We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
I’m sure most of us have heard about the ALS Ice Bucket challenge or known people who have done this. This event helps bring awareness to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) as friends challenge one another and help raise funds to combat this devastating disease.
In Bay Village, Ohio, a group of high school students convinced their 14-year-old autistic classmate to do the challenge. However, instead of the bucket being filled with ice water, they filled it with urine, feces and spit. Then, they dumped the disgusting contents of the bucket on him as they recorded it and later posted it to Instagram.
Can you imagine this being done to any special needs children you may have or may know? Can you imagine this being done to anyone?
Bullying is an act of cowardice. Taking advantage of others is pure weakness.
But, we do not have to be bystanders. We don’t have to stand by and shake our heads. We can take action.
When GiveForward came across this story, they started a fundraiser for this boy to show him love, rather than hate, and to teach him that he is a hero for knowing that was wrong and being able to come out and talk about what happened.
GiveForward is the world’s #1 fundraising site for helping people in need. They help people come together and give support when they need it most. Since 2008, they have helped families raise over 120 million to help cover their expenses during hard times or honor the people that they care about.
GiveForward knows that when people don’t stand around being bystanders, magic can happen. This was made clear when a bomb exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and this nation made a collective decision that we were going to do something about it.
One of the many fundraisers started at that time was for a newylwed couple, Pat and Jess, who lost their legs in the bombing. Friends, family, and so many that were outraged by what happened that day were able to raise almost $900K for them, making sure that they would never have to worry about any of their medical expenses as they deal with their new life with prosethetic legs.
When we see tragedy or injustice in the world, we don’t have to stand helplessly by, we have an outlet.
We can help
It’s incredibly brave that this boy in Bay Village, Ohio has shared his story. Let’s rally together behind him to show that we are here for him and that we think he’s awesome. The money we raise will go directly to his family, but far more important than any financial contribution, please leave words of support on his GiveForward page so that he knows that he’s not alone in this fight.
The goal is 1000 comments on this page.
Lastly, love only triumphs if we all share it. So… If you believe that this young man is awesome and you want to let him know, please share this with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. If you’ve ever been bullied or know someone who has been bullied, please share this. If you believe that tolerance is something you want to stand for. If in your heart, you believe that LOVE is stronger than HATE, please share this.
When we see tragedy or injustice in the world, we don’t have to stand helplessly by.
Rather than being bystanders, let’s step up. Let’s make a difference. All of us working together can do great things. All of us working together can help make love the new reality.
Disclosure: This is a partnered post with Give Forward to help raise awareness.
I was so sickened by what happened to that poor boy. I hope that the kids involved with it will be seriously punished.
One of my favorite charities to donate to is “It gets better”. The help a lot with the LGBT community, especially kids.
Give Forward sounds like a great way to help out those smaller causes that can get over looked.
This makes me happy. We need more initiatives like these to cancel out the bad ones!
This young man lives in a city not too far from me. I think this is horrendous and I can’t believe anyone would be so cruel! I am really hoping that when they punish these boys that the make them do some sort of community service and get some education on Autism. This young man and his family have been very brave to come forward. Bless them.
Give Forward sounds like a great program. There is no excuse for hate.
Give Forward sounds like an really awesome program! Thanks for sharing!
This post was exceptionally meaningful to me because I recently lost a cousin to suicide due to bullying. Thank you so much for spreading the word.
Thanks for bringing awareness. Give Forward sounds great!