Jenny Goldsmith and her family in Dix Hills are organizing their second annual Day of Kindness on July 8, honoring the memory of her sister Samantha “Sammy” Goldsmith, who died after a traumatic brain injury.
They decided they wanted to honor Sammy by turning a hard day into something positive for their community, inspired by Sammy’s kind heart and compassionate spirit.
“Sammy was 33 when she was hit by a car as a pedestrian,” says Jenny. “She passed away 11 months to the day of her injury. She lit up every room. She was the most generous, selfless, funny, amazing girl – and I mean ‘girl,’ even at 33 – with her entire life ahead of her, and everything changed in one instant.”
After losing Sammy, the Goldsmiths partnered with the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) to create the Samantha Goldsmith Fund to help brain injury survivors and their families cover costs, whether it’s a medical bill or a house accommodation.
Jenny shares, “With the money we had, we put our heads together and decided we needed to pay this forward, since we know how hard this is. We’ve helped a lot of families.”
“Last year was more about awareness and spreading Sammy’s story, this year is more about the impact of the fund, since we’ve been able to help so many families. We just helped a family in Brooklyn get a wheelchair,” says Jenny. “We want to help as many people as possible and spread awareness that BIANYS and our fund are here.”
So, what can you do to spread kindness? Jenny recommends buying coffee for someone behind you in line, sharing a compliment while you’re out or donating food to a local animal shelter, which she and her family did last year for Sammy.
“It’s such a hard day for me, but the fact that it’s turned into such a beautiful day where I can put a smile on someone’s face even if I’m not feeling bright on the inside, it makes me feel like I’m doing something Sammy would do, and I know she would love this,” Jenny shares. “I think she’d be proud of us. If whoever reads this can go out and be a Sammy for a day, I think it’s a job well done.”
To learn more about the 2025 Day of Kindness, the Samantha Goldsmith Fund, Sammy’s story, BIANYS, or to donate, visit bianys.org/programs/samantha-goldsmith-fund
