A boy who was bullied at school crushed it with kindness. Now he's on a mission to help those in need and spread the power of positivity.
Seven-year-old Cavanaugh Bell of Gaithersburg, Maryland, still remembers the pain of being picked on.
"I was bullied for working faster than others," he told People. "At one point I asked my mom if she would be sad if I died."
I had the darkness inside me and I didn't want kids to feel the same way I felt
Cavanaugh Bell
Channeling pain into purpose
However, instead of bottling up the hurt, he channeled his pain into purpose and positive impact. Using his own savings, Bell started putting together and distributing care packages containing food and other essentials to his elderly neighbors in need during COVID.
It turns out that making smiles can be pretty addictive.
The more I gave back to my community, the more I wanted to keep doing it
Cavanaugh Bell
Recruiting his mom, Llacey Simmons, to help "spread love and positivity", Bell created a GoFundMe page to promote his cause. Donations poured in.
Thanks to a space offered by a local gym, Bell kicked off the "LOVE is greater than COVID-19" Community Pantry. With the extra space, he was able to not only keep more seniors safe, but also spread the good vibes beyond his community.
Helping a nation
Bell remembered a road trip to Mt. Rushmore with his mom, when they passed through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, considered one of the poorest areas in America.
She had told him that some were without electricity or running water. Worse, the population is stricken with high rates of alcoholism and suicide. For Bell -- also part Native American -- that was unacceptable.
it's not fair that we're having great and happy life when they're suffering in the middle of nowhere
Cavanaugh Bell
With the help of his mom and scores of generous donors, he hired a driver and loaded up a 53-foot truck chalk full of clothing and essentials for the people of Pine Ridge.
For seven-year-old Bell, the mission is simple. "I'm just trying to make them have a big fat smile on their face."
A mission to end bullying
And it's just the beginning.
Bell also founded his own non-profit called Cool and Dope, where he sits as its Chief Positivity Creator.
Bell has set the ambitious goal to end all bullying worldwide by 2030. At this point, is there any reason to doubt him?
Cavanaugh believes he can save the world, and I believe him! He doesn't see anything as a challenge and that's what I love about his innocence
Alice Phelps, director of 'First Families Now' and member of Pine Ridge Community
Positivity can move mountains
Bell's organization has raised over $30,000, and has helped over 10,000 people with food and essential COVID supplies.
And to think it all started with a moment of empathy during his darkest time. Who else might be feeling this way, and how can I help?
Bell's response to injustice proves that acts of kindness, once set in motion, can be an unstoppable force.
I just wanna teach people they can have an impact no matter their age — no matter if you're 8, 10, or even my grandma's age, 74 — you can do anything!
Cavanaugh Bell
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.