Supporting PADS honors son's memory
Anyone who knew Ross MacNeill knew he loved life - his family, his friends, his dog - but he was passionate about two things: hockey and helping the homeless.
Hockey grabbed hold of the Wheaton boy early. He laced up his skates to start playing at age 4.
Not long after, he learned about the plight of homeless people. As a 5-year-old he set out to do something for the people he recognized as being just like him in a different set of circumstances.
Ross held onto both passions until brain cancer took his life in May 2013 when he was 11 years old. Before he died, he asked his parents to promise to fight brain cancer so other children wouldn't suffer and to continue to "take care of the homeless."
With hockey tournaments and other Ross K. MacNeill Foundation events, his parents are working to keep their first promise. They'll take steps on Saturday, Sept. 19, to keep the second.
Ross' parents, along with a team of family and friends known as R33M Tough, with Ross' initials around his hockey number, will take part in the Run 4 Home to benefit DuPage PADS.
PADS cares for homeless people in DuPage by providing overnight shelters every night of the year using space in churches around the county and the help of hundreds of volunteers.
Beyond giving homeless people a safe place to sleep, DuPage PADS offers a variety of programs that aim to return the homeless to self-sufficiency. PADS' Client Service Center offers shower and laundry facilities, as well as access to health and legal services, support groups and workshops.
The Career Services Program helps clients choose appropriate careers and develop their skills to be ready to enter the workforce as well as working with employers for job placement and training.
With Permanent Supportive Housing, people coping with chronic homelessness who are able to pay a portion of the rent can live in PADS apartments.
When PADS supporters take to the streets of Wheaton Saturday to run 5K or 10K or to walk 5K, they'll be joined by some kids and tweens who share Ross' passion. PADS will honor Ross' commitment to the cause by giving the top-finishing under-14 runners in both distances the Ross K. MacNeill Award, perhaps inspiring them to continue the service Ross can no longer give.
Today, Ross' mother, Kim MacNeill, tells us how he inspired his family to work to end homelessness.
Q. Who or what inspires you to participate in the Run 4 Home?
A. Our son, Ross, had a heavy heart for the homeless since he was about 5 years old. Ross passed away on May 13, 2013.
Q. How has homelessness affected you?
A. Because of Ross' compassion for the homeless, our family looks at it so differently now. Ross would say, "They are people just like me without the things I have." His words have remained in our mind and heart ever since.
Q. What has been difficult about coping with homelessness?
A. It has been difficult to cope with the fact that it is right here in our community. Homelessness isn't the stereotypical person; it's you, me, or our neighbors who fell on hard times and need some help getting back on their feet. That's where DuPage PADS comes in. They are a vital resource in our community, helping 1,360 individuals last year.
Q. What might surprise people about life without a permanent home?
A. Many of the people I have met who are homeless want to give back and are willing to lend a hand to anyone.
Q. What have you learned about yourself because of Ross and your experience with homelessness?
A. Ross taught us to not judge, but to be loving. Whether he had money, food, muffins or something else, he never hesitated to share that with a smile. His selflessness has taught us to be mindful of others and to look for reasons to help instead of reasons not to help.
Q. What support have you received from DuPage PADS?
A. DuPage PADS holds a Run 4 Home every year. They created a Ross K. MacNeill award for children 14 and younger with the top times in the 5K and 10K. The work that DuPage PADS does is incredible and they have always been supportive of R33M Tough Team.
Q. Have you ever done this race before? What was the experience like?
A. This will the third year our family and friends have participated in DuPage PADS Run 4 Home. We have a great group of friends who come to honor Ross' memory and his open heart for the homeless. It is always a beautiful morning in so many ways. Hearing about the work that DuPage Pads is doing is inspiring. You can really feel the energy in the crowd; passionate people coming together to end homelessness!
Q. What would you tell someone who is interested in participating in the event but might be the slightest bit hesitant?
A. Come! It is a great way to spend a morning. There is a place for everyone, from the fast, trained runner to the slow, let's-just-walk-and-talk walker. Participants will enjoy high energy, music, door prizes and high-quality food and beverages from Whole Foods Market Wheaton, Starbucks, Chik-fil-A and Red Mango.
Q. How can readers donate to your fundraising efforts?
A. We welcome anyone who would like to encourage our team and support this cause. The easiest and fastest way to register or contribute is through DuPage PADS' secure event website, padsrun.org. Our team is R33M Tough Team!
If you go
What: Run 4 Home
Why: Proceeds support DuPage PADS, which provides emergency shelter for homeless people as well as programs to help them regain self-sufficiency.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; on-site registration from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.
Where: 703 W. Liberty St., Wheaton
Details: 10K and 5K runs, 5K walk
Cost: $35 for adults, $15 for ages 6 to 13
Info: padsrun.org