A New Brunswick teen with terminal cancer says she is overwhelmed by the global response to her social media movement #BeccaToldMeTo.
Becca Schofield has been battling brain cancer for two years. When the Riverview teen was told she only had a year to live, she decided to make a bucket list, with inspiring acts of kindness topping that list.
The idea came about as a way to celebrate her last day of radiation on Dec. 15. However, the movement has lasted far beyond the Riverview, N.B. teen’s last day of radiation. Her hashtag has been seen by 2.3 million people around the world and has inspired countless acts of kindness.
“I can't go out and do stuff like this right now, but I can go and see the kindness that other people are putting into the world and that makes me so happy,” says Becca.
Social media posts like “Took supper to a family who's Mom was hurt because #BeccaToldMeTo” and “Helped a stranded motorist tonight. Love from #YonkersNY #BeccaToldMeTo” are putting a smile on Becca’s face every day.
The movement has grown far bigger than she and her family ever anticipated.
“I've always been proud of her. I've always thought I had a pretty cool kid,” says Anne Schofield, Becca’s mother. “Now I get to share her with everybody. I think it's heartwarming to see people's kindness coming out.”
Also on Becca’s bucket list is attending a game between two of her favourite hockey teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Dallas Stars, which is happening next month.
There’s one more item which would be a dream come true for the girl who has inspired so much kindness.
“Ellen is part of the things on her bucket list,” says Anne. “She would like to go on the show. She would like to meet her, not even go on the show, but meet her.”
Becca’s community is recognizing her selflessness; Friday she will receive the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club - the organization's highest honour.
“My aunt told me that it's an honour that President Jimmy Carter got and to know that I'm getting the same award, that's insane,” says Becca. “All I'm doing is just encouraging people to open their hearts and be better humans.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis