Yes. I've always believed that integrity and sincerity are qualities that are indeed incredibly attractive. I detest the mantra that nice guys finish last, I understand the logic but often people see what they expect to see.
The word community encapsulates so many different things and is difficult to quantify or even explain to someone who doesn't get it. I think those fully immersed in the idea, experience a 'one of our own' kind of empathy when they read about people experiencing a tough time.
It's heartening you are the kind of person to see and more importantly feel the meaning that is being conveyed. I hope that many opportunities to smile still present themselves going forward my friend.
In my experience, nice guys only finish last in some areas of life, often on the material side of things. When it comes to quality of life, not living standards, it might be a different scenario.