Monday, February 17, 2014

Chad's Fight - 318 Random Acts of Kindness


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!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Take A Walk In Our Shoes!

Charlie’s Barber Shop is at it again! Employee Brent Kirkland, who cut back to part time hours after earning his degree, has volunteered to walk the five miles from the shop to the closest McDonald’s wearing the big red shoes to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston, SC.

Real men wear red... shoes!

The Ronald McDonald House provides shelter and basic necessities for families during their child’s hospital stay so that parents, siblings, and loved ones can be nearby during treatment without having to pay for gas, plane trips, expensive hotel stays and meals out. The cost of running the House is $50 per room per night, though to keep it affordable during a family’s time of struggle, the suggested donation per night is only $20. Due to the generous nature of this program, those who can’t afford to pay are thankfully never turned away- however, this means that more funds are needed. This vital resource heavily depends on charitable donations from the community, and we’re more than happy to support Brent’s admirable efforts to raise funds and awareness!

Mmm...

We have donated McDonald’s gift cards for him to hand out on his journey in hopes of brightening some lives along the way while spreading the word.  We are also collecting money through Paypal  at cathyscreationsjewelry@yahoo.com and would like to ask you to consider supporting this worthwhile cause. Local residents can drop off donations at Charlie’s Barber Shop. For those who do not wish to make a monetary contribution, please consider sharing the blog link so it reaches more people. Remember, a little bit of help from a lot of people is what really makes the difference.


Good luck, Brent!