Roxie Acts of Kindness Program Kicks Off
Meow Meow Foundation launched its Roxie Acts of Kindness program—a derivative of Random Acts of Kindness—on December 13 in front of a capacity crowd at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
“The program is an homage to the way Roxie treated other children throughout her brief but momentous life,” said Elena Matyas, Roxie’s mother and co-principal of Meow Meow Foundation.
Roxie had a rare immunodeficiency disorder but never used that as an excuse, Matyas said. She suffered eight bouts with pneumonia by the age of four and required weekly antibody infusions and constant monitoring. “But you would never know it,” said Matyas,” because she was rarely without an infectious smile and a big hug for anyone in her path.”
In fact, one of Roxie’s classmates suffered from a severe autoimmune disease—the polar opposite of Roxie’s condition. He had to sit at a lunch table in relative isolation due to a myriad of severe food allergies. Roxie never left his side during the entire school year.
“Her kindness extended far beyond anything we tried to instill in her,” said Doug Forbes, Roxie’s father and foundation co-principal with Matyas. “Roxie showed me—and other adults—how to get out of our own jaded ways. We think of her as a superhero, because being heroic also means exhibiting an unusual strength in character.”
Matyas and Forbes have developed Roxie Acts of Kindness cards. Once someone does a kind deed, (s)he hands a card to the recipient in the hope that such kindness will be paid forward. All of those who participate in the program, are urged to share their experiences via a simple form on this website or in an email that Matyas and Forbes will post.
Go HERE to see program details.