Altruism is the “belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others (Oxford Dictionary, Web Publication 2016”). These acts of selflessness typically go unnoticed unless they are so big they make the local media, such as the approximately 8000 individuals that stood outside of the home of an eight-year-old child afflicted with leukemia to sing Christmas carols because it was her only wish. This same example also points out that people in general are good and altruistic behavior happens all the time, but it is the smaller acts that possibly go unnoticed.
Individuals that act unselfish with regards to others never brag or share their act of true altruism because they act with no motive or with any expectation of reciprocity. Such as the caregiver fighting their own battle with cancer, but they still provide care to another. This is only one example of countless devotion to the welfare of others we see here at PeopleCare Health Services. However, it is up to each of us to notice these people and thank them for being the person that hopefully we all aspire to be.
We tend to notice altruistic acts around the holidays season easily and plentiful, but would challenge each of us to seek out these individuals and share how much you appreciate their efforts year around. If you are having difficulties seeking out these individuals, then turn to a caregiver to thank them for what they do for others on a regular basis. There are 65.7 million Americans (29 percent of the U.S. adult population) who serve as caregivers for the ill or disabled (National Alliance for Caregiving, Web Publication 2016). These individuals give from their heart and to list what they do and what they give up to help another, is endless.
Accordingly, on behalf of PeopleCare Health Services we would like to acknowledge and thank each of our caregivers for their endless acts of altruism. We appreciate and know the assistance they provide to another is out of true selflessness and endless desire to help from the heart.
In closing, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted (Aesop).”
