Chad was a 29 year old father of two young boys and the
loving husband of my dear friend Colleen when he was diagnosed with a rare form
of cancer called Ewing Sarcoma. After fighting a brave battle for 318 days,
Chad sadly passed away leaving his young family behind. Colleen, through her
pain, has bravely held her family together since Chad’s untimely passing, and
has continued to motivate and inspire me to carry on helping families who face
similar struggles. You can find out more about Chad’s fight against cancer and
his family’s story here.
Colleen, Chad, and their sons
Next week, Colleen will be flying into Boston from Wisconsin
and she and I, along with a couple friends, will be completing 318 Random Acts
of Kindness to honor each day of Chad’s fight with cancer. Throughout the city, we have plans to make
several stops- we will be placing fifty cards for a free subway ride at the
station, and buying five coffees for strangers. We will then head to the
hospital and begin placing a hundred lottery tickets randomly around the floors
of the hospital as we go through! In the surgical waiting area, we will hand
out cancer ribbon cookies to the anxious families waiting for their loved ones.
At the children’s hospital and the local grocer, we will be placing sixty quarters
on the machines for kids to enjoy, and will be giving area restaurants fifty
packs of gum to hand out to patrons when they deliver their check. To end our
amazing day together, we will pay for three meals for random people while we’re
out. Additionally, we have decided to hand out 250 “survival kits” for nurses
to show appreciation and boost moral and 150 care
packages to Thornton and Naumes House, the Hope Lodge, and the Beacon
House. All lodging facilities for adults with cancer.
The random acts of kindness are funded by Superheroes Fighting Cancer (visit their FB here.) Superheroes Fighting Cancer is a Nonprofit Organization created to support parents who are fighting their own battle with cancer.
During the day, we also have an interview set up with the local news station to help share Chad’s story and to encourage others to reach out and spread a little joy, especially through their sorrows.
Although Chad’s time here has come to an end, his story is
not over. On his behalf, we will personally reach out to 318 people who might
need a positive moment or a helping hand, and we will continue to be his voice
to thousands through exposure on the news and online.
Thank you for taking the
time to share this moment with us and encourage our journey to honor Chad!
