If you haven’t heard of the Kindness Rocks Project, it is a new way to share random acts of kindness, and it is sweeping the country. This grassroots project’s mission is: “One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.”
A radiation oncology nurse at McLaren Greater Lansing has been involved in the project locally with her daughters and decided to start a rock garden located outside of the Women and Children’s Center at the hospital for oncology patients and other patients who may need inspiration.
“My mom was diagnosed with cancer and went through chemotherapy,” Tracy Alberts, RN, said. “Her friend had painted her a rock, and she carried it with her to treatments. It was a physical reminder that she could get through this.”
While Alberts and her daughters painted many of the rocks in the garden, it was truly a community effort.
“Rocks were donated from many community members and area organizations, including the residents at Medilodge, Project Unify at the Beekman Center, and Girl Scout troops,” Alberts said. “I even had a woman from Adrian, Michigan drop off a rock.”
The rock garden was unveiled during the Cancer Survivors Event held in June at McLaren Greater Lansing. More than 100 attendees had the opportunity to paint rocks to add to the garden. It was the perfect way for the survivors to pass along words of encouragement to patients going through treatment.
McLaren Greater Lansing is encouraging people in the community who are looking for a way to give back to decorate a rock and add it to their garden. Donations can be added to the rock garden outside of the Women and Children’s Center at McLaren Greater Lansing.
Source: Press Release
