A man with peripheral cancer aims to eliminate his remaining time to volunteer in every American state

When Doug Roche received a diagnosis of peripheral cancer, he realized that one of the greatest regrets in life was that he had not spent enough time to help others.

“I have spent a lot of time, as you know, I work and try to earn a lot of money, to the point that I haven’t done much volunteer work,” said Roche, 55. As it happens Nil Kӧksal host.

“I can’t return and change it. All I can do is to go forward any time I left.”

For this reason, the San Antonio man, Texas, drives his car throughout the United States on a mission to volunteer in every state – a journey called “Death for Service”.

‘Nothing to lose’

Roths, who spent most of his life working in sales, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. In January, it was learned that it had spread, and his doctors estimated that he had 12 to 18 months to live. This is when he started reaching the idea of ​​his journey across the country.

Eddie Galgar, the best friend of Rush for 30 years, thought it was a great idea.

Gallaghar said: ” “I think it’s great what he is doing.”

To date, RUCH volunteer with Food banksDisposal shelters, Soup kitchensAging houses, youth centers and community centers in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah.

He describes himself as lonely with turbulent childhood that has suffered from life worrying, and says that the whole endeavor has placed it outside his comfort area.

But volunteering, you know quickly, feel comfortable.

He said: “It has become already soothing. On the days when I have voluntary tasks, I feel really good and I am excited. Happy hormones flow.”

Angie K. Smith, CEO of Kitchen Angels Kitchen Angels at Santa Fe, NM, says that volunteering is not only good for society,; It is good for the volunteer as well.

In reality, numerous studies I found Links Between volunteering or altruism, happiness and health.

Roche stopped by the kitchen angels to help on March 25, and Smith says they are happy with his presence.

“We rely at all (on) and appreciate our volunteers,” Smith said. “Doug is an inspiration and we support his message and we support him.”

Roche, who collects money for his journey on Gofundment, says he has a lot of attention since his story began to make patriotic and international addresses.

“It’s really crazy this week. I got nuts,” he said. “Get a lot of emails from media and things, and they are like,” hey, can you transfer this to Dog? “No, Doug responds to all emails.

When asked if he was considering recruiting volunteers to help, Roche insisted that he did not want anyone’s burden.

But when his friend, Chiwan Kho learned about the mission of Roche, he knew he had to participate in.

“I knew he would come to California, but he did not stop in San Francisco. So I made him (feel) guilty to visit me,” said Kho.

Kho and a few friends then joined RUCH for a day of volunteering with Project Open Hand, an organization that provides meals for patients and the weak.

Kho says he is proud of his friend.

“I am happy that he is doing what he was doing, and leaving a good legacy,” he said.

Roche, Meanwhile, wants to make this past legacy. He says he plans to die to serve in an official registered charity linking people to volunteer work.

He said: “The task will be to inspire and educate people all over the country, if not, the world, as you know, partial volunteers in their societies.”

Through the “microbial volunteers”, volunteering means a few hours at one time. He says, he says, he should not be a great commitment to time.

“If a sufficient number of people volunteers … three or four hours a month, this will happen as a world of difference.”