Giving Thanks: 5 Things that Didn’t Suck in 2017

2017 has been a rough year. From the constant blunders of the Trump administration to numerous natural disasters leaving devastation in their wake, there’s a lot that sucks this year. You may feel like you need reprieve from the constant negativity popping up in your newsfeed. Thankfully, there are plenty of awesome things going on that can make the world suck a little less.

It’s good to remember that NotEverything.Sucks and to spread some optimism where possible as we head towards the end of 2017. Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to consider all that we have to be thankful for, particularly as we come together with friends and family for the long weekend.

The Anti-Racism Protest in Boston Draws Thousands

People holding signs protesting anti-racism in Boston

The Boston Free Speech rally in August of this year seemed poised to become a hotbed for racism and bigotry. They were permitted to host approximately 100 participants (which is, in our opinion, 100 too many), but the actual attendance was far less than that. The anti-racism counter-protest, however, attracted crowds from near and far. Thousands (police estimated over 15,000 people) marched in the counter-protest, which outmatched the Free Speech rally somewhere from 15-to-1. HateSpeech.Sucks, and we’re glad that 15,000 people in Boston agree.

We’re Closer to Finding New Treatments for Autism Symptoms

A small but promising trial showed that a 100-year-old drug called suramin could be effective in improving symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. It’s estimated that 1 in 160 children are affected by ASD. Suramin could bring considerable improvements of quality of life for these children, their families and their caregivers. NotHavingAnyOptions.Sucks, so hopefully suramin will give families new ways to treat debilitating ASD symptoms.

Guinea-worm Disease and Polio Almost Eradicated

Health worker administrates polio-vaccine drops to a child during anti-polio immunization campaign

We got rid of smallpox. Now, we’re close to eradicating the guinea-worm disease and polio, as well. In 2017, there were only 5 recorded cases of the guinea-worm disease left on the planet—and only 8 confirmed cases of polio, thanks in part to the vaccination push launched in 1988. 2017 was a great year for defeating diseases and the unnecessary suffering that they cause. WidespreadDisease.Sucks, but thankfully, these two diseases seem close to becoming a thing of the past.

The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, according to the United Nations. This project hopes to educate people on the importance of celebrating and respecting different cultures and heritages while promoting tourism initiatives that help to grow economies across the globe. By appreciating other cultures, tourism can be one small step to promoting world peace through understanding and empathy. After all, Ignorance.Sucks.

The First Human Head Transplant

Human head transplant scheduled for December 2017

The first human head transplant has been scheduled for December 2017, which just goes to show you that this year has more miraculous twists and turns to offer. Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero is set to attempt the procedure with his volunteer, Valery Spiridonov. Spiridonov is wheelchair-bound because of Werdnig-Hoffman Disease, and hopes the transplant will offer folks like him a means to a more independent life in the future. Whether or not the operation is a success—it is pretty far-fetched—it’s an important scientific and medical milestone. Stagnating.Sucksso here’s to science trying bold things and moving us closer to new possibilities.

The Takeaway

There’s a lot going on that can reasonably get you down. However, even the sturdiest psyche needs a break from the relentless devastation of current events. Share this post with someone who needs a pick-me-up, or craft a message of your own on a custom .SUCKS domain today.

Negativity.Sucks. Why not use a .SUCKS domain to for good? Find out more how a .SUCKS domain can help you fight the good fight. Start the conversation today.

Photo Credits: Shutterstokc/ Jacob Lund, Shutterstock / Heidi Besen, Shutterstock / Asianet-Pakistan, Shutterstock / Dmitry Kalinovsky

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