This Super Inspiring 14-Year-Old Makes Teddy Bears to Comfort Kids Battling Cancer
Campbell Remess was only nine years old when he asked his mom to buy toys for sick children spending Christmas in hospitals.
But with a large family to support, buying presents would have been far beyond the Tasmanian family’s tight budget. So Campbell took matters into his owns hands and sat down to use mom Sonya Whittaker’s sewing machine. More than four years later, Campbell has made nearly a teddy bear a day, using his sowing skills to touch thousands of lives and families across the globe.
Now, the Australian native is almost 14, and his enthusiasm to help others has only increased. He has his own charity, Project 365, which focuses on sending out thousands of “comfort bears” to provide emotional support to families with sick children, people battling cancer, as well as “overseas bears” for survivors of violent events like terrorist attacks.
One of 9 siblings, Campbell grew up conscious of social responsibility and the power of sharing. He also knows what cancer can do to a person and family – his father beat cancer four times and was one of the earliest recipients of the boy's teddies.
And Campbell's activism doesn't stop at making teddy bears. He organizes cruises for cancer survivors, known as Kindness Cruises, as well as fundraiser dinners and galas to help fund cancer research. Campbell’s selflessness has earned him widespread appreciation from international stars and media outlets, as well as public recognition within the Australian Senate.
Last year, the teenager also decided to raise awareness against bullying after hearing the story of a British seven-year-old who ended up in the hospital with severe injuries after been attacked by his bullies.
The story hit very close to home, inspiring Campbell to create a new line of bears – the "hero bear." Campbell was once the target of bullies. Adults didn’t intervene in time, and he ended up with a broken bone. He switched schools since, and as mom Sonya told ABC News, “Sometimes it’s stronger to actually walk away from them and start somewhere else.”
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.