A Gripping Tale of Virtues Amidst Personal Sacrifice

LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2025 — Linda Kavelin-Popov, co-founder of The Virtues Project™, reluctantly attended a significant conference after dedicating months to caring for her dying brother during his battle with brain cancer.

Kavelin-Popov’s decision to attend the conference came after her brother, John Kavelin, encouraged her to share the message of virtues despite knowing her absence would be difficult. “Lin, I insist that you go. I can’t keep you all to myself. All those other people need to hear about virtues,” he told her.

The conference was expected to attract approximately 80,000 attendees, alongside millions tuned in via television. Kavelin-Popov felt torn but recognized an undeniable calling to reach a broader audience with the wisdom of her work.

At the event, Linda shared the stage with prominent figures, including Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who provided a notable presence at the panel discussion centered on nurturing compassion in children. Before their discussion commenced, Kavelin-Popov and Tutu humorously noted the complementary colors of their attire.

In a surprising moment, Kavelin-Popov asked for two box lunches meant for VIP speakers. “I never ignore Divine nudges. They are unfailingly meaningful,” she explained later, sensing the need to share with others. Spotting Tutu’s empty seat, she offered him the extra lunch and a gift hidden within the packaging: a set of Virtues Reflection Cards.

Later, during the panel, Kavelin-Popov recounted a heartfelt story about her son, Christopher. After seeing imagery of starving children in Africa on television, the four-year-old eagerly sought to share his treasures. “Can I send this to those children, Mom? Then send it. Send it all,” the young boy insisted. This poignant moment illustrated the core message of acknowledging children’s virtues rather than labeling them with shame.

Kavelin-Popov returned home to find that both her husband, Dan, and John had coped well in her absence. John was especially delighted to hear about the conference and the meaningful exchanges she experienced.

Despite the challenges of balancing personal pain with professional commitments, Kavelin-Popov exemplified the virtues she promotes, forging connections that transcended personal grief.