“I am a 24-year-old Cystic Fibrosis patient on the list for a double-lung transplant. I am currently in the hospital for an exacerbation, and today I got a little knock on my hospital door. On the other side was a lovely woman who delivered me such a beautiful, surprise bouquet of flowers. It was so wonderful, and so very unexpected. The thoughtful gift was a ray of sunshine in my day. I hope someday, once I am healthy and with new lungs, to volunteer for this marvelous organization. It is fantastic, and what it does brightens the lives of so many beautiful souls. Thank you for making my day.  Peace and love.” – Rosie, Recipient at UT Medical Center

“I’m not a flower bouquet person. I like to see flowers in fields. But when I was in the hospital, the fact that someone cared was nice. Thank You.”  – Joe M., recipient at Blount Memorial Hospital

“I just wanted to thank Random Acts of Flowers as well as the Boring Family for the white poinsettia that my father, Emery N, received at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville in early Decemeber.  It was actually on his 87th birthday, so that was really nice.  Since his nursing home room didn’t have room for plants or flowers, after he left Parkwest, I brought the poinsettia to my house.  It remained beautiful until the morning of my father’s death on Dec. 31.  It began to die, even though I have owned my own greenhouse and worked in others and know how to care for these plants.  It totally died within a week.  I bought an ornamental Japanese Cherry Tree to plant in my yard in memory of my dad, and in the hole, I placed the poinsettia.  I will remember your kindness, and the tree will remind me, too.  Thanks.”  - Conny O, Recipient Family Member at Parkwest Medical Center.

“I am a nurse at UT Medical Ctr & would like to say THANK A BUNCH! Our patients have been so moved by your ‘recycling of smiles!’ I hear only praise & compliments when the volunteers deliver an arrangement to their bedside. The staff of 4South are working to collect vases/cups from home to share with your organization to continue to add a smile a day! Thanks again.” – Trenia, staff at UT Medical Center

“My mother-in-law, a 90-year-old,little lady was the recipient of a beautiful bud vase with three yellow carnations from your organization.  She was so pleased; not only the fragrance, but also the beauty was so much enjoyed and it made her hospital room so much more cheery.  Thank you to all who made such a thoughtful gift possible.” - Belinda J., Recipient Family Member

“My mother is a resident at Williamsburg Villas and received a bouquet of flowers from your organization.  What a wonderful surprise for her.  She was thrilled and is still enjoying them more than a week later.  She felt very special and that doesn’t happen very often.  Thank you very much for your kindness and thoughtfulness.” - Denise A., Recipient Family Member

“As we were approaching the nursing station at 4South,  I overheard one of the nurses telling a male patient who was probably mid to late 30?s about Random Act of Flowers.  She told him that we are there once a month and that everyone on the floor gets flowers. He was so excited and asked her if even he would receive flowers.  She assured him that he would, so we made certain that he did get included.  When I went in he asked that I let him hold the arrangement. He beamed up at me and said that he thought that this was probably the nicest thing which had happened to him in such a long time. He shared that he was facing surgery that day, and he couldn’t express how much this meant to him.  He and I agreed that when he returned from surgery that he would have the flowers there to welcome him back to his room.” –Faye, volunteer and Random Acts of Flowers’ escort at UT Medical Center

“The Jones family would like to thank you so much for the flowers. The yellow roses and daisies honestly, brighten the room. It brought comfort and happiness into the room. For my grandfather and our family. This is a wonderful organization you have. Thank you again, The Jones family – Darla J., Recipient Family Member

“My mom, Peggy, has been a resident of Shannondale Health Care Center for a little over two years and has been receiving hospice services for a year. She loves flowers and was thrilled to receive the roses in the cup. Her memory is not so good so everytime she entered her room, she marveled at the gift of sweet roses. So, one gift brought numerous instances of delight. Thank you for this ministry.” – Susan Y., Recipient Family Member

“Last week I was hospitalized at ParkWest.  With most of my family living out of state, I was quite lonely and depressed, not knowing what was wrong with me and not having someone to sit with me while there was something new to me.  In the past, I always had one of my husbands with me (both have passed away and are in God’s hands now).  My daughter had to work so she could only come in the evenings.  I was so surprised when a lady walked into my room and presented me with a beautiful arrangement and told where they came from.  I wanted to say thank you for such a beautiful experience, it made my day.  They now sit in my bedroom for me to enjoy.  I’ve been looking for a way to volunteer and give back.  Random Acts of Flowers will be hearing from me about offering my services.  Thank you again for making me smile and brighten up my day!” – Debbie, Recipient at Parkwest Medical Center

“I am a male patient of UT Cancer Center and have chemo therapy for 7 days a month.  As a previous Floral Designer I was very pleased one day not long ago to see some of the patient’s in the chemo hut receiving bouquet’s of flowers from Random Acts of Flowers.    It was very touching that someone thought enough of total strangers that they would send flowers and I thought, why couldn’t I voluteer as a designer as well?  After all my years of working as a florist I still enjoy making arrangements.  So I contacted the group and today I am a volunteer.  I thoroughly enjoy working with the group!” — Glen B., RAF Volunteer

“Absolutely wonderful.  It is a great idea, great service.  The residents absolutely loved it, a lot of them were so surprised.  They said ‘Oh wow, who are these from?’  They saw the note and they felt really special.  We really truly appreciated it and we really think it was a wonderful thing.” -Diane W., Manorhouse Assisted Living

“My grandmother is in the hospital and she wanted to thank all of you for the flowers that were given to her out of the kindness of your hearts!  I thank you also.  It really made her happy!  All I wanted to see was a smile on her face and she smiled like a ray of sunshine!  Thanks again.” – Recipient Family Member, Julie & Dorothy H.

“Honestly, receiving bouquets from Random Acts of Flowers cheers up our patient’s day.  We see it often, that for whatever reason, some patients just have fewer guests that visit them in the hospital and it can bring down their spirit.  When we see a patient ‘randomly’ receive a special delivery of flowers, it truly cheers them up.  The positive reinforcement flowers provide a patient during their hospital stay really does make a big difference.” — Parkwest Medical Center Nurse, Pam S.

“The patients get very excited when they see all the beautiful arrangements entering the facility. The flowers bring lots of smiles to faces as the arrangements are distributed to eager patients. Patients are surprised that someone that doesn’t even know them would do something so thoughtful. It is an unexpected highlight of their day.” — Blount Memorial Transitional Care Center administrative assistant, Carie Cadieux.

“When florists deliver arrangements to St. Mary’s they leave them with the volunteers to deliver.  In previous years we would load an entire cart and take them around the hospital every day, now we are lucky to get four bouquets in a day.  Random Acts of Flowers helps make up for the trying economic times by filling our rooms with flowers.” – Doris F., Volunteer at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

“Wanted 2 thank u for rndm act of flowers. They showed up 1 day in my wife’s grandmother’s room at BMH before she died. Much appreciated.” BwanaJim via Twitter

“I enjoyed getting flowers delivered to my room @ St. Mary’s hospital. It brightened my day for someone to volunteer their time to lift my mood.” — Ray, recipient at St. Mary’s

“Thank you for the beautiful flowers delivered to my father at Windsor Gardens assisted living! The delivery brightened his day and he has enjoyed them very much.” – Becky C., Recipient Family Member

“Today my husband received one of your lovely bouquets at the hospital. The flowers are so beautiful and the thought behind them even more beautiful. Thank you so much for what you did. You are doing a wonderful thing with this. God bless all of you.” — Linda, Recipient Family Member

“The residents at Trinity Hills immediately start smiling and looking at each dining room table when they realize that Random Acts of Flowers has “struck” again with their generosity and beautiful arrangements prepared for them.  It always puts smiles on their faces and applause breaks out when they get the word that RAF is involved.  Thank you for your continuous work within our community.  It is very much appreciated at Trinity Hills of Knoxville.” — Stephanie Elswick, Activities Director, Trinity Hills Senior Living Community

“Wow… what a blessing. Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers. Our residents were so suprised and delitghted at the same time. Your volunteers were great. I just can’t express how much this meant to our residents. This is truly a great program. Thank you again and God Bless You!” – Gail, volunteer at Elmcroft of Halls

“Thank you so much for your kind donation to the residents at Elmcroft of Halls.  The staff and family of this community has been blown away by the kind spirit of everyone with your organization. The smiles on our resident’s faces continue to shine after your kind delivery.  One resident sang to her flowers because it had been so long since she had received such a beautiful bouquet.  Residents, family members and staff have greatly enjoyed the beautiful flowers your volunteers arranged.  We are amazed by this kind gesture and are hopeful for a future return visit.” – Rebecca, staff at Elmcroft of Halls

“My 83 year old grandmother fell and broke her hip, which required surgery and therapy. While staying at a transitional therapy center in Blount County she was brought a beautiful vase of purple Irises. What a wonderful uplifting surprise! On my commute to work I drive by a giant billboard with a counter for Random Acts of Kindness but never fully felt it’s impact until today. Thank you so much for the work you do! God bless.” – Sara, Recipient Family Member

“My 93 year old mother in law received some flowers from you this week – she was thrilled! Although she has congestive heart failure she was able to come home and  bring them with her. Thanks so much – it meant a lot.” – Susan F., Recipient Family Member

“It really is a great way to brighten the lives of our patients at the Transitional Care Center.  When you are sick, there is nothing more up-lifting than getting some bright and cheery flowers.” – Alison Hiday, Activities Director, Blount Memorial Transitional Care Center

“The flowers cheer the patients up especially those that are depressed.  They also make them feel like someone does care.” – Kema Combes, administrative supervisor, Blount Memorial Hospital

“I just want to thank your group for the delivery of daisy mums during my stay at ParkWest.  They did so much to brighten an otherwise clinical atmosphere.  They made a difference.” – Jane, Recipient

“Beautiful vases of flowers arrived last weekend for each of our eighteen hospice patients and their families. Our front reception desk as well as staff members received a bouquet for their desk too.  The acts of kindness LIFTED our SPIRITS for days and we appreciate this wonderful mission that is brought to us unexpectantly. You even picked up the empty vases! Thank-you Sage and all who made this possible!” -Tere, staff at Mercy Residential Hospice

“Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers that you bring to our facility.  It brightens up not only our facility environment, but our residents’ and staffs’ day!  Thank you so much for thinking of Northhaven Health Care!”  -Trudy Durham, Executive Director of Northhaven Health Care, and the residents and staff.

The following are testimonials from our Christmas Day deliveries:

“What a wonderful Christmas morning I had, spreading cheer and joy to the patients at Parkwest Hospital!  I think it meant as much to me as the patients, as smiles came on their faces and knowing that someone thought about them.  One lady remarked, “Santa did not forget me after all!”  Another lady ran down the hall to tell me that I had made her husband smile for the first time in days.  The stories go on and on.  Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do something for others on Christmas.” – Jane F., Random Acts of Flowers volunteer

“My younger brother and I did deliveries on Christmas Eve.  It really made us appreciate the fact that we were enjoying the holiday in the comfort of our home, while so many were recovering in the hospital.  The experience, while wonderful for the patients, was deeply enlightening for us.” – Alicia Cottrell, Random Acts of Flowers Board Secretary

“Someone once told me that being charitable is a selfish thing: “if you think about it” he said, “we are charitable in order to make ourselves feel good”.   Well, I don’t know what the philosophical or psychological twists are but if being charitable means being selfish, by all means, I want to be selfish!  This Christmas I had the charity of Park West Hospital patients who gave me hugs, smiles, and sound life advice.  Aided by the ever present and cheerful Rita and by the diligent nurses, I made my way to about two dozen rooms, delivering beautiful and bright poinsettias, which were graciously donated by Stanley’s Greenhouse.  One of the ladies I visited gave me a great big hug and apologized for her hair not looking up to par for a visit.  Her face lit up at the sight of the crimson flower and she optimistically counted down the days until she could be with her grandchildren.  Many patients thanked me and thought it was such a nice thing for Stanley’s Greenhouse to do.  I was lucky enough to hear one man’s whole life story, including good advice to treat one’s significant other well, to pray, and to remember that if someone doesn’t interact with you to your satisfaction, something might be going on in their life that makes them temporarily act that way.  We also made sure that all nurses’ stations had one of our beautiful poinsettias – a very small thank you for all of their hard work.  I am thankful – and yes, I feel good – for the opportunity to share a special day with so many sweet people!  Thank you Stanley’s Greenhouse and Random Acts of Flowers!  Looking forward to more deliveries!” – Oana H., Random Acts of Flowers volunteer

“I want to thank you and the Stephen Family for the beautiful flowers My Mom received during one of her hospital (Ft. Sanders) stays. I don’t remember the date she got them sometime between April 4 and July 22. She has now gone on to her Heavenly Home and is no longer suffering from her 10 yr. cancer battle. As her only surviving child of 65 yrs. old, I hope I can show such bravery and fortitude if I am faced with such circumstances in my life. Thanks again her loving daughter — Jerry F., Recipient Family Member

“Many thanks to your organization for the beautiful flowers delivered to my mother during her stay at UT Hospital in Knoxville.  The pink roses were perfect for her and she was so excited to receive them. I love that the flowers are repurposed for others to enjoy. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.  Best wishes and God Bless!” — Beth R., Recipient Family Member