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Teen Battling Cancer Inspires Acts of Kindness With #BeccaToldMeTo Movement
Rebecca Schofield, a teenager from the Canadian Province of New Brunswick, has been battling terminal brain cancer for several years. In December 2016, Schofield used Facebook to encourage her supporters to engage in acts of kindness in her name.
The 17-year-old, writing on the “Becca’s Battle With Butterscotch” Facebook page, framed the request around the “bucket list” concept of things she hopes to accomplish before she passes away. Rebecca Schofield wrote:
So, since so many people want to help with my bucket list, dad and I have masterminded a plan that will allow anyone to help with my bucket list. No matter how young or old, rich or poor, no matter where in the world you are you can participate. I want to create a mass of acts of kindness! I want to get a worldwide trend on Twitter of #BeccaToldMeTo its pretty simple. No matter who you are, if you see this message, please do an act of kindness for someone else. It can be as big or small as you’d like. Donate to charity, volunteer your time, or even just do the dishes without your parents asking. Shovel someone’s walkway or visit someone you know will be alone this holiday season. Get creative! Terry Fox wanted to impact the world, to help make it a better place, and I do too! Do something to make someone smile, and then tweet what you did under the hashtag #BeccaToldMeTo so tell your friends, post it on imgur and Reddit, anything you can do to spread the word. I’m announcing it tonight so that it will begin on the last day of my radiation. So please, rally up and help make my wish to get this trending worldwide come true. The holiday season is a time for miracles!
Following her post, the teen spoke to CTV News about the thought process behind her post, saying, “I want them to take the focus away from all the bad things that happen in this world and I want them to realize that this life is a gift and you have to cherish every moment that you get.”
Schofield’s message quickly took off. Her initial Facebook post has over 800 reactions and 900 shares as of January 20. In addition, the #BeccaToldMeTo hashtag on Twitter has received thousands of responses, with many trumpeting acts of kindness, both large and small.
#spreadkindness #beccatoldmeto pic.twitter.com/TLL7ETjfit
— NoLifeTeen (@NoLifeTeen97) January 20, 2017
This little helper held the door for all his classmates because #beccatoldmeto #RandomActsOfKindness pic.twitter.com/GNzcg37dyI
— Devon Caldwell (@india0309) January 20, 2017
Today I left my comfy seat in the café early & gave it (& the one next to it) to an older couple. No, they didn’t ask for it #beccatoldmeto
— Elisia Saam-Quinty (@ElisiaSQ) January 20, 2017
Dobbie has been adopted. He had been sponsored by Carmel Richard because #beccatoldmeto pic.twitter.com/AOdyvuaM0X
— GM SPCA / SPA du GM (@GrMonctonSPCA) January 19, 2017
Sorted thru 2 SUVs full of linens donated by K Bro Linens! Bags for Beas Kloset, a few Shelters, 3 vets and some mechanics! #beccatoldmeto pic.twitter.com/AYUFa6c4Gx
— knisleyjulie (@knisleyjulie) January 19, 2017
Schofield told CTV of the reaction, “All I’m doing is just encouraging people open their hearts and be better humans. The more kindness in the world the better.”
Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with Rebecca Schofield’s medical bills and other expenses that will be incurred during her final months of life.