"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."―Marcel Proust Interview with the Inspiring “Godmother” of the You Matter Marathon  The idea for the You Matter Marathon began when a colleague gave me...

Bucknell University Students "I was gifted with the brightest smile and enthusiasm when I shared a You Matter card with the fellow who delivered something to our home. He just lit up the room."―Mish Dear YuMMies (my term of endearment for You Matter...

Dear YuMMies, Even though the Marathon begins in November, we’re busy all year preparing You Matter cards to be mailed throughout the world! For the third year in a row we’re delighted and grateful to have the students and staff of the Special Education...

Hi YuMMies, This week, I felt the first hints of fall in the air. Unlike most people, however, a leaf on the ground here and there, and a cool breeze on my skin doesn’t make me long for more sunny summer days. For me, and for you, the crisp air just means that it’s...

Alaina from Evansville, Wisconsin. Photo taken by her mom, Sarah T.   Dear YuMMies, Thank you for showing up, signing up, and brightening up the world with You Matter cards. This is the first year we're not hiring a PR professional to help us get the word out....

Drawing of a YM card share done by Drew S. Photo by Ronnet R. of Columbus, Georgia   Hi YuMMies, We’re less than two months away from the start of the Marathon, and we already have 9,548 individual participants, 105 Ambassador organizations, and 80 countries...

"It’s a win-win situation. I get a lot of satisfaction from participating and the receiveralso feels empowered. I enjoyed doing this and would gladly do it again."– YuMMie   Dear YuMMies, When we see the numbers as impressive as they are – more than 1,500,000...

Photo credit: Dennis & The BC360° Team Hi YuMMies, We’re less than two months from the 2020 You Matter Marathon! If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time to do it: Sign Up. . . . . . In the spirit of, “you never know when a You Matter moment is going to come...

Dear YuMMies, Last year Nicole Phillips was generous enough to have me as a guest on her Kindness Podcast to spread the word about the YMM. (And if you haven’t already – there’s still time to sign up!) Nicole was so taken with...

"The You Matter Marathon has become a part of who I am! I always have cards with me andevery day I find someone who could benefit from getting a card! I am proud to be a YuMMie!"—YuMMie Hello YuMMies,  Don’t be caught without your You Matter cards and You Matter Mask!...

"Collective heroism also requires widening the circle that defines who matters to you and whose joys and sorrows you share." —Elizabeth Svoboda Let’s not let wearing a mask stop us from unmasking our vital message. We’re super excited to reveal our You Matter Masks!...

Hi YuMMies, The inspiring You Matter stories you’ve shared have brought light into the dark. These simple moments of kindness and connection make an extraordinary difference which is why we’re asking you to keep them coming! We want to make your You Matter stories the...

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” –Eleanor Brownn Hi YuMMies, As we move into August and September, we’re beginning to gear up for the 2020 You Matter Marathon! 2020 may be our most important year yet. Now more than ever, people need...

“This is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.”–Frederick Buechner Hi YuMMies, I know that it can be difficult to see the good in-between all the bad that’s occurring in the world right now, so I wanted to share one of the...

Hi YuMMies, I’m incredibly excited to introduce you to my friend and fellow YuMMie Brad Aronson, and to tell you about his special and uplifting book, HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time. The book is full of stories about seemingly small acts of...

A few years ago, I shared a disappointing experience I had in a parking lot. I was looking for a spot in a crowded lot. A woman illegally parked in front of me waved for me to go around her, but the cars were packed so tightly that I couldn’t get by. I politely...

Hi YuMMies, In this time of physical distancing, many of us are missing loved ones and the mask-free interactions we were able to have just months ago. Though this ‘new normal’ may feel dim and lonely, I believe it is a true You Matter Moment in the world. The...

Dear YuMMies, Opportunities for kindness don't always come to you on a silver platter. Often you have to take risks when you see an opening for a kindness – and sometimes they don't pay off – but when they do, you've struck gold. This story came to me a few days ago...

This veterinarian teared up through her mask when she received a YM card Hope you are taking care of your special self. I continue to be deeply moved by your generosity of spirit and the You Matter stories and photos you share all year long. Even during a pandemic!...

“In times of crisis, helping others is the best way to find meaning and mattering.” Professor Isaac Prilleltensky You matter – and you make the You Matter Marathon the success that it is every year. Thank you!Six months after the 2019 Marathon we’re still receiving...

Stay well and wonderful, You Matter. Cheryl Rice http://youmattermarathon.com/ PS: Find more digital You Matter Cards here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-87zcsT_Xn_iJXFe4ettQX0vXa8aTTP/view?usp=sharing

And as we all know, telling other people they matter, matters. To them and to us. Let’s not wait until the time of physical distancing is over to create meaningful connections. Let’s make kindness even more contagious than the Coronavirus. Let’s tell someone they...

Until we meet again In this time of physical distancing the need for social and emotional connection is more essential than ever. We yearn for hugs. We ache for those who are suffering. We champion those who are on the front lines, whether delivering our groceries or...

Image credit: Dennis Pitocco Dear YUMMies, It can be easy to succumb to feeling helpless during these times. But, one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to reach out and take small meaningful actions that align with our values. As YuMMies living through...

Thank you so much for your multi-year participation in the You Matter Marathon. Without you, this message would not have spread as deep and as wide as it has. Thought you might value this candid and heartfelt story from a friend and multi-year YuMMie, Janet Falon. ...