Knox Dydalewicz’s light continues to shine through the people he’s inspired — people like Katie Wood, an author, speaker, and mom of four who has dedicated her life to helping families, students, and educators live with more gratitude, intention, and kindness.

Through her book,  A Simple Seed of Growth, Gratitude, and Goodness, Katie helps children start each day with positivity and purpose — lessons that align perfectly with Knox’s spirit of joy, inclusiveness, and kindness.

Katie first learned about the Live Like Knox Foundation through Laine Santamaria, and later had the opportunity to speak at one of the Foundation’s events.

“I was completely blown away by the support and kindness that filled the room,” Katie shared. “Everyone was truly touched by Knox and inspired to be better because of him. His light continues to shine so brightly and always will.”

Living a 10/10 Life

When preparing her presentation, Katie said she felt like she truly got to know Knox — his heart, his joy, and his inclusiveness.

“What touched me most was his ability to see everyone for who they truly were. He was the ‘it kid’ — athletic, smart, kind, and inclusive — exactly what every parent hopes to raise their child to be.”

That same spirit has become a daily influence in Katie’s own family. Her daughter proudly wears her Live Like Knox shirt every week, sharing Knox’s story and spreading kindness all the way in the Boston area.

“My own kids now try to live a 10/10 every day,” Katie said. “It’s incredible to see Knox’s light continue to travel far beyond Texas.”

From Pain to Purpose

Katie describes the Foundation as “deeply personal and rooted in the legacy of one extraordinary child.”

“You took pain and turned it into purpose, darkness into gratitude. What sets LLK apart is how it doesn’t just raise awareness — it inspires action.”

She was especially moved by the Kindness Carries On Scholarship, calling it “a meaningful way to honor Knox’s spirit and encourage others to embody the values he lived by.”

Planting Seeds of Kindness

Through her organization, A Simple Seed, Katie has continued to weave Knox’s message into classrooms and homes.

“To me, Live Like Knox means spreading seeds of kindness everywhere you go,” she said. “Knox’s spirit inspired me so deeply that we added him to our newest A Simple Seed journal, so that his light can shine even brighter and continue to inspire children and educators to act with compassion, inclusiveness, and love.”

Small Acts, Big Impact

Katie believes kindness doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to be intentional. Her family spreads little wooden hearts engraved with the word “Love,” leaving them for strangers to find.

Another family favorite? Asking cashiers their favorite candy bar and buying it for them on the spot.

“It’s such a simple gesture,” she said, “but the immediate smile on their face is priceless.”

Her favorite reminder came from a small act of kindness she witnessed firsthand — connecting a young man with Down syndrome to his favorite basketball player, Paige Bueckers.

“Seeing his tears of joy when he received a signed poster was a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can create unforgettable moments.”

Opportunity KNOX

When asked what words come to mind when she thinks of Knox, Katie’s answer was clear:

“Opportunity and making a difference. We all have the chance to impact others, but not everyone takes it. When opportunity KNOX, we’re reminded to seize those moments and spread kindness.”

Katie hopes the partnership between A Simple Seed and the Live Like Knox Foundation will continue to grow, reaching classrooms and communities nationwide.

“Together, we can help raise children to be more like Knox — kind, inclusive, and full of love. Knox is the face of kindness, and A Simple Seed is the tool that helps bring his message to life.”

As Katie reminds us, “Kindness takes work. It requires reminders, intention, and practice until it becomes second nature.”

Through her words and her actions, she continues to show what it means to truly Live Like Knox — spreading kindness, gratitude, and light wherever she goes.

Join Us for 30 Days of Gratitude:

Gratitude Lights the Way to Kindness This November, we’re inviting our entire community to celebrate the power of gratitude with our 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge.

Every day, we’ll share a simple way to reflect, appreciate, and act — because gratitude and kindness go hand in hand.

Here’s how to join:

• Follow along daily on our social media pages for prompts like
  “What’s something small that brought a smile to your day?” or
• “Tag someone you’re grateful for and tell them why.” Take part in weekly challenges like writing a thank-you note or giving a compliment.
• Share your moments using the hashtag #GratitudeLightsTheWay — we’ll feature stories from our community all month long.

And for families looking to make gratitude a daily habit, we encourage you to purchase and fill out your A Simple Seed of Growth, Gratitude & Goodness journal during the challenge.

This 5-minute morning journal for kids helps them start each day with intention — learning to manage emotions, develop a growth mindset, and meet life’s challenges with confidence, joy, and gratitude. It’s the perfect way to bring the spirit of #LiveLikeKnox into your home all month long. Click here to purchase A Simple Seed of Growth, Gratitude & Goodness on Amazon.

At the end of the 30 days, we’ll celebrate how gratitude has sparked kindness across our schools, families, and communities — proof that kindness grows where gratitude lives.

Join us this November as Gratitude Lights the Way to Kindness, and let’s keep shining Knox’s light, one thankful heart at a time.