Merry Christmas! 🎄 

Today’s all about the people who matter most, the thought and care behind every gift, and the good vibes we share over a meal or a laugh. Take a second to really soak in these moments—they’re what make the holiday feel so special.

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Health Sciences

The ‘Best’ Christmas Gift

Three children in the UK—Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, Finley Jarvis, and Colette Baker—received what their families call “the best Christmas present in the world” this year: bionic Hero Arms. These state-of-the-art prosthetics were provided through a fundraising effort spearheaded by Sarah Lockey, whose own daughter Tilly lost both hands to meningitis and now confidently uses a Hero Arm daily. Sarah and Tilly run the annual Big Hero 3 campaign, which selects three children each year to receive the prosthetic arms developed by the Open Bionics Foundation.

The Hero Arm is an advanced, affordable, multi-grip bionic limb designed for below-elbow amputees as young as eight. Built and distributed from the UK to over 801 locations across the UK and the US, the Hero Arm allows children to perform tasks with greater independence. This year’s Big Hero 3 campaign raised £20,000 from the public, which was matched by two charities and an anonymous donor, bringing the total to £40,000—just enough to ensure Zoey, Finley, and Colette would each have their prosthetic in time for the holidays.

For the families, the impact is immediate and life-changing. Zoey, who loves gymnastics and trampolining, looks forward to doing jump rope independently, while Colette, who dreams of handstands and riding a bike without modifications, screamed with joy at the news. Finley, described by his father as fearless and bright, now has new confidence as he prepares for life at an agricultural school. Reflecting on this year’s success, Sarah Lockey hopes to continue the Big Hero 3 campaign, inspiring others to support children in gaining the independence they need.

Good News

A Dog’s Christmas Miracle

Once known as the “saddest dog in Warwickshire,” Jake, a Doberman with a long-standing fear of other dogs, people, and loud noises, spent 850 days at a local shelter without finding a home. Despite the shelter’s best efforts, including two Christmas holidays passing him by, potential adopters found his behavioral challenges and ongoing dysplasia treatment too daunting.

That changed when John and Amanda stopped by his kennel. They saw beyond his difficulties, taking the time to assist with his training and therapy sessions. Just a few weeks later, the couple decided to adopt him, giving Jake the gift of a warm, loving home for the holidays. “He was so loved by the shelter staff,” Amanda said. “When we picked him up, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

The Dogs Trust Kenilworth team, who had grown fond of Jake during his long stay, felt a mix of joy and bittersweet pride in his departure. “Jake is a perfect example of why we don’t give up on dogs who need extra help,” said manager Emma-Jane Thomas. “Seeing him build his confidence and settle into a happy place makes all our efforts worthwhile.”

Christmas Cheer

‘Holiday Hugs’

When several Klick Health employees realized they wouldn’t be able to spend the holidays with their loved ones, the company found a high-tech way to ease their homesickness. In a video titled “Holiday Hugs,” Klick used AI-generated imagery to simulate lifelike embraces from distant family members. Moments after viewing their virtual hugs, the employees were surprised by the sudden appearance of those very relatives, who had been flown in secretly to share a real, in-person reunion.

Among those surprised were New Yorker Kari Bocassi, who hadn’t shared a holiday hug with her sister Marlene in years, and Toronto-based Fred Duarte, who hadn’t seen his brother Rico from Brazil for seven years. Just after watching AI recreations of warm embraces, both employees turned around to find their loved ones waiting to deliver the genuine article. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Foundation for Social Connection, was inspired by a survey indicating that 74% of Americans and Canadians expected to miss hugging someone special over the holidays due to distance or loss.

Klick Health’s team highlighted the scientifically proven benefits of hugging, such as reducing blood pressure and boosting the immune system, underscoring the importance of meaningful human connection. Their video, produced in-house using Studio K’s AI technology, also featured a tutorial so others could create their own “AI holiday hugs.” “There’s nothing quite like the warmth and reassurance of a heartfelt hug,” said Rich Levy, Klick’s Chief Creative Officer, reflecting on the impact of bringing people together when they need it most.

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Mind Stretchers

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I sit upon your nose, yet don't walk. I help you see, though I can't talk. What am I?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:

Why did the ornament go to therapy? — because it was thinking of hanging itself ( a bit too morbid for the holidays we admit) but Debbie Ettinger got this right 🌞 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.