What’s an act of kindness you’ve experienced recently?

Dr. Claudia Wilson,

My cousin called me for my birthday & is sending me a few N95s. My family had a little online quarantine party; though we are apart we can still be close in spirit.

While sick, friends & family offered to bring us food.

Margot Kelly-Hendrick, Johns Hopkins

Many people in my neighborhood wrote sidewalk chalk birthday messages in front of a neighbor’s house for his 9th birthday! Someone even left a dozen balloons tied to their door.

Dr. Mariah Robertson, Johns Hopkins

There’s a block near us that strings lights across the road throughout the year. This past couple of weeks they changed the colors to blue & white to support medical providers during the pandemic. The lights always bring joy, but the special tribute was extra meaningful.

Dr. Colleen Christmas, Johns Hopkins

My neighbor is offering grocery runs. So kind. And so many sweet people checking to see if we are ok.

Dr. Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, Mass General

My sister donated a Keurig for the pediatrics team now caring for an adult COVID unit.

Also, as I unpacked to set up the new team room, I found sweet notes from my elementary aged nieces tucked in the bag

Dr. Eric Last, North Bellmore, New York

My patient, likely with COVID, ending our telemed visit by saying, “Don’t hang up yet . . . I want to make sure you and your family are all OK.”

Dr. Jeffrey Millstein, Penn Medicine

Penn med students sent a video collage of each of them saying kind words of thanks to clinicians and mentors on the front lines. Heartwarming.

Dr. Yolonda Wilson, Durham, North Carolina

My therapist reached out just to make sure that I was ok during this period of isolation.

Dr. Rachel Peterson, Indiana University

My colleague in a different department, was in line ahead of me at the coffee shop just before a shift and paid for my coffee. And it truly felt like an extended hand.

Dr. Jess Colburn, Johns Hopkins

I was lamenting one afternoon to my high school friends over group text that I just wanted to treat myself to one regular Coca-Cola in the hospital but our cafeteria now only sells Diet Coke. The next day, a case of bottled Coca-Cola appeared on my doorstep. Such a surprise treat.

Irene Estores, MD, University of Florida

As part of social distancing, I told our cleaning company that we can’t have cleaning services this April. My son, home from college, suggested that we still pay them. So grateful to witness this act of kindness.