| Brenden Stephen Foster | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 4, 1997 |
| Died | November 21, 2008 (aged 11) |
| Cause of death | Leukemia |
| Known for | The Brenden Foster Food Drive |
Brenden Stephen Foster (October 4, 1997 – November 21, 2008) was 11 year old a boy from Bothell, Washington, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2005. KOMO, a local broadcasting station, reported the story of Brenden's last wish, which was to feed the homeless, on 7 November 2008.[1] The story inspired many, and prompted attention from national media such as CNN[2] and the Associated Press,[3] even drawing international attention.[4] The Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise paid for Brenden's funeral; he is buried at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.
The Brenden Foster Food Drive was created by the broadcasting station in his honor.[5] In Seattle, volunteers from the Emerald City Lights Bike Ride passed out over 200 sandwiches to the homeless. Inspired viewers took part in the "Stuff the Truck" food drive in Brenden's honor, filling seven trucks of groceries and $95,000 in cash to benefit the Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline.[6]
Brenden's story also reached KOMO's sister station in Portland, Oregon, KATU, which reported actions inspired by Brenden in Los Angeles, Ohio, and Pensacola, Florida.[6] At the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, for instance, over 2,500 meals have been served in Brenden's name.[7] His advocacy for the homeless housed in tent cities continues to be remembered.[8]
A Vietnam War veteran from Kentucky who lost his leg in the war was so touched by the story, he gave Brenden his purple heart.[9]
Over 2,500 meals at the Union Rescue Mission have been served in Brenden's name.[10]