I have been asked “Why?  Why did you start your foundation?” Without hesitation, I reply with the two words that inspired me – “LIAM REDDY.”

In October 2013, I learned through a Facebook friend about Liam Reddy, a two year-old boy in Florida, who was fighting a rare form of cancer. Though I had never met Liam or his family, I felt inspired to join the fundraising efforts that the Reddy family’s friends were making to help them.  After the fundraising efforts for Liam had reached their goal, I found myself still thinking about him all the time.  There was something very special about this little boy. His innocent smile and his happy disposition warmed my heart.  I wanted to keep supporting and encouraging him through his treatment and recovery.

I decided that each month I would send Liam a care package filled with small toys, activities and, occasionally, sweets. I would send the package at the beginning of each month and then would spend the rest of the month thinking about what I could send him the following month.  As months passed, Liam’s mother and I became friends and stayed in contact.  I thought to myself that perhaps now was the time to start the foundation I had always wanted to start in order to help children, but about which I had always hesitated.

Then, one day, I received a note from Liam’s mom — a sweet, unexpected note that simply described how the care packages put a smile on her son’s face, and how he and his family could “feel the love” in those small packages.  I wondered how many other children out there were struggling with life-threatening illnesses but didn’t have this kind of support.  Liam’s mom made me realize how a simple gift could bring much-needed and meaningful happiness to a child.  It was then that I knew I needed to start the foundation in order to reach and help more children.   

Inspired to do what I could to give back to the community and pay it forward, I started this foundation to deliver care packages to these brave children.  So when asked what and who inspires me, I answer, “Liam Reddy.”  It is in honor of my little friend, who is now 7 years old, that I created the Reddy2Fight Foundation.