I’m gonna kick off this week’s Feel Good Friday with a call to action. My friend Kara Parsons was a tireless advocate for those fighting cancer and one of Swim Across America’s top fundraisers. Earlier this year, Kara lost her own battle with the disease. Her husband John (who is a great guy, but not a swimmer) decided to fill in for Kara at this year’s event. He’s been training in the SF Bay for months and, like Kara, he’s near the top of the fundraising list. Kara was a force for good in my community and beyond, the Parsons are a great family, Swim Across America is a great organization, and Facebook users can donate with one click. I’d really appreciate it if you took a few seconds to support this cause.

+ This hero airman saved a child’s life on the way to pick up an award for doing a bunch of other heroic things. “Kenneth O’Brien was named one of the ‘2019 Outstanding Airmen of the Year’ after serving as a member of the president’s security detail during one of the historic summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saving a civilian from a burning vehicle in Korea, helping rescue a group of Thai soccer players trapped in a cave, and saving the life of a Thai Navy SEAL.”

+ He won the lottery twice in four months — so why does he still live in a trailer?

+ Fresh wave of climate strikes takes place around the world.

+ NPR: Mattel Launches New Gender-Neutral Dolls.

+ The Cat With a Campus Wrapped Around His Paw.

+ Teacher carries student with spina bifida on back so she can enjoy field trip.

+ A Houston mattress salesman again turns his showroom into a refuge for flood victims.

+ Jewish and Arab Astronauts Head To Space Together. (Just don’t send Jared with them…)