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Kristin Lykins, a nurse who works at Hospice of Dayton, at 324 Wilmington Ave., has devoted her career to helping those facing critical medical challenges, and in many cases, death.

Suddenly she found herself in need of help.

"I found support from family and friends," she said. "It is difficult to tell you how much it means. But it certainly has confirmed the importance of my life work."

Lykins, 36, a single mother, lives in Miamisburg with her two daughters, Olivia, 5 and Ellie, 2. Her mother Sally Dunn has been living with her, helping take care of the children because on July 14, Lykins underwent surgery after a cancerous mass was found on her left kidney.

"As a result of my hospitalization for the surgery, and my rehabilitation period I have been off of work this summer," Lykins said. "If all goes as the doctors predict I may be able to return to my job at Hospice in late September."

She said her medical benefits included short-term disability. "When the benefits ran out some of the other Hospice workers transferred vacation time and paid time-off to my name," Lykins said. "Others sent me personal checks, and gift cards. Just recently some of my co-workers stopped by and brought me and my daughters five bags of food."

Co-workers sponsored a bake sale to help her with mounting bills.

Lykins' voice was heavy with emotion when she said, "I knew I worked with good people at Hospice but this shows me the depth of their love."

She added, "A simple thank you doesn't seem like it is big enough for all they have done. They have given time, energy, money and love for one of their own who is having a tough time of it."

Random act Of kindness

On Friday Aug. 15, Hubert and Flora Roark drove from their retirement cottage at Bethany Lutheran Village, 6451 Far Hills Ave., for breakfast.

According to daughter Marilynn Swisshelm, her father is 92 and her mother is 87 and the two drive to the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant at 5770 Wilmington Pike nearly every morning.

"Many staff members at the restaurant know my parents by now," Swisshelm said. "When they see them coming they set up their favorite table and get things ready for them."

Swisshelm said her father, who was a marketing administrator for Sears, and her mother, who worked at a Trotwood bank, have lived at Bethany since 1995.

"They had been talking with the waitress about the fact that it was their 69th wedding anniversary," Swisshelm said. "Someone must have overheard them talking. As they prepared to pay they were told the check had been taken care of."

The restaurant staff said the person who picked up the check did not leave a name or any identification.

"Our family just wants to thank this kind person for a random act of kindness," Swisshelm said. "It touched us deeply and lets my parents know there are kind individuals in this world who reach out and touch other lives in a meaningful way. Thanks, dear stranger."

Dale Huffman wants your story ideas. He'd like to hear about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.