In a world that often feels divided, the story of Renee Macklin Good reminds us of the profound impact one person's kindness can have on an entire community and beyond.

Renee Macklin Good was, in her wife Becca's words, made of sunshine. "She literally sparkled," Becca shared. "I mean, she didn't wear glitter but I swear she had sparkles coming out of her pores. All the time." But this wasn't just surface brightness. The 37-year-old poet and mother of three lived by deep values, believing that every person, regardless of where they come from or what they look like, deserves compassion and kindness.

Born in Colorado Springs as Renee Nicole Ganger, she graduated from Old Dominion University in Virginia with a degree in English. In 2020, her poem "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs" won a prize from the Academy of American Poets, showcasing her literary talent.

Her professor Kent Wascom still remembers the warmth she brought to his fiction workshop. "She was incredibly warm with her peers, generous with their work, and was just a bright and engaging presence that made folks feel good," he recalled. Even during the early pandemic days while pregnant with her son, she continued to uplift others with kind and insightful feedback, choosing encouragement over harsh criticism.

Renee was a devoted mother to three children, including a six-year-old son. Her mother Donna Ganger described her as "extremely compassionate," saying, "She's taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate."

Recently, Renee, Becca, and their son had made the journey to Minneapolis, searching for a new home and a better life. During the entire car ride, the couple held hands while their son drew pictures on the windows. When they arrived, they found exactly what they were looking for: a vibrant, welcoming community with a "strong shared sense here in Minneapolis that we were looking out for each other."

Renee lived her faith through action. "Renee was a Christian who knew that all religions teach the same essential truth: we are here to love each other, care for each other, and keep each other safe and whole," Becca explained. These values guided her decision to support neighbors during an ICE operation on January 7, even though the family was relatively new to the area.

The Ripple Effect

The values Renee lived by have created waves of compassion that continue to spread far beyond Minneapolis. Each night since her death, thousands of people have gathered to hold candlelit vigils in her memory, both locally and in cities across the country. These gatherings celebrate not just her life, but the principles she stood for: looking out for one another and showing up for neighbors.

The response has been extraordinary. A GoFundMe campaign that initially aimed to raise $50,000 for her family has surpassed $1.5 million, with donations pouring in from across the United States and around the world. The messages accompanying these donations reflect how deeply her story has resonated.

"Renee, your death weighs heavily on my heart. You stood up for your neighbors and for immigrants like me, a Somali who knows how much that protection matters. I am heartbroken for your children, who must now live without you," one donor wrote.

Another message read, "Please rest in peace knowing that we will take it from here. Tyranny will not stand, Good will prevail."

Renee Macklin Good's legacy is one of radical kindness, lived authentically every single day. She proved that showing up for others, offering compassion instead of criticism, and caring for neighbors creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. Her sparkle continues to shine through the countless lives she touched and the community of love she helped nurture.