By Alin K. Gregorian
Mirror-Spectator Staff
WATERTOWN — The Aljalian family of Watertown — Rev. Arakel Aljalian of St. James Armenian Church and his wife, Yeretzgin Natasha Aljalian and their son, Gabriel, 3, — received the worst news possible on November 3, 2012: their beautiful boy had leukemia.
Fast-forward three years: Gabriel’s cancer is in remission and the family now includes the rambunctious little Mary.
The family decided to recast November 3, a day awash with dark memories, as a day for all things good. Young Gabriel came up with the idea for Gabriel’s Day of Kindness, a day when everyone was encouraged to do something selfless.
The social media campaign spread like wildfire and this day was celebrated in all 50 states of the US as well as several countries. The hash tag was used by many people who went on to say what they had done, from buying items for the needy to a young girl saying that she sought out a fellow student who always ate alone. In turn, each act written down, inspired yet another person.