This month, a unique friendship formed between a man named Todd and his hero: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. And it’s all thanks to Todd’s sister, Reddit’s Bodybuilding community, and thousands of people who shared their story.

Two weeks ago, Katie, also known as Reddit user Courser, asked for help getting her brother Todd a special Christmas present.

She wrote, “My brother has serious learning disabilities and autism, but fell in love with the Arnold Schwarzenegger movies as a young man and took him on as an idol.” Todd was “always lifting and exercising,” she explained, “until this spring, when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.”

She asked the Bodybuilding community for help getting a signed photo of Schwarzenegger to make “[Todd’s] face light up on his last Christmas morning.” After thousands of redditors rallied behind the request, Schwarzenegger himself got in touch to Skype with Todd from Europe and sent a Christmas package.

Now, together with Katie, the two are now delivering this inspirational message below.

For Todd

I have to tell you, this entire experience has given me so much joy from the beginning, when so many redditors banded together to help a stranger who could use some pumping up. I’ve enjoyed watching how many people have been inspired by Todd’s story.

Now I have an idea. We have a week until the New Year. Let’s start something before then.

All of you have the power to make someone’s day. Courser is right—you don’t have to be famous to give back just a little bit and make someone smile.

Let’s each commit to do one thing for a someone who could use some help this week. For Todd.

I can tell you that I’ve talked to Todd twice now, and the feeling is like nothing else. I am not exaggerating when I call him my hero. The feeling after our talks is better than winning my first Mr. Universe. It’s definitely better than a red carpet.

Each of you has that power. It might be someone struggling to buy their groceries in front of you in line. It might be an older person that needs help carrying their gifts. How many kids are spending the holidays in the hospital and would light up if you brought a gift—or even just read a book to them? Every day, we have these chances, and it’s easy to miss them when we are looking down at our machines. This week, let’s not let the opportunities pass.

Even if you’re the Grinch, do it for selfish reasons. I learned a long time ago that giving back is the most addicting feeling in the world. It’s why I worked with Special Olympics, visited every state when I was the Chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and founded After-School All-Stars more than two decades ago.

It doesn’t take money or fame or a grand gesture. It just takes a little time and thought. And we all benefit. I know when I heard that another redditor had sent Todd a t-shirt, it brightened my day.

Enough talk. Just do it. Then come here and share so we can inspire more people. For Todd. Or as you kids say, #ForTodd.

But really, for all of us. Merry Christmas!



— Arnold Schwarzenegger

My brother Todd has always been very willing to stay in the background. His developmental disability makes communication difficult sometimes, so he’s most comfortable around people he knows and loves. Even so, he was eager to lend a hand and help whenever needed. He was the first guy called in for extra shifts if someone was sick at work. He was always standing by, with his strength (and his truck!) if one of us needed help moving to a new house. He has a huge video collection—thousands and thousands of DVDs and Blu-Rays—and cheerfully delivered selections to friends who had sick kids who needed entertainment.

Every year he saved for months before Christmas, and made sure all four of his siblings (and our parents) got great and thoughtful gifts. Opening “Todd’s present” was always an EVENT on Christmas morning, and he absolutely delighted in our happiness every time.

Now I’m seeing how deeply and profoundly that same spirit of generosity is helping him. Yesterday, sick with a cold and shingles, ill and weak from chemotherapy, he barely get out of bed. He was pale, listless, and had no energy for anything, and had to be coaxed to the table for meals. Then he got a gift and a call from his idol, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He lit up when he opened the package, nearly in tears from delight. After the call, he was smiling and laughing. And this morning, he got up out of bed on his own. Insisted on doing his physical therapy exercises. Went for the longest walk he’s accomplished in weeks, a sparkle back in his eyes, color in his cheeks, and a smile on his face—all because of how his spirits had been lifted by an act of kindness.

Never underestimate the power of a kind word or thoughtful deed—a smile, a hand outstretched in an offer of help and friendship. Half an hour reading to someone who is lonely or sick, a call to someone who feels alone, an offer to carry someone’s heavy bags to their car. Support when a friend is going through hard times. These things can be small miracles. Lifting the spirit and nourishing hope and strength of will is as powerful in healing as any medicine, and can effect a transformation that will amaze you. Reach out if you can. Give someone that gift. You could change their life, or make a bad day good again. And what could be more wonderful and powerful than that?

— Katie, Reddit user Courser