A million acts of love later, I found a way to keep my sister's spirit alive
Lexi is my inspiration
First Person columns are personal stories and experiences from kids written in their own words. For more information and to learn how to submit your own piece, scroll to the bottom of the page.
At nine years old, I had no idea how my sister Lexi's death would shape the rest of my life.
My name is Felix Townsin and I live in Esquimalt, British Columbia.
Lexi died unexpectedly on Oct. 19, 2019, just before her seventh birthday, from complications of a rare illness.
I didn't know how I could go on without her.
But now, at 15, I've found ways to carry my grief while turning it into something meaningful.
Lexi, right, spent a lot of time in hospital due to a rare disease, called Blau syndrome, that she was born with. Her brother, Felix, left, has found a way to honour her since she died in 2019. (Image credit: Cheryl-Lynn Townsin)
Lexi's story
Lexi had a rare auto inflammatory disease called Blau syndrome.
It caused pain in all her joints, as well as stomach aches, headaches and serious vision problems.
Even though she was in pain every day, you would never know it by looking at her.
She was the strongest person I knew. She had a bubbly, mischievous personality and her laughter was contagious.
Lexi always put others before herself and was especially kind to animals.
She made friends with every kid in her kindergarten class and even convinced them all to rescue baby spiders on the playground.
Lexi was my best friend. Everyone who met her fell instantly in love with her. Me included.
How A Million Acts of Love came together
I didn't want Lexi's story to end with her death. I wanted people to know how she lived — with courage, joy, love and kindness.
That is how A Million Acts of Love was born.
It is a project I created to honour Lexi's memory by spreading kindness around the world.
I chose this idea because Lexi spread so much love in her life and would have wanted it to continue.
The idea is simple: anyone can sign up on our website to do acts of love and kindness in Lexi's name.
We tracked all those acts. Our goal was to reach one million acts of love by what would have been Lexi's 12th birthday on Dec. 16, 2024.
This was the most challenging project I have taken on.
I felt overwhelmed and stressed but I never wanted to give up.
Every day, I kept pushing to raise awareness and get more people involved.
I created a line of merchandise using a logo made from Lexi's hand-drawn hearts.
I organized a benefit concert in Victoria, B.C.
I worked with mayors from multiple communities in B.C. to get official proclamations declaring Nov. 16 to Dec. 16, 2024, as A Million Acts of Love Month.
Lexi was my inspiration and my parents were the most helpful partners I could ask for, encouraging me and supporting me in every way.
Felix, top right, organized a benefit concert in Victoria, B.C., to raise awareness about his initiative, A Million Acts of Love. (Image credit: Trish Glab)
My favourite part of the campaign has been hearing the amazing stories of the acts of kindness people have been doing.
People have shared their acts of love with us by email and on social media.
Some were small acts and some were huge.
A student on Vancouver Island cooked 1,000 homemade meals and treats for kids in his school with the help of his educational assistant; they called it Cal and Amanda's Cookin' for Lexi.
Trees were planted in India, driveways shovelled in Eastern Canada.
Kids stood up in front of their classes and their schools to share Lexi's story and to encourage even more good deeds.
Every time I hear one of these stories, I feel like Lexi has helped bring more goodness into the world.
Achieving my goal and continuing my work
On Lexi's birthday, we gathered to announce the final tally for A Million Acts of Love.
I was second-guessing myself and imagining how disappointed everyone would be if we didn't make it.
But to my great surprise, we had achieved 1,016,012 acts of love.
I couldn't believe it.
I was overwhelmed with appreciation for all the people who helped and for all the kindness that was spread in Lexi's name.
Felix, holding his dog Max, says his parents, Troy Townsin, left, and Cheryl-Lynn Townsin, right, have supported him throughout his campaign. (Image credit: Trish Glab)
While working on this campaign, I kept Lexi's memory in my heart and grew even more connected with her.
While Lexi will never come back, it helps me know that she won't be forgotten and that she continues to make such a positive impact.
One thing I've learned is that kids aren't powerless.
We have the ability to inspire huge change in the world.
I am now turning A Million Acts of Love into a foundation to continue inspiring acts of love and to help support kids with grants so they can make a bigger impact.
I am also working with scientists to help find a cure for Blau syndrome.
I didn't set out to change the world — I just couldn't stand the thought of Lexi being forgotten.
Now I know, because of all this love, she never will be.
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