Hundreds of wildfires have brought historic levels of devastation to Australia. Over 25 people have been killed in the blazes and the damage done to the country's environment and wildlife is unimaginable.
"The number of cattle and sheep killed is still being tallied, but the losses are expected to be enormous," NPR's Jason Beaubien reports. "And the death toll among wild animals is even worse. An ecologist at Sydney University estimates that nearly half a billion animals perished in the state of New South Wales alone."
Los Angeles Instagram model and online sex worker Kaylen Ward, 20, was devastated by the news out of Australia so she decided to raise money the same way she makes it normally, by taking her clothes off.
"I was seeing all the posts on Twitter about the Australian fires and I was really concerned there wasn't a lot of media coverage and not a lot of people donating," she told BuzzFeed News.
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So on January 3, she sent out a tweet saying that she'll send a nude photo of herself to anyone who donates $10 or more to an organization helping relief efforts, including NSW Rural Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Service, Red Cross, and certain koala hospitals across Australia.
The tweet quickly went viral and Ward's inbox was inundated with messages from people who donated to one of the charities.
"I was expecting to raise maybe $1,000, but the tweet blew up," she said.
One donor was incredibly generous. "Someone sent me $5,000, so I'm sending 50 pics and videos," she said according to The Daily Mail.
Someone just donated $5,000! pic.twitter.com/tqr1huodmX
— THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 4, 2020
As of Sunday, Ward claims her campaign has raised over $700,000 for the wildfires.
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Unfortunately, Ward's brave philanthropic endeavor has caused her a bit of trouble. Her Instagram account was revoked because of the campaign.
My Instagram got deleted 😭🥺 pic.twitter.com/nBRQlByYAR
— THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 5, 2020
"This account was disabled for violating our policies. Offering nude images is not allowed on Instagram," a Facebook spokesperson told BuzzFeed News.
She says that her offering of nude photos has caused problems with her personal life. However, she's not going to stop because she's doing the right thing for the koalas.
My IG got deactivated, my family disowned me, and the guy I like won't talk to me all because of that tweet. But fuck it, save the koalas.
— THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 5, 2020
Although the campaign has caused her some personal problems, people on Twitter are praising her for doing what she can to help the wildfires.
Her doing this makes my heart happy. I just wish her family cared more about her good deed than they do the method.
— ZAPhausen (@ZombieArmyCraig) January 6, 2020
Thank you for your incredible kindness and generousity. As an Aussie living amongst affected areas, I appreciate you helping our wildlife, who are silent victims in all this.
Here's a photo I snapped of a wild brumby in Kosciusko National Park last week as a little thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nVT6ThdkBR
— Old, but Pretty™ (@DannyDangerOz) January 5, 2020
Bravo ! pic.twitter.com/EKDuBEKrV5
— Milos Godic (@GodicMilos) January 6, 2020
Ward's campaign is a great way of showing that we all have unique talents that we can use to help when disaster strikes. There's nothing wrong with anyone selling photos of their body as long as it's their decision. Especially when the photos are being used to help a desperate situation across the globe.
Say goodbye or make amends.Image via Canva - Photo by Inna Postnikova
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Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.