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Neighbors rally to throw an epic early Halloween party for a boy with terminal cancer

Nearly 1,000 people showed up to make sure it was a lasting positive memory.

By

Heather Wake

sick kids
Photo credit: Photo by Rohan Reddy on Unsplash – Halloween should be a time of pure joy for kids.

It’s not every day that an act of kindness looks like a parade of witches, zombies and monsters. But for the Hurdakis family, it’s one they’ll likely never forget.

According to CBC, 5-year-old Alexandros Hurdakis had undergone surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation to fight ependymoma (a brain tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord) for most of his young life. On top of these intense and expensive therapies, Alex uses a tracheostomy tube to breathe and eats with a gastrostomy tube. Despite his challenges, nothing stops him from “lighting up a room.”

Though the treatments did help, eventually his tumor grew back, and his parents, Nick and Kira, finally received the message they had been dreading—the cancer was now terminal. The family’s GoFundMe page shared on Sept. 8 that doctors expected them to lose Alex “within a week.”

Alex’s heartfelt wish was to celebrate Halloween by seeing the monsters at the haunted house in Niagara Falls. Though doctors said Alex would have to stay close to home, the entire community stepped up to bring Halloween to him..

A lot of the credit goes to Paula Tzouanakis Anderson, a family friend who blasted the community group page on Facebook looking for some basic decorations to build a modest haunted house.

Tzouanakis Anderson received an overwhelming amount of response from people wanting to help. So much so that she asked city officials to block off the street in preparation for a bona fide block party.

Alex wished for monsters and he got them. People paraded through the street dressed as dinosaurs, witches, zombies, Freddy Krueger, Darth Vader and more. Even English bulldog Rubble from “PAW Patrol” (one of Alex’s faves) showed up. There were decked-out cars and motorcycles, plus festive face painters and cotton candy vendors. It was an all-out banger, and it became possible in a little over two days.

The expected guest count was initially 200. They had somewhere around 1000.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ciq3LtKsFXl/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=58934d7c-8289-4b71-89a2-9d77298f99b3

“I started crying,” Tzouanakis Anderson told CBC on Sept. 15, the day after the party. “So many individuals came together to make this night great.”

“We never expected so many people to help out,” Nick added. “It was something else. There are no words.”

As for Alex, he enjoyed giving everyone high-fives well into the night, despite being tired. “[Alex] was waving to every single person in the crowd. He knew it was for him …. You could see the love in his eyes,” Tzouanakis Anderson said.

Support from the neighborhood continued to roll in long after the party had ended, as they were able to gather donations to help the Hurdakis family cover medical expenses during such a difficult time. Halloween is a time for fun and magic, and these strangers showed up in a big way to ensure Alex wouldn’t miss out. His time might be limited, but he got to experience the pure joy of the holiday, thanks to a loving community. This is humanity at its best. If you’d like to donate to the Hurdakis family, you can find their GoFundMe page here.

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  • NFL fan laughed so hard at kicker’s flub he had a seizure. Then doctors made a lifesaving catch.
    Photo credit: Atlanta Falcons/Wikimedia Commons – A man had such a big reaction to a kicker's missed kick that he went to the hospital, where doctors made a lifesaving discovery.
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    NFL fan laughed so hard at kicker’s flub he had a seizure. Then doctors made a lifesaving catch.

    “I wholeheartedly believe I was in the right spot at the right time.”

    Evan Porter

    Football is a dangerous sport. From ACL tears to concussions, athletes risk it all from the moment they step foot on the field. An NFL career without at least one catastrophic injury is a rare exception.

    Watching it at home, however, is supposed to be relatively safe. One man’s story proves that isn’t always the case, especially when fans get a little over excited by a generational folly.

    Kicker’s flub causes fan to laugh way too hard

    Mark Toothaker of Kentucky was watching a game from the comfort of his home last season. The New York Giants were taking on the New England Patriots, and Giants’ kicker Younghoe Koo was lining up for a routine field goal.

    In inexplicable fashion, Koo missed. He didn’t just miss the field goal uprights, he missed the ball entirely, with the toes of his right foot slamming into the ground several inches away from the ball’s laces.

    Koo has been a good kicker throughout his career, but this was one of the worst misses of all time. Few analysts had seen anything like it before. The broadcasters were besides themselves. Unfortunately for Koo, the slow-motion, close-up videos of his blunder quickly became viral meme fodder.

    Toothaker was right there watching along with everyone else, but he didn’t get to enjoy the moment for long. He was laughing so hard after watching and rewatching the replay that he suddenly collapsed.

    “I’ve never felt anything like this in my life,” Toothaker told the AP. “I felt like I got electrocuted.”

    Toothaker had suffered a seizure. Further testing showed a surprising result.

    Toothaker’s wife, Malory, called paramedics and an ambulance quickly got him to the hospital. Doctors determined he had had a seizure—his first—but that’s not all.

    CT imaging revealed a large tumor on Toothaker’s brain: the source of the seizure. He’d suffered no symptoms at all until his intense laughter preceded the intense seizure.

    Seizures can have all kinds of fascinating triggers, including music, being startled, or even laughter. Some specific forms of epilepsy have precise triggers like a certain body part being touched or having your natural stride broken by someone stepping in front of you.

    It’s impossible to say if the laughter from Koo’s viral miss caused the seizure, but don’t tell that to Toothaker:

    “I wholeheartedly believe I was in the right spot at the right time, and he was the trigger for that happening. It was a miracle.”

    younghoe koo, giants, nfl, new york giants, nfl kicker, sports, athletes, sports stories, heroes, good luck, medical emergency, seizure, near death experience
    Mark Toothaker’s CT scan revealed the source of his seizure. Photo Credit: Canva Photos

    He says he thinks about what might have happened if the seizure had hit him while driving or out in public; how he could have died or accidentally hurt someone else.

    Instead, the tumor was identified and removed quickly. Doctors say it was benign, and Toothaker has no lasting damage from the seizure or the surgery to remove the mass.

    In medicine, luck is a matter of life and death

    Stanford Medicine writes about how many crucial medical discoveries were happy accidents, and how good fortune always plays a big role in whether people ultimately live or die:

    “We’d be fooling ourselves if we thought that we actually had that much control over the direction of medicine. Medicine is intractable and unpredictable, and luck plays a larger role than we’d like.”

    Some people might call Toothaker’s story a miracle. Others might just call it a case of fantastic luck that he happened to be watching and just so happened to find the NFL moment so dang funny.

    younghoe koo, giants, nfl, new york giants, nfl kicker, sports, athletes, sports stories, heroes, good luck, medical emergency, seizure, near death experience
    www.allproreels.com — Washington Football Team at Atlanta Falcons from Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA October 3rd, 2021 (All-Pro Reels Photography)

    Whatever it is, Toothaker says he’s grateful to Koo: “I know it wasn’t his best moment…For [Malory] and I to be belly-laughing at his expense, which I feel terrible about now, but it all worked out in the end, that for me it couldn’t have been a better moment.”

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  • All 60 employees of Toledo restaurant win the ‘boss lottery’ with a free Caribbean cruise
    Photo credit: Canva – The restaurant workers of The Standard went on an unforgettable trip.
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    All 60 employees of Toledo restaurant win the ‘boss lottery’ with a free Caribbean cruise

    “It was the best thing we’ve ever done.”

    Erik Barnes

    A good restaurant owner knows that it takes the entire team to ensure success. From the head chef creating the menu to the front of the house that cleans the floors, everyone plays an important part. With that in mind, The Standard Restaurant in Toledo, Ohio decided to treat the entire staff of over 60 people to a Caribbean cruise. 

    During the first week of January 2026, The Standard closed its doors so its workers could get on a flight and enjoy a three-day Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas. The whole staff from cooks to servers enjoyed karaoke, basketball, the beach, scavenger hunts, and delicious group dinners. 

    Chef Jeff Dinnebeil and manager Megan Lingsweiler, the husband and wife owners of the restaurant, also provided holiday bonuses and ensured no lost wages so the employees could relax while they were away.

    For many employees of The Standard, this was the first time they’d ever had such a vacation.

    “At first, I was nervous because I’ve never been on a cruise. I’ve never been in a plane. I’ve never been anywhere, so it took me a minute,” cook Andrew “Duke” Jackson told The Toledo Blade. “I had never been in the ocean before, so that was the first for me. Chef kind of made me get in there. But once I got in there, it was everything.”

    “It was just such a unique experience getting to see 60 of your co-workers around the boat,” said server Allison Latta. “And some of these people, it was their first time flying, and it was their first time seeing the ocean.”

    The Standard’s high standards for work and play

    The Standard touts itself as an American bistro that serves meals during dinner hours. The food and service contribute to the dozens of positive Yelp reviews from Toledo residents. The owners are happy that the customers are happy, but wondered what they could do to make their employees happy, too.

    Grateful for their work, Dinnebeil and Lingsweiler wondered how to best thank their staff. When their family went on a cruise themselves, inspiration struck.

    “We made that decision on January first of 2025, on a boat that we were on with our kids. We followed through with it, and it was the best thing we’ve ever done,” said Dinnebeil. “Our staff is everything—they’re the blood, life, and the heart of that restaurant.”

    “This is what we live for,” said Lingsweiler. “We live to experience and to enjoy, and there’s no greater people than the ones that are working for us.”

    The staff was excited for the trip, but ultimately appreciative for the camaraderie and support that their employers gave them. Treating them as valued members of a team and as cared-for individuals motivated them to continue working at their best for The Standard.

    “Everybody went on there as employees, and, when we left and went back home, everybody was like family,” concluded Jackson.

    Other ‘boss lottery’ wins

    There are other employers like Dinnebeil and Lingsweiler who acknowledge their employees with generosity. The owner of a Chik-Fil-A restaurant in Pittsburgh gave employees expensive Christmas gifts ranging from a week’s worth of salary to a Toyota RAV4 car. The owner of a Baltimore commercial real estate company gave out $10 million in bonuses to his 198 employees. After his family-owned business in Louisiana was sold for $1.7 billion, the owner gave all 540 full-time employees an average of $443,000 per worker.

    It goes to show good bosses knows that success and cooperation are at their best when each employee is shown gratitude and shares in the rewards.

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  • Albert Einstein’s advice to his son is applicable wisdom for parents today raising resilient kids
    Photo credit: Wikipedia & Canva – Albert Einstein and a father helping his daughter ride a bicycle.
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    Albert Einstein’s advice to his son is applicable wisdom for parents today raising resilient kids

    Einstein shared his wisdom with his youngest son, Eduard.

    Emily Shiffer

    Kids today are struggling with resilience. A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that only 40% of school-age children in the United States were “flourishing.”

    Study leader Christina D. Bethell explained more about how researchers defined “flourishing.” She noted, “Family resilience and connection were important for flourishing in all children, regardless of their level of adversity. Parent-child connection had a particularly strong association with child flourishing.”

    And it’s that lack of resilience that highlights the struggle many kids face today, as well as the challenge for parents trying to instill it in them. It’s something Albert Einstein was aware of in the early 1900s and worked to cultivate in his three children.

    Einstein’s advice on resilience

    Einstein was the father of three children with his first wife, Mileva Marić: a daughter named Lieserl, and two sons, Hans Albert and Eduard. Eduard was the youngest and had great intellectual potential, and he was studying for a career in medicine.

    However, Eduard was afflicted by schizophrenia, which derailed his professional life. He was in and out of a psychiatric sanatorium in Zurich, Switzerland, throughout his life. Einstein described Eduard as having a “delicate nervous system.”

    But the relationship between father and son produced a famous quote from Einstein on raising resilient children, drawn from a 1930 letter to his son Eduard:

    “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

    Einstein encouraged his son to keep moving forward despite his challenges, comparing life’s difficulties to riding a bike and the skills needed to do so, such as balance and momentum.

    How to raise resilient kids

    According to the American Psychological Association (APA), resilience is the “process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.”

    Many parents want to raise resilient children. The APA has shared several helpful ways parents can strengthen their children’s resilience:

    Be a healthy parent

    A child’s resilience begins with having a healthy caregiver. “If you want a child to be functioning well, tend to the person who’s tending the child,” Suniya Luthar, PhD, a professor of psychology at Arizona State University, explained.

    Parents who sought extra support from resources like community support groups and mental health services showed more positive parenting outcomes.

    Stick with a daily routine

    Structure is key to raising resilient kids. Keeping things consistent with schedules, such as setting times for schoolwork and play, creates an environment of comfort and can better help them develop emotional regulation.

    Establish time to check in

    Having regular talks with kids can help them feel safe, express themselves, and receive support. The APA recommends that parents “listen to their concerns and fears when they address them with you and let them know you are there for them.”

    Build them up by reflecting

    Focusing on past “wins” and moments of strength during difficult times is another important way to continue building resilience. Discuss times of accomplishment, such as when kids trusted themselves or made “appropriate decisions.”

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  • Chicken noodle in, Frosted Flakes out. A new trend has people ditching cereal for soup.
    Photo credit: Canva – A woman enjoying a bowl of soup.
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    Chicken noodle in, Frosted Flakes out. A new trend has people ditching cereal for soup.

    American breakfast is essentially dessert. Why not switch to something actually nourishing?

    Tod Perry

    The traditional American breakfast of cereal, pancakes, and waffles is basically dessert in disguise. It’s extremely high in sugar and carbohydrates, low in fiber and protein, and designed to give you a momentary boost of energy that can lead to a big-time crash by the time you get to work.

    To get your day off to the right start, your body really needs protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. That’s why a new breakfast trend is taking hold in America: soup. It’s an easy way to get the nutrients you need, it’s easy to digest, and it’s great for people in a hurry or on a budget.

    Popular food influencer Suzy Karadsheh, creator of The Mediterranean Dish, shared the benefits of soup for breakfast and a recipe for chicken and vegetable soup in a TikTok video earlier this year.

    @themediterraneandish

    Soup for breakfast might sound unconventional, but it’s actually one of the most nourishing ways to start your day! In many Mediterranean (and Asian) cultures, mornings begin with something warm and savory — a bowl of soup wakes up your digestion gently, hydrates your body after a night of rest, and gives you real nourishment before the day gets busy. That’s exactly why this Chicken Vegetable Soup works so well in the morning. It’s light but satisfying, made with chicken, vegetables, fresh herbs, and broth. Nothing heavy — just clean ingredients. Why soup for breakfast just makes sense: 1. It’s easier to digest than most breakfasts 2. It hydrates + nourishes at the same time 3. It keeps you full without the crash If you’re curious to try a savory, comforting breakfast that actually supports your energy and digestion, this Chicken Vegetable Soup is a great place to start! Ingredients: ▢1 tablespoon olive oil ▢1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast ▢Kosher salt ▢Freshly ground pepper ▢3 carrots peeled, small dice ▢3 celery stalks, small dice ▢2 Yukon gold potatoes, small dice ▢1 medium onion, diced ▢1 bay leaf ▢1 teaspoon dried thyme ▢1/2 teaspoon oregano ▢1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste ▢3 large garlic cloves ▢1 (14.5 ounce) can of petite-cut diced tomatoes ▢1 small zucchini, sliced into half quarter moons ▢8 cups (64 ounces) chicken stock ▢1/2 cup chopped parsley Season & sear the chicken: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and cook until golden, about 12 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F). Transfer to a plate. Cook the vegetables: Add carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes to the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add bay leaf, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Finish the soup: Add tomatoes, zucchini, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot to warm through. Garnish & serve: Stir in chopped parsley and serve. #breakfastsoup #soupforbreakfast #breakfastideas #souprecipe #soups

    ♬ original sound – The Mediterranean Dish

    “It’s a soup for breakfast kind of morning, guys. And if it sounds weird to you, let me tell you, soup for breakfast is an ancient remedy. It’s been around for centuries,” Karadsheh said. “First of all, it’s a great way to fight inflammation, especially that morning inflammation right away. And it hydrates way better than water. And it’s also a great way to kick start my digestive system without that sugar crash.”

    Soup is great for hydration

    Soup is great for staying hydrated because, in addition to being a good source of water, it can be rich in salt and electrolytes that help you retain water. That’s a major reason we eat chicken soup when we’re sick and why it can make us feel better.

    soup, asian soup, soup for breakfast
    A bowl of soup. Photo credit: Nguyen Huy/Pexels

    Nutritionist Kat Chan, author of Full Serving, is a big believer in soup for breakfast. 

    “I love that it breaks the breakfast rules,” she wrote. “It’s cross-cultural, and there are no specific guidelines other than including protein, fat, and fiber. A warm, protein-rich, hydrating bowl – with a broth base – stabilizes blood sugar, supports digestion, and helps people feel more settled going into the day.”

    She says that a bowl of soup in the morning is a great way to get your digestive system up and running.

    “From a nutritional therapy standpoint, warm meals are often easier to digest than cold ones, especially if you’re already feeling the chill,” Chan continued. “Eating something warm first thing gives your body a solid hit of protein, fat, and fiber—the kind that keeps blood sugar steady and energy smooth.”

    @foodsatisfyingasmr

    Eating soup for breakfast offers a warm, nutrient-dense, and hydrating start to the day that supports digestion and provides sustained energy. It is a gentle way to nourish the body, reduces, and helps stabilize blood sugar, making it a highly effective alternative to sugary morning foods.  -Improve digestion and hydration -Sustained energy and satiety -Nutrient dense and low calorie -Weight management -Convenience and versatility It may sound unusual at first, but hear me out: soup isn’t just for lunch or dinner. It’s nourishing, convenient, and energizing, offering a satisfying way to fuel your morning. Breakfast soup delivers a range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein in a single, easy-to-digest meal. It’s not only filling but also gentler on the stomach and can help your energy and mood, and keep your blood sugar stabilized. Soup for breakfast also has cultural roots worldwide. In Japan, miso soup is often paired with rice and pickles; in China, congee is enjoyed with savory toppings; and in Korea, hearty soups like Seolleongtang are common first meals. Starting the day with a warm, nutrient-rich bowl is a time-honored tradition. #soupforbreakfast #chinesebaddie #healthyfood

    ♬ Carefree Days – Peaceful Reveries

    Soup is healthy and affordable

    Soup is also a great way for people on a budget to have a nutritious breakfast. A healthy can of soup can cost as little as $2 for a bowl, and if you make it at home, a big batch with fresh vegetables, broth, and a bit of protein shouldn’t set you back more than a few bucks.

    At first, switching from cereal to soup may make a lot of folks do a double-take, but once you get past the fact that it’s a major break from the American cultural norm, it makes a lot of sense. Maybe the weird part isn’t eating soup in the morning, but the fact that we ever thought Frosted Flakes was a great way to start the day in the first place.

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  • Happiness expert shares the ‘real science’ in placing a hand over your heart to lower anxiety
    Photo credit: Canva – A woman puts her hand on her heart.
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    Happiness expert shares the ‘real science’ in placing a hand over your heart to lower anxiety

    Sometimes the simplest actions can help your mental health.

    Cecily Knobler

    Navigating ways to address anxiety can be one of the most beneficial lessons a person can learn. Sometimes we can “trick” the very neurochemicals that send signals throughout the synapses of our brains. In doing so, we might (at least at times) help calm ourselves down when we detect danger.

    A clip of Dan Harris, the 10% Happier podcast host who is often deemed an expert on happiness, has been making the rounds where he gives a “three-step reset” for anxious feelings. During his appearance on radio host/podcaster Elvis Duran’s show, Harris shares what one can do when they begin to spiral.

    First, recognizing that the spiral is happening in the first place is essential. “Notice this is happening,” Harris says. “I’m in a moment of anxiety.”

    Hand on heart

    The second step might be rather surprising to some, especially since it’s steeped in science. “Step number two, and this is where it gets a little cheesy, is… hand on the chest. You can put your hand on your heart. You can hug yourself. A lot of data show this triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. In other words, the aspects of your nervous system that are activated when you’re resting. So it just relaxes you.”

    Talk to yourself like you would a friend

    And third is self-love, in the same way you would love a dear friend. “Say to yourself what you would say to a good friend. Using your own name. I’ll say to myself, usually, ‘Dude. I know you’re worried about losing everything and living in a flop house. But that’s irrational. You’re totally fine. And even if it did happen, you’d still have your wife and son. And all of your friends. And your purpose on earth to help other people. You’re good.’”

    Harris adds context. “Moments like that, if you’re in the car or on the way to a terrible job, or you’re leaving a domestic situation… that stinks. Again, I can’t fix all of that for you. But I can help you navigate regulating your nervous system. Deep breaths, as mentioned, and talking to yourself in a supportive way. Especially if you’re alone and there’s nobody to share your problems with. You can be your own support system.”

    He adds, of note, that simply because these tools can be helpful, doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t reach out for external assistance. “Doesn’t mean you don’t need other people—you do. But you have a lot within your own mind and heart right now that can help you.”

    Three step reset

    On Duran’s Instagram page (and posted elsewhere, as well), the three reset steps are written clearly in the comments:

    “1: Notice you’re spiraling and call it out. ⁣
    2: Put your hand on your heart (yes really!)—science shows this calms you.⁣
    3: Talk to yourself like you would your friend, using your own name.”

    Cortisol reduction

    Upworthy spoke with Dr. Anna Elton (LMFT), who relayed how helpful heart-touching can be in times that are perceived to be stressful. “Research shows that even simple self-touch can reduce cortisol and buffer stress responses by signaling safety to the nervous system. It increases body awareness, helping you feel more in touch with your body and more connected to yourself, while shifting attention away from anxious thought loops.”

    Ancient practices

    Therapist Caitlin Blair helped explain to Upworthy further how it works. “Any practice where you are bringing awareness into your body, such as placing a hand on the heart, can help bring you out of a thought spiral and feel more grounded. Many ancient practices such as yoga have used the hand over heart to feel connected to their bodies and spirits.”

    It’s not just the heart, she adds. “Other similar practices may include adding a hand on your abdomen or belly, where a lot of folks hold their stress, or focusing on their breathing. Anyone who considers themselves an over-thinker or compartmentalizer can really benefit from these body-based practices to reduce stress.”

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  • Why a common World War II experience made Americans choose toilet paper over bidets
    Photo credit: PhotosNormandie/Wikimedia Commons & Canva – American soldiers in World War II and a bidet.
    ,

    Why a common World War II experience made Americans choose toilet paper over bidets

    We’ll probably switch to the metric system before bidets.

    Tod Perry

    The bidet dates back to 18th-century France and, by all accounts, is more hygienic than toilet paper and better for the environment. But, much like the metric system, Americans aren’t adapting to them anytime soon.

    In fact, a 2022 poll found that only 12% of Americans “know a lot about” bidets. Americans make up 4% of the world’s population but use 20% of its toilet paper, while 70% of the world doesn’t use toilet paper at all.

    When you look at the numbers, bidets are a much better option for the environment and for one’s pocketbook than toilet paper. According to The Process, Americans cut down 31 million trees each year for toilet paper, and it takes 37 gallons of water to produce a single roll, while each use of a bidet requires only one-eighth of a gallon.

    Bidets also do a better job of cleaning your rear end than a square of toilet paper.

    “The direct application of water for post-toilet cleansing removes residual fecal matter more effectively than toilet paper alone,” Dr. Farhan Malik, a health and wellness expert, told KTVX-TV. “This can help prevent skin irritation and inflammation in the genital area. The gentle, targeted spray of water also reduces excessive wiping and tugging, which can lead to discomfort.”

    Why haven’t Americans adopted the bidet?

    When Americans were stationed in France during World War II, many visited bordellos, a fact they probably didn’t want people back home to know. In the bordellos, sex workers and their clients used bidets to clean up before and after their encounters, so Americans came to associate bidets with naughtiness and illicit behavior. 

    toilet, bidet, bathroom
    A bidet beside a toilet. Photo credit: Mura.Ts/Unsplash

    “GIs visiting bordellos would often see bidets in the bathrooms, so they began to associate these basins with sex work,” Maria Teresa Hart writes in The Atlantic. “Given America’s puritanical past, it makes sense that, once back home, servicemen would feel squeamish about presenting these fixtures to their homeland.”

    Even before World War II, bidets were associated with contraception and abortion. “The presence of a bidet is regarded as almost a symbol of sin,” Norman Haire, a pioneering gynecologist and sexologist, said in 1936.

    Bidets make economic sense

    What’s interesting is that, even though Americans rejected bidets on moral grounds, that resistance hasn’t been overridden by economic common sense. Americans spend $11 billion on toilet paper every year, and the average person in the U.S. uses 141 rolls annually. A single bidet attachment can cost as little as a one-time fee of $35.

    toilet paper, toilet paper stash, bathroom
    A whole lot of toilet paper. Photo credit: Erik Mclean/Unsplash

    Bidets have been found to be better for your health, the environment, and your wallet, but Americans still won’t switch from paper to a little spritz of water. If the runs on TP during the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t inspire Americans to change their ways, maybe nothing will. 

    “Toilet paper is not a necessity. It is a cultural habit wearing the costume of a necessity. Seventy percent of the human population proves that every single day,” The Process reports. “A product most of the world has never needed became the first thing Americans panic-bought when crisis arrived. Not medicine. Not food. Toilet paper. That tells you something, not about cleanliness, but about how habits take root. They do not grow from logic. They grow from one small misunderstood moment, repeated across a generation, then another, until the habit feels like instinct.”

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  • The heartbreaking reason why this man is running marathons with a 55-lb fridge strapped to his back
    Photo credit: theftdborthers/Instagram (used with permission) – Jordan Adams is running with a fridge to raise awareness of dementia.
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    The heartbreaking reason why this man is running marathons with a 55-lb fridge strapped to his back

    A troubling diagnosis led to a heartfelt mission.

    Heather Wake

    Among the thousands of runners participating in this year’s London Marathon, one figure stood out in a way that was impossible to ignore. As 30-year-old Jordan Adams completed the race with a 25-kilogram (55-pound) fridge secured to his back, heads turned at every mile.

    Yes, it was unusual, but the heartbreaking reason behind it gave the moment a depth that stayed with those who witnessed it.

    Carrying more than weight

    Adams took on the challenge to bring attention to frontotemporal dementia, a condition that has shaped his family’s life for years. His mother, Geraldine, was diagnosed in her 40s when Adams was a teen, and died after living with the illness for six years. Since then, multiple relatives have also been lost.

    He and his brother Cian later learned they both carry the same genetic mutation.

    “I am a carrier. I have a 99.9% chance of getting familial FTD. It’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when,” Adams told the BBC, according to the Bristol Post. “And I just want do as much as I can in the time that I have to help those living with dementia, those impacted by it, so that I leave this world, hopefully in a better place when dementia does take my life.”

    The fridge was never about pure spectacle. It was meant to represent something less visible but viscerally felt nonetheless.

    “Because that’s what it feels like sometimes – like you’re carrying something heavy that no one else can see. I’m doing this to make dementia visible,” Adams said, according to LAD Bible. “But more than that… to show you that whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.”

    A moment shared with thousands

    Running a marathon under normal circumstances demands months of preparation. Doing so with added weight required an even more careful approach, from building strength gradually to repairing equipment when it failed during training.

    Still, it was the atmosphere on race day that left the strongest impression. Cheers from the crowd helped carry him through the most difficult stretches, turning an intensely personal mission into something shared by many.

    “Honestly, it felt like the whole of London was with me and I’ve never experienced anything like that. I probably never will [again] in my life,” Adams recalled. 

    What comes next

    The finish line in London marked the start of another challenge. Within hours, Adams traveled to begin a 32-day run across Ireland, completing a marathon in each county alongside his brother.

    Beyond raising awareness, Adams shared that the “FTD Brothers” had an additional goal: “to try and raise a million pounds before we die of dementia.” This money would go toward research and provide support for families affected by the illness. 

    “We’re on a mission because we have a clock kind of ticking against us, and we want to make as much of a difference in the next 10, 15 years that we have and the time that we have left,” Adams said.

    Choosing how to move forward

    Living with that knowledge hasn’t been easy. Adams has spoken openly online about the emotional toll of his diagnosis, including periods of depression and uncertainty about the future. What helped him through it most was the encouragement he received from those around him. He now aims to provide that kind of hope to others facing similar realities.

    “Losing my mum the way I did changed everything,” he told the Irish Examiner. “Now being diagnosed myself, I had a choice and I chose to do something that shows life doesn’t stop here.”

    How to help the mission

    Donations to the FTD Brothers’ GoFundMe have already climbed rapidly as more people hear their story. 

    If you want to help, you can donate directly to the FTD Brothers’ GoFundMe page here. Every contribution, no matter the size, supports dementia research and resources for families facing the same diagnosis.

    Keep Reading →
  • 9-year-old turns Mom into villain in brilliantly creative comic. She can’t stop laughing.
    Photo credit: Canva Photos – A mom told her son "No" and found herself cast as the villain in his latest drawing.
    ,

    9-year-old turns Mom into villain in brilliantly creative comic. She can’t stop laughing.

    Mom is doing something right.

    Evan Porter

    As a parent, if your kids don’t occasionally hate you, you’re probably not doing your job. It’s never fun, but it is a mom or dad’s main responsibility to keep their children safe, healthy, and to help them develop into a well-rounded adult. That often means saying the dreaded “No.” A lot.

    The uncomfortable part is that children rarely see the wisdom in their parents’ decisions. And sometimes they make their displeasure very well known in ways that can sting.

    Mom stumbles upon 9-year-old’s hand-drawn comics, finds a surprise villain

    Utah-based mom Stacy Goulding happened upon a couple of homemade comic books her nine-year-old son had drawn. Filled with creative titles and lively artwork, they made for an impressive collection.

    Goulding took to Instagram to show off how the hero, a character named Emerald Warrior, did battle in each edition with a new foe: Emerald Warrior vs Farty Balloon, Emerald Warrior vs Mean Clown, and Emerald Warrior vs Bad Spider, to name a few.

    But it was the last comic book that prompted Goulding to title her video: “Moms, if you want ot feel better about yourself, continue watching.”

    In a comic titled “Emerald Warrior vs No Mom,” the hero takes on a mean looking lady in a red dress who says “No” to everything. “Once upon a time there was a mom that never answers her kids questions and always says No,” the comic reads. “Her kids were really sad.”

    Ouch!

    But don’t worry, Emerald Warrior would soon come to the rescue. On the next page, he appears out of nowhere and sprays “Yes Spray” on the mean mom, fixing everything. All the children cheered. The end.

    Mom points out the irony of the story

    Goulding clearly got a good laugh out of the situation, but couldn’t help but notice the overdramatic irony of her being cast as the villain in the story.

    “It’s always interesting seeing ourselves through the eyes of our children,” Goulding wrote in the caption, before going on to explain that her son made the comic after a spring break full of swimming, hiking, birthday parties, late night movies, biking, and more.

    “I think for having a ‘no mom’ they have it pretty good,” she writes of her kids.

    Other parents can relate

    Some reassured Goulding that she was on the right track:

    “The creativity and imagination of it all clearly does say that yes, you are killing it! And the entire series?!? AMAZING.”

    “mine told me I was an evil villain yesterday..bc she couldn’t jump off her top bunk into a pile of stuffed animals..I’d rather be the evil villain instead of the ambulance driver”

    Others were impressed by the boy’s drawing and writing skills. Clearly his boredom and frustration were channeled beautifully into his art:

    “This might be the best parenting advice on the internet! Tell your kids ‘no’ more often so they have to learn how to entertain themselves, develop creativity and writing skills and discover the power of persuasive rhetoric …
    I think you’ve solved parenting”

    moms, motherhood, parenting, boys, kids, family, humor, funny, child psychology, parenting tips, parenting humor, viral instagram, art, drawings
    It can be frustrating for kids to hear ‘No’ all the time, but that doesn’t mean you should stop. Photo Credit: Canva Photos

    Others, still, just wanted to know where they could get their hands on this magical Yes Spray.

    Kids being frustrated is extremely common and normal

    Rest assured, parents, it’s OK and totally normal for your kids to say they hate you—or even to cast you as the villain in their life story. They don’t actually hate you, but it’s sometimes the only way for their brain to process the big feelings of rejection, anger, and frustration at not getting what they want.

    Drawing, and art in general, is another way they process these emotions.

    Goulding, for her part, handled the discovery of the comics like a total pro. Experts say the best way to handle something like this is to “kill it with kindness,” according to Today’s Parent. Don’t react, laugh it off, and remind them that you love them no matter what.

    Bonus points if you can post their moody artwork on the Internet to let hundreds of thousands of other parents know they’re not alone.

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