How a Child’s Act of Kindness Replicates Ramadan Tradition

Of all the places Declan LeBaron expected to be, New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on February 9th was farthest from the eight- year-old’s expectations. Leading up to Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles superfan had his eyes laser-focused on victory from his Doylestown Township, PA home.

No ordinary third grader, LeBaron remains on top the world, enjoying video viral fame for his extraordinary acts of kindness. Following a secret entry in a MDMotivator-sponsored contest by his family, the systemic juvenile arthritis sufferer met with Dollar Tree store representatives once they learned of his story.

Upon arrival, the boy received instructions to choose from one of two prizes, a stuffed Eagles mascot or $1,000 in cash. The kid staked his claim to his favorite team’s mascot; however, fate sweetened the pot, making him the winner of both. Instead of indulging the latest and greatest video games, the youngster shared his cash award with shopping strangers.

For his preference to give rather than receive, the Eagles’ superfan met actor and fellow superfan Bradley Cooper who gifted him with Super Bowl tickets live on NBC’s Today Show. Furthermore, he and Cooper were beneficiaries of the honor to introduce the NFL East Division championship contenders in a pregame announcement.

When asked what sparked his prioritization of others, the youngster cited ‘the pay it forward’ principle he learned in school. The elementary school student’s acts of kindness masterfully demonstrate author Rick Riordan’s instructive blueprint for success: “True success requires sacrifice.”

More mature than what his chronological age suggests, Declan has clearly unlocked the secret of sacrificial giving. A great complement to this youngster’s story is the Muslim celebration of Ramadan which commences prayer plus fasting worldwide.

In their multi-day worship tradition which runs through March, Muslims sacrifice sustenance to attract spiritual blessings, but they are also known for demonstrating empathy for those who are less fortunate through fasting. Although examples of empathy exist are biblically present, empathy is within human capacity, beginning with the ability to acknowledge and accept perspectives different from our own and people whose circumstances are unlike ours.

Shari Wright, UU Education Coordinator