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!