Today I want to share a heart-breaking -- and *hopefully* kindness-inspiring -- story.

On March 29, 2015, an explosion destroyed a pizza parlor and a number of residential units in New York. One of the residents is Amanda Lankford, my sister's dear friend, who remains in critical care in an induced coma with 30% of her body burned -- fighting for her life. Here is a story about Amanda from my sister, Jennifer.

"Amanda is the type of person who would give her heart and home to anyone. She is always trying to help out others by opening her home to people in need. It just so happens to that these people have included my children and myself. They call her "Ma." Amanda would feed them and love them when I wasn’t available, and the love she has for her own children and grandchildren is immeasurable. All she can talk about is her grandchildren. Amanda also has a love for animals, especially her best friend and dog, Chaqiua, who was killed in the explosion.

Now it’s my turn to pay it forward to a woman who has always been there for my children and me. Here is a link to an article on the explosion, for anyone interested: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2015/03/29/fire-destroys-apartments-pizza-shop-er/70627308/"

For all those who wish to donate money to Amanda, Kindness U has set up a fund here:

http://www.gofundme.com/qf5428

Thank you again for your support. Let's band together to prove that kindness RULES in the face of crisis!