When Randy Heiss Went Hiking

In December 2018, Randy Heiss, a retired advertising executive from Patagonia, Arizona, was hiking near the U.S.-Mexico border when he stumbled upon something unexpected: a red balloon tangled in the brush.

Curious, he untied it and discovered a small note attached—written in Spanish by a young girl named Dayami. The note contained a simple Christmas wish list: toys like a doll, art supplies, and a dollhouse. It was signed with love and hope.

Touched by the message, Randy felt compelled to help. Despite not speaking fluent Spanish and having no idea where the balloon had come from, he teamed up with his wife and local contacts in Nogales, Mexico, to track down the child. After days of effort, they identified Dayami, a nine-year-old girl living in a children’s home.

On Christmas Eve, Randy personally delivered gifts matching her wish list. The emotional reunion captured hearts worldwide and became a symbol of compassion that transcends borders.

Randy Heiss’s simple act of kindness—sparked by a chance discovery during a quiet hike—reminds us how small gestures can create ripples of goodwill across cultures and communities.