gavin, sharing the news that he’s landed a job working at his school’s coffee shop. (Even more exciting: he gets to SKIP MATH CLASS to work in the coffee shop, which is even more of a reason to celebrate, honestly.)
Gavin’s news is joyful in itself — but even more joyful is the obvious love these siblings have for each other. Have you ever heard more “I love you”s in a single TikTok? Or a brother calling his sister “divine” and “incredible”? The love just radiates off these two, as well as the supportive parent in the background. Brb, watching this video on a loop.
Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.
Donate today during the 3X Match Challenge to make 3X the life-changing impact for patients.
The news can be bleak — so we’re here to brighten it up a bit.
Joy shows up in all kinds of unexpected places. Sometimes it’s simply the sound of someone’s laugh (we all have a friend who laughs like this, right?). Other times, something on the internet makes you feel joy, like this TIkTok of two high school kids who go out of their way to include their friend on the sidelines.
Whatever it is, the internet has a knack for bringing these bright, heart-lifting moments up to the surface — which is lucky for all of us, because some days the news cycle can be anything but bright and bubbly.
We all need tiny reminders of what it looks like when people feel joy and spread joy around to other people without hesitation which is why we’re here to highlight the five best examples of pure joy we’ve seen on the internet this week. Strap in — these will have you feeling extra joyful.
@jordyyhard men take notes!!! a year ago today and only 6 months until our wedding!!!! ??✨ #2026bride #engagement #proposal #couple #fypage ♬ all yourn – lyrics?? (taylors version)
As if a proposal weren’t joyous enough, this guy takes his devotion to a whole other level (and has everyone in the comments section emotional in the process). TikTok creator @jordyyhard revealed that after asking for her hand in marriage, her now-fiancee also took the time to plan a surprise party at their favorite restaurant with all their friends and family invited to congratulate them. What a keeper. Also, why is my screen blurry every time I watch this video? (Spoiler: I’m crying.)
@destineytaylorr if your best friend doesn’t cry when she walks in and sees you in a wedding dress.. is she even your best friend?? don’t worry, i didn’t pick this one. #bestfriend #weddingdress #crying #2026bride ♬ original sound – dessy333
If your best friend doesn’t start immediately sobbing when she sees you in your wedding dress, do you even have a best friend? In this video posted by TikTok creator @destineytaylorr, her best friend is shown crying joyful tears and leaving the room immediately after seeing her bestie all gowned up for her big day. The fact that they’re both crying and laughing just makes it even more joyful. The bride is happy, the friend is happy, and we can’t help being happy for both of them. Total happiness overload and we love to see it.
Talk about joyful: When Chloe smiles, she has the ability to light up the entire room. But what makes her smile truly extraordinary is knowing everything it took to get there.
Since being adopted from China at age 4, Chloe has received surgeries, speech therapy, and dental care to treat cleft lip and palate — a facial condition that can make eating, speaking, and even smiling a challenge. This kind of long-term, specialty care can be overwhelming for families — but thanks to Shriners Children’sTM , Chloe has been able to receive expert medical care and compassionate support in every area of her life. Today, she eats with ease, speaks clearly, and shares her smile with everyone around her.
@corinne.chanteuse Replying to @Lou thank you ? #pulsedanceshoes #doyouloveme @funcychaos #lindyhoppers #swing @Pulse Dance Shoes ♬ Do You Love Me – Mono Single – The Contours
No, we don’t know the context of this video. We don’t know why this couple is dancing, and frankly, we don’t really care. All we know is that this song, combined with this girl’s joyful dance moves have us watching the entire thing on a loop. Not only does this couple make swing dancing look easy, you can tell they are having the most fun (and they’re moving so effortlessly they make it seem easy). More of this, please, internet!
@shanelledenisecamp I know you couldn’t see him in the first clip. Here is another angle ?
♬ original sound – Shanelle De'nise Cam
If we could bottle the pure joy and love in this video, it would cure seasonal depression. Long story short, a private school in Atlanta called Ron Clark Academy (RCA) has special “coat days” to celebrate students’ achievements. Students who have shown hard work and character are eligible to be awarded an RCA jacket—but they don’t just give these things to anybody. Students also have to write an essay and be voted on by the staff.
In this video, when one exceptional young man is awarded a jacket, the entire auditorium EXPLODES in congratulations. Watching the celebration takes more than one TikTok video, because it just doesn’t end — the administrators, the teachers, and the students just give him an endless supply of hugs and support. Have you ever seen more joy in one room? We doubt it.
Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.
Donate today during the 3X Match Challenge to make 3X the life-changing impact for patients.
Thanks to specialized care, Chloe has a new smile — and the courage to show it to the world.
At first glance, you’ll see Chloe brimming with enthusiasm: she loves piano, art class, and Sour Patch Kids. But behind her bright smile is a deeper story — one of resilience and strength.
Adopted at age 4, Chloe was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate, a complex condition that makes eating and speaking difficult. Chloe was home in the United States for only a month before her adopted family began setting up a care plan for her eventually leading to Shriners Children’s™.
For Chloe and her family, specialized care is about far more than repairing her cleft lip and palate — it’s about giving her the freedom to follow her dreams without anything holding her back.
Like Chloe, approximately 1 in 1,700 babies in the United States are born with cleft lip and palate. While it might seem like a straightforward surgical issue, in reality it’s a complex condition that affects multiple systems of the body during all stages of a child’s growth. Shriners Children’s provides specialty care for cleft lip and palate, which can include surgeries, dental care, speech therapy, and more.
For Chloe’s condition, as well as many others, Shriners Children’s provides care, regardless of the families’ insurance status or ability to pay. Thanks to generous donors, families whose children have complex conditions can access expert medical care as well as assistive devices, long-term rehabilitation, custom orthotics or prosthetics, and surgeries, among other things. In one year alone, Shriners Children’s performed more than 24,000 surgeries, 446,000 procedures, and welcomed 62,000 new patients. Donor gifts also help Shriners Children’s provide medical care at international outreach clinics, as well as provide telehealth services to children in underserved areas of the world.
Thousands of children who pass through Shriners Children’s receive care that transforms their health and their future. And Chloe — who now smiles and speaks confidently after multiple surgeries, therapy, and dental care provided by Shriners Children’s — is one of them.
“I want Chloe to be confident with herself and her speech,” said Casey, Chloe’s mom. “Shriners Children’s has gone a long way in helping us get there.”
Now, Chloe can pursue her dreams — big and small — with confidence. Whether she’s creating art and working toward her dream of becoming an art teacher, or hoping to travel to China to see where she was born, the care she received from Shriners Children’s has opened the door for her to chase any path she chooses.
For Chloe, Shiners Children’s has become more than just a hospital — it’s a place where her smile, her voice, her confidence, and all of her dreams can develop and grow alongside her.
Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible here and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.
Donate today during the 3X Match Challenge to make 3X the life-changing impact for patients.
The news can be bleak—so we’re here to brighten it up a bit.
Joy shows up in all kinds of unexpected places. Sometimes it’s simply the sound of someone’s laugh (we all have a friend who laughs like this, right?). Other times, it’s two hundred strangers coming together to sing this season’s most heart-wrenching song (we’re not crying, you’re crying).
Whatever it is, the internet has a knack for bringing these bright, heart-lifting moments up to the surface — which is lucky for all of us, because some days the news cycle can be anything but bright and bubbly.
We all need tiny reminders of what it looks like when people feel joy and spread joy around to other people without hesitation—which is why we’re here to highlight the five best examples of pure joy we’ve seen on the internet this week. Big and small, here are five truly joyful moments you’ll be glad not to have missed.
@bama_babe_life Our group was able to bless her with $1,300 today. Thank you @Connie❌️ for the invitation! #friendsgiving #blessingsonblessings #fypシ #lovethislife #dennys ♬ Just A Simple Thing – HomeGrown Ed
Here’s a moment where the joy is practically palpable. Here, a group of friends gathers to celebrate “Friendsgiving” at a local restaurant. When it’s time for each of them to tip their waitress at the end of their meal, they’ve all got a special surprise in store — an unexpectedly massive tip from each of them. Watching this video you can see the shock ripple across the waitress’ face in real time, and you can actually feel her gratitude. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant during the holiday rush, you know just how deeply a gesture like this lands. It’s the kind of kindness that it’s clear she’ll cherish for the rest of her life.
@farm.livin He is a good one #daddy #daddysgirl #fatherdaughter #fatherhood #starbucks ♬ Jacob and the Stone SLOWED – ssxmusic
Let’s hear it for the dads — especially this one. Here, TikTok creator, @farm_living, captured a video of her husband during his morning routine: Warming up their daughters’ cars and quietly throwing away the empty coffee cups they’ve left behind. Even sweeter, this creator shares that her girls’ father keeps his kids well stocked with their favorite coffee, just because he knows they love it, and just because he doesn’t want them to go without something small that makes them feel loved. This guy is definitely setting the bar high for their future husbands, and that alone is something to celebrate.
We can’t think of anything more joyful than a child being able to experience a level of freedom and quality of life that former generations had only hoped for.
Alex is the latest of four generations of family members born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a disorder that makes bones extremely fragile and prone to breaking. His great-grandmother, his grandmother, and his mother, Chandra (pictured here), faced a lifetime of broken bones, hospital visits, and constant worry.
But Alex’s life looks very different. His mother Chandra donated her bone marrow for a study that eventually led to a treatment that is now the standard of care for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta — including Alex. Thanks to Chandra’s gift, Alex receives infusions that regulate calcium levels in his blood and slow bone breakdown.
None of the life-changing care he receives would be possible without Shriners Children’sTM, which has been caring for Alex’s family for years. Through Shriners Children’s, the family has been able to access compassionate care and specialized treatments, including Alex’s transfusions. He’s been able to walk and run independently – an accomplishment that once seemed impossible.
@serenaneel maybe the best day of my life ???? #angeltree #walmart ♬ original sound – Serena Neel
It’s the holiday season, which means you might see Christmas trees in your local schools, churches, and retail stores, covered with tags instead of ornaments. These are known as Angel Trees—a holiday charity program run by all kinds of different organizations, where participants select a tag and purchase wish list items for children, seniors, or families in need.
While it’s not great to remember that there are people in need during the holidays, seeing some of the generous Angel Tree giving videos that are making their way across the internet right now is seriously a source of joy—for the viewer, for the giver, and for the recipient. Here, this creator goes above and beyond to get her “Angel Tree” kid their dream Christmas present—a literal pet cat. After getting permission from the child’s parents, TikTok creator @serenaneel goes to an adoption center, picks out the perfect Calico cat, and then loads up at the local pet supply store with everything they’ll need, including kitty litter, scratching posts, food, collars, and even some kitten toys. (That’s right: This creator is so generous she even gave *the cat* presents!) We (the viewer) don’t get to see the boy meet his new cat at the end—but the TikTok creator does, and based on her report, it’s safe to say he loved it. (Who wouldn’t?) Talk about a joy-filled holiday.
@autumnacord so proud of everyone!! ??? #acomplishments #christmasparty ♬ What Was I Made For? (Epilogue) [Instrumental Version] – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt
We love holiday traditions, and this particular one is going viral for all the right reasons. Here, a friend group gathers to celebrate all their accomplishments from the past year, big and small. To do this, they take turns introducing themselves to the camera, listing one or two big accomplishments (while they decorate a pie—it makes sense in the video), and having everyone cheer (loudly!) for everyone else. At the end you’ve got a pie full of decorations, a room full of supportive friends, and everyone feeling the joy. Now this is a holiday tradition we can get on board with.
Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.
Donate today during the 3X Match Challenge to make 3X the life-changing impact for patients.
For Alex and his family, osteogenesis imperfecta spans four generations — and Shriners Children’s has been there every step of the way with life-changing care.
Like his mom, grandma and great-grandma before him, Alex was born with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, otherwise known as “brittle bone disease.” For every family member before him, the condition meant a lifetime of broken bones, hospital visits, and constant worry — but that story is now changing. With the support from Shriners Children’s™, Alex is experiencing a level of freedom and quality of life that former generations had only hoped for.
Alex’s family’s story began in 1934, when his great-grandma June started fracturing her bones at the age of 10. June would be nearly a teenager before she received a diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta — and, with that, she became one of the first patients with the condition to be treated at Shriners Children’s.
June’s daughter, Wanda, was diagnosed with the same condition at Shriners Children’s shortly before she was born in 1955. Like her mom Wanda spent a significant part of her childhood in the hospital, often watching her siblings line up outside the hospital window to wave and wish her luck between surgeries.
When Wanda’s daughter was born, Chandra spent years undergoing treatment at Shriners Children’s for osteogenesis imperfecta, like her mom and grandma before her. Experiencing more than 200 fractures in her early years, she was unable to walk before age 22 — but no less determined to make life better for others with her condition. Chandra donated her bone marrow to be used in a study, and the results contributed to the OI protocols and treatment that are now the standard of care all over the world. Best of all, this study would go on to benefit her own son, Alex.
While her treatment journey was challenging, Chandra also cherished her experience at Shriners Children’s. “The staff was like family to me,” she said.
Shriners Children’s has been providing that same level of professional care for families across the country. Founded in 1922 — just two years before June was born — Shriners Children’s has been providing specialty care to children with a wide variety of complex conditions, such as orthopedics, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and others.
But Shriners Children’s doesn’t provide this care alone. All services are made possible by generous donors. Through their giving, patients are able to access specialty care as well as adaptive equipment, long-term rehab, surgeries, and more. In one year alone, Shriners Children’s performed more than 24,000 life-changing surgeries, as well as 446,000 procedures. On top of that, they delivered tens of thousands of prosthetic and orthotic devices for patients in need and welcomed an additional 62,000 patients on top of that.
With Chandra’s bone marrow donation, along with the compassionate care he was able to receive through Shriners Children’s, Alex is now able to live a life his family only dreamt of. To treat his condition, Alex receives infusions that regulate calcium levels in his blood and slow bone breakdown.
“When Alex started walking between one and two years old, I was shocked,” Chandra said. “The fact that he was able to walk, even run, and knowing I had a part to do with that, makes my heart happy.”
Without consistent treatment, Alex’s family believes he might still be spending most of his time in the hospital, facing broken bones and countless fractures. Instead, the compassionate care he receives has given him a bright future — and has made Chandra eternally grateful.
“Shriners [Children’s] is amazing with him,” she said. “I love Shriners [Children’s] so much.”
Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.
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