55-year-old found out he had few months to live—he decided to spend his remaining days doing good deeds in all 50 states
If you were told you had a few months to live, you probably would want to spend them doing things that are dearest to you. For some, this might look like fulfilling every dream and wish they have ever had. For others, it would be spending as much time as possible with loved ones. However, for Doug Ruch, it is to do good, per The Guardian. 55-year-old Ruch from San Antonio, Texas, recently discovered that he had only a few months to live and chose to go out of his way and do good in 50 different states, and his story is as inspiring as it gets. His website, “Dying to Serve,” captures his story and plans for the upcoming months.
Ruch had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and was undergoing treatment throughout. Earlier this year, he learned he did not have much time left. “I thought to myself, I have two choices. I can sit at home and wait to die or I can go out and live,” Ruch said, per ABC7 News. When he got his diagnosis, he began reflecting on the things that he “could have done better” and decided not to waste another moment. With this thought in mind, he began planning for his tour to try selfless good deeds in the 50 states of the United States. These included helping the homeless, feeding those in need, assisting the elderly and sick and more.
“I can’t go back, but I can go forward and help as many people as possible before I go,” he remarked. Documenting his journey on Instagram under @dyingtoserve, he shared his joy in completing his service in San Francisco. As of mid-March, Ruch has covered the following areas with his selfless and resilient spirit—Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon. As of April 20, he has completed around 14 tours all over the United States in charity towards the hungry, homeless and insecure. His tour dates have been mentioned in detail on his website and he only plans to keep moving stronger.
In another post on Instagram, he revealed in an interview that he hadn’t “done enough good,” and was bent on changing that with his generosity. Unfortunately, the 55-year-old spent everything he had on his treatment and health over the last few years. He did not have much to carry out this huge, selfless dream. But, the internet came through and has been sending in donations and support for his journey to be non-stop and for his last wish to be fulfilled. Since he began his project, people from all over the world have been delighted to join in serving their country and even contributing.
Ruch revealed that he has had some problems with health along the way. However, his dedicated team and the fruit of his work keep him going stronger than ever. His upcoming projects include a “Pay what you can,” where he will help with the preparation of food for people in need at the "HRDC's Fork & Spoon" on April 25 and the "Fork Real Community Cafe" on April 29. Speaking of his last wish that pushed him to go on this extraordinary adventure, Ruch poignantly said, “Help people and inspire more people to help people. That’s it. That’s all.”
You can follow Doug Ruch on Dying to Serve and (@dyingtoserve) on Instagram to donate and stay updated on his mission.