‘#Smith26’ encourages acts of kindness to honor Smith

Former Butler center Andrew Smith was supposed to turn 26 today. Smith, who was a part of two Bulldog Final Four teams, lost his battle with cancer in January. But his spirit unquestionably lives on.

Smith’s widow, Samantha, is doing everything in her power to make a positive impact despite enduring a personal tragedy. She wrote in a blog post:

"The best way I know how to celebrate Andrew is to love on people. So this coming Friday, I am making the day all about serving others by doing 26 random acts of kindness for Andrew’s 26th birthday. I would LOVE if people all around the world who follow this blog and Andrew’s story would do the same by doing a random act of kindness in to honor Andrew and his lasting impact on people. Let’s still celebrate Andrew and who he was."

By using the hashtag ‘#Smith26’ many followed Samantha’s lead:

If you want your day made, take a look at #Smith26. There are some amazing people out there.

— Butler University (@butleru) September 9, 2016

3 @niceytreat pops given away an hour til closing @ BR store! Come celebrate #Smith26 #ChillemwithKindness pic.twitter.com/MHlKgaMa9n

— Historic Hinkle (@ButlerWarSong) September 9, 2016

Flowers, notes, coffee, & candy left on random cars #Smith26 pic.twitter.com/0HnXbySg3B

— Samantha Smith (@Samantha44Smith) September 9, 2016

Leaving a random act of kindness in Madison Square Park #Smith26 pic.twitter.com/me1nDc1auq

— Kami Mattioli (@kmattio) September 9, 2016

For #Smith26 I brought the office lunch... Hope they like Holistic Select pic.twitter.com/jOp23H2pfo

— Butler Blue III (@ButlerBlue3) September 9, 2016

I would like to give 2 people a free meal at Chipotle! Tweet me a random act of kindness you do today with #Smith26! pic.twitter.com/keYMBxdExf

— Kim Adams (@Kim_Adams1) September 9, 2016

Hey @Samantha44Smith, put another by #Smith26. Hope others will join us today. pic.twitter.com/QMF07wU0Xx

— John Dedman (@JohnDedman) September 9, 2016

Donating blood in honor of Andrew Smith. #Project44 #Smith26 pic.twitter.com/7N4pJPBtHf

— Brenna Zoephel (@brennazoephel) September 9, 2016

Bought #Starbucks for a stranger today. My cup sums up the Smith family. #Smith26 pic.twitter.com/vY2ZJ8b8Kf

— Brad Burnett (@burnettbrad) September 9, 2016

There are some amazing people out there. Rest in peace, Andrew Smith.