In the 24 hours since the Boston Marathon bombings, amazing stories of kindness have also emerged.
From the first responders who ran fearlessly toward the smoke to the Bostonians who opened their doors to stranded runners, the Internet has found solace in reading and sharing the firsthand accounts of people who stepped up to help in a moment of tragedy.
We collected 10 examples of the kindness displayed during the aftermath of bombings. If you've seen any other stories worth sharing, please post in the comments below.
1. Joe Andruzzi
Image via Bill Greene/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi carried a woman from the scene of the blast. He later released a statement that read:
"Marathon Monday should be about uplifting stories, personal challenges and fundraising milestones, but today's bombings irrevocably changed that. While I appreciate the interest in hearing our perspective on today's horrific events, the spotlight should remain firmly on the countless individuals -- first responders, medics, EMTs, runners who crossed the finish line and kept on running straight to give blood, and the countless civilians who did whatever they could to save lives. They were the true heroes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy."
2. Carlos Arredondo
Image via Darren McCollester/Getty Images
Carlos Arredondo, whose son died in Iraq, rushed toward the smoke following the explosions to help the injured. According to the Washington Post, Arredondo used the training he'd received as a fireman in his native Costa Rica to assist victims by creating makeshift tourniquets.
3. The man with orange juice
4. The volunteer who jumped into action and shared his experience on Reddit
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Redditor "Zadmxm" shared his story of rushing to help at the finish line. "To me, the possibility of getting injured is less important than the potential for helping others already injured," he shared on an AMA thread titled "IAmA 117th Boston Marathon Finish Line Volunteer."
5. The first responders
First responders (Photo: Kylie Atwood/CBS News) twitter.com/pourmecoffee/s…— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) April 15, 2013
#ProudToPay for brave first responders at the #BostonMarathon. #p2 #uniteblue twitter.com/RickStrandlof/…— Rick Strandlof (@RickStrandlof) April 16, 2013
6. The woman who opened her doors
Image courtesy of Instagram, Alihat
7. The volunteers who returned on Tuesday to help runners collect their belongings and medals
Image via Melanie Stetson Freeman/The Christian Science Monitor via Getty Images
8. The local businesses that welcomed people
Open wifi, place to charge your phone cold drinks, or just don't want to be alone- both stores regular hours— El Pelon Taqueria (@ElPelonTaqueria) April 15, 2013
Humbled by all the comments and my staff who didn't blink when asked and gladly served everyone who came through - they are my family— El Pelon Taqueria (@ElPelonTaqueria) April 16, 2013
9. The people who offered their homes on a Google Doc
Kind folks also offered pizza.
10. The blood donors
Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims #PrayforBoston— NBC Sports Network (@NBCSN) April 15, 2013
Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand. #BostonMarathon— American Red Cross (@RedCross) April 15, 2013
Remember, donations are always needed. Contact your local Red Cross to learn more.
BONUS: 10 Videos That Inspired Us in 2012
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