An inspiring episode of goodwill involving strangers connected through the internet has served as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for kindness.
Lyn Story, a 64-year-old retiree based in Fort Worth, Texas, found a purposeful way to use her free time when she connected with Apryl Goodwin, 46, who was battling uterine cancer and lacked transportation for her treatment sessions.
“I was in a fix, with no transportation and did not know what to do,” Goodwin expressed. The solution to her problem came unexpectedly through the community app, Nextdoor.
“I received a message from a stranger offering to drive me to my appointments. Initially, I hesitated due to safety concerns, but when she messaged again, reaffirming her sincerity, I decided to take her up on her offer,” Goodwin added.
The ‘stranger’ was Story, and over the past year, she has dedicated herself to transporting Goodwin to over 25 radiation appointments, six chemotherapy sessions, and numerous doctor visits.
Story’s generosity did not stop at helping Goodwin. She came across another post on the Nextdoor app from Kevin Horrigan, who is legally blind and was having a hard time commuting to work.
“Lyn is nothing short of an angel,” said Horrigan. “Her assistance has been invaluable, considering I can’t drive myself.”
Story, who has been of immense help to Horrigan, now fondly refers to herself as a “bad weather friend.”
“While fair weather friends are only there during the good times, a bad weather friend offers help during times of adversity,” she explained.
Despite being strangers a year ago, Story, Goodwin, and Horrigan have now fostered a friendship that has positively changed their lives.
Story shares that helping others feel good has become a source of joy for her. She attributes her empathetic nature to her past experiences, including her struggle with bipolar disorder and a shoplifting incident 45 years ago.
Intent on making a positive impact, Story donated her healthy bone marrow to a critically ill stranger when she was 31. More recently, she didn’t hesitate to foster Sully, a three-legged dog in need of a home.
Through her acts of compassion, Story has positively impacted many lives, including Goodwin’s, who calls her “my guardian angel.”
