An unfortunate attack on a struggling student provided a big opportunity for kindness thanks to an onlooker who didn’t turn a blind eye.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 August 2023) — Last week Tuesday changed two lives. For Adam Surmany, the opportunity to be an incredible source of kindness presented itself. For the struggling student who goes by MJ, an unfortunate situation brought his kindness knocking.
MJ had been walking home from Sandringham High School when she was attacked. The street the incident happened upon was Adam’s, and knowing he couldn’t turn a blind eye, he rushed to her aid.
Upon speaking to the 19-year-old and trying to get her help, Adam learned her path is a lonesome one. He explains that her mother had passed on, while her father’s role in her life is not active. She had no one to contact for help or even to listen.
Currently, MJ is also said to be on a food program at her school, which means one meal a day.
“A young 19 year old girl, living on her own & fending for herself”, Adam shared of her plight.
Adam went with her to Edenvale Hospital and hours of patience and waiting ensued. Her right elbow had been broken, it was eventually revealed – something no one, especially a determined matric student, wants to learn of their dominant writing arm, ahead of exams.
However, despite the awfulness of that day, something good happened in the pair’s meeting, and Adam became determined not to give up on the struggling student.
He adds:
“Since the incident, we have managed to arrange a scribe for her exams and have been lifting her to and from school etc. She is forever grateful for everything we have done so far and I quote “You guys are the family I don’t have.”
He also quotes MJ’s incredible positivity and ability to see the silver lining in the worst times.
“As terrible as this day was for me and as much pain as I feel right now, I truly met angels today. There was a silver lining, I did not know there were such kind and helpful people in this world that would help me like this. Is it normal for people to be so kind? I am not used to this. I am so grateful for you. I don’t know where I would have been now.”
However, his call to community kindness continues and he is set on helping her secure basic essentials so that she can finish matric and follow her dream of becoming a law student. People have already responded to the call, offering their role to better MJ’s next chapter.
Adam has set up a fundraising initiative for MJ and started a WhatsApp group so that anyone who is in a position to help in any way can receive updates on her situation as well as proof of the donations transferred to her once she has her own bank account (which Adam shares he will take her to set up during the week).
“Let’s stand together & show MJ that she is not alone and that there are a lot of good people in this world willing to help better her situation!”—Adam Surmany.
To get in touch, contact Adam via his post here.
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