Twelve people a day and over 60 people a week.
Cynthia Groopman sends joy in a very simple way.
“I believe in spreading sunshine and making people feel good,” Groopman said.
What You Need To Know
- Cynthia Groopman calls over 60 people each week asking them about their day and singing them songs in order to bring a smile to their faces
- It's a simple act, but Groopman is grateful she can make people laugh and smile and simply brighten their day
- Groopman is no stranger to isolation. She lost her eyesight over 30 years ago and is now doing all she can to make sure others don't have to feel so lost
Her calls bring friendship and love — and even some holiday cheer — to fellow seniors who often feel isolated.
“It means that somebody cares,” Groopman emphasized. “It gets them to feel good about themselves that, ‘Hey, I’m not alone.’”
Though robust in voice and song, Groopman knows a thing or two about isolation.
Over 30 years ago, a prescription robbed her of her eyesight.
Working through her new normal, Groopman reached outside of herself to find comfort and purpose.
“When you make somebody else happy, you’re happy yourself.”
Groopman is constantly adding new names to her list.
Finding connections with people from ages 70 to 103 every hour of the day.
“You give of yourself,” Groopman commented. “When you give time or kindness to somebody. When you cheer someone up. When you sing to somebody, that’s what giving means.”
For taking the time to call in some cheer, Cynthia Groopman is our New Yorker of the Week.