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ACTS OF KINDNESS

Couple passes on $300 to cancer survivor

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By Terry Alexander - email
By Sabrina Squire - bio | email

  • Acts of KindnessActs of Kindness

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 5:31 PM EDT2012-05-15 21:31:52 GMT
    Sometimes it takes a village to pay it forward. I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village to find someone ready on the spot to pass on a $300 Act of Kindness. I was certain my
    I hit the streets in Henrico at the White Oak Shopping Village and met with Michelle Johnson, a bus driver with Henrico Public Schools.

  • Tuesday, May 8 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-05-08 22:25:37 GMT
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot.
    Nominations for our $300 Acts of Kindness segment usually come via phone or e-mail. But for the next few weeks, I'm hitting the streets all around town, to catch people willing to pay it forward on the spot to someone in need or reward someone's good deeds.

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 5:34 PM EDT2012-05-01 21:34:51 GMT
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.
    After the sudden death of a Prince George police officer three weeks ago, loved ones wanted to honor her memory with an Act of Kindness for the people she called "her" heroes.

  • Tuesday, April 24 2012 6:28 PM EDT2012-04-24 22:28:17 GMT
    RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Sometimes family ties can test us in ways we never imagine. We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while
    We're paying it forward to a bachelor who suddenly found himself being a surrogate parent to an active pre-teen, while also caring for his own critically ill mother. His friend calls him a strong, inspiring role model who deserves an Act of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 17 2012 5:40 PM EDT2012-04-17 21:40:56 GMT
    We're paying it forward in Chesterfield to a woman her neighbor calls "the most compassionate caretaker." Not only is she managing her own family's serious medical issues, she's opened her home to displaced families and pets, and looks after kids around the apartment complex.

  • Tuesday, April 10 2012 5:57 PM EDT2012-04-10 21:57:21 GMT
    A knit hat warmed a local woman's "heart" so much, she tracked down the person who knitted it and nominated her for today's Acts of Kindness.

  • Tuesday, April 3 2012 8:05 PM EDT2012-04-04 00:05:02 GMT
    We're paying it forward to a woman who takes care of seven hundred children and dozens of adults several days a week. She's such a great asset to her school and everyone in it, she's been voted support staff person of the year several years in a row and today she's our Act of Kindness recipient. 

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 27 2012 6:25 PM EDT2012-03-27 22:25:37 GMT
    Lots of us remember an exceptional teacher who made us believe we could succeed at anything. Today a grandmother and cancer survivor is paying it forward to the educator she says has given her confidence that she absolutely will earn the diploma she's been longing for. Their teacher-student bond is this week's "Acts of Kindness."

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Wednesday, March 21 2012 8:10 AM EDT2012-03-21 12:10:09 GMT
    In this week's Acts of Kindness, we pay it forward to someone who opened their heart and their home to one of our viewers.

  • ACTS OF KINDNESS

    Tuesday, March 13 2012 5:13 PM EDT2012-03-13 21:13:10 GMT
    Today we're paying it forward to a dynamic young CEO who is passionate about children, education and empowerment. She committed to nurturing future generations of local leaders and today a loyal supporter is making a three hundred dollar Act of Kindness investment.

By Sabrina Squire - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) – We're passing on $300 to a cancer patient who's been called an "inspiration" because of her strength and courage through crisis. The uplifting power of friendship is on full display in this week's "Act of Kindness." 

"I used to do these all the time, yes every stitch in it," said Ruth Atkinson. 

From cross-stitch to crystal lamps, Ruth Atkinson spent years crafting decorative gifts for her friends. 

"I loved handwork and painting and crafts all of my life," she said. 

Lately, a host of health problems has forced her to set aside her passion. 

"I got liver cancer and lung cancer on top of bone cancer so it's just rough," Ruth said. 

Ruth says the pain's excruciating. She has a hard time getting around. Most days, she's at home with her pets since her husband's death two years ago. 

"It's hard sometimes. I cry a lot," Ruth said. 

Ruth does talk to friends nearly every day. But she had no idea; her friends were talking to us. Joyce and Bernard Hawk wanted me to know about their friend of more than four decades. 

Sabrina Squire: "What made you contact Acts of Kindness?"
Joyce Hawk: "I just feel like she's in need of help and she's been such an inspiration to us."
Sabrina Squire: "She thinks you're coming over to just say hi?
Joyce Hawk: "I didn't tell her we were coming. (Laughs)" 

We love surprises, but first a little accounting. 

Sabrina Squire: "This 100, 200, 300 dollars because you're a person who looks out for their friends." 

Then we follow the Hawks to Ruth's house. We reach her Henrico County rancher in less than ten minutes, and seconds after Ruth opens her door, it's clear she wasn't expecting company. 

Sabrina Squire: "Hi Mrs. Atkinson."
Ruth Atkinson: "Hi, how are you doing?"
Sabrina Squire: "Pretty good."
Ruth Atkinson: "You've got a whole bunch of people."
Joyce Hawk: "I got a whole crew of..."
Ruth Atkinson: "What, is he taking pictures? I haven't even combed my hair."
Sabrina Squire: "You look beautiful." 
Joyce Hawk: "This is Sabrina Squire and Matt, they're from Channel 12 Acts of Kindness."
Sabrina Squire: "You're being honored by your dear friend."
Ruth Atkinson: "I ain't combed my hair or nothing."
Sabrina Squire: "Your hair looks wonderful."
Joyce Hawk: "Your hair looks wonderful." 

Ruth lets us inside and her longtime friends explain why she's an inspiration. 

Joyce Hawk: "You've been through so much and you've tried so hard to keep everything going, and you've kept your faith and your courage and your strength. It's hard to watch you go thru the struggle but it's wonderful to watch your spirit at the same time."
Ruth Atkinson: "I've seen this on channel 12."
Joyce Hawk: "And so we brought you a little gift."
Ruth Atkinson: "Oh my lord."
Joyce Hawk: "$100, $200, $300 to help you out with something."
Ruth Atkinson: "Thank you so much. I can finish paying my electric bill." 

Ruth tells me she's grateful the friendship that began 44 years ago when her husband and Bernard met on the job. 

"Super worker, great friend," Ruth said. 

Sabrina Squire: "So what do you think of what your friends have done?"
Ruth Atkinson: "Oh, this is such a blessing. I just can't believe it. I never thought it would be me." 

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