The Gift of Giving

It’s the season of giving — and that’s lasted for a reason. First, there’s need. Second, giving makes us feel better. Live better.

Cami Walker found that out the hard way. At 32, just a month after her wedding, she was diagnosed with painful multiple sclerosis. Nothing made her feel better.

Until, from the depth of her pain, she started giving to others. Just little things at first. Then more. For twenty-nine straight days.

And the giving, she says, brought her back. Science says she may be right.

This hour, On Point: in the season of giving, the power of the gift.

You can join the conversation. Tell us what you think — here on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.Guests:

Joining us from Los Angeles is writer Cami Walker. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006. Her new book is called "29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life." She is the creator of the online community 29-Day Giving Challenge.
Read an excerpt from "29 Gifts."

With us in our studio is Patricia Rogers, a psychotherapist in private practice. She’s counseled individuals, couples and families for over 20 years.

And joining us from Stony Brook, New York, is Stephen Post. He is director for the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University. He co-authored the book "Why Good Things Happen to Good People."