My name is Chad

I first heard about KW Cares after I almost cut my arm off.

I was working at a cabin in the Montana mountains when I had a freak accident with a table saw. It was one of those moments where everything happens in slow motion. I just couldn’t move fast enough.

My first thought was, “It’s Easter Sunday, it’s 6:30 at night… no one’s coming,” quickly followed by, “My phone and keys are in my hoodie 16 feet up on scaffolding inside the cabin…I’m never going to talk to my kids again…”

I’d cut 2/3 of the way through my arm, and I was going into shock. I passed out twice, and when I came to the second time, it was dark. I truly thought I was dead until the pain came roaring back.

In that moment, I felt so alone, like not even God was with me. I prayed, “Okay Lord, you either help me, or you take me, but I’m done doing this.” And I swear to you, the pain melted away. I was somehow able to drag a ladder over, climb up to get my keys, and start the 90-minute drive to the ER.

By the time I got there, it had been more than 5 hours, and I’d lost 20% of my blood volume. The doctors told me it was a miracle I was alive, and I believe every word of it.

I’d never had any sort of serious medical issue before, but even knowing about healthcare costs, you can’t KNOW until you’re getting bills for more than you make annually. Added to the loss of function in your dominant arm and not being able to work for a year… It’s a dark place to be.

That’s why I was so proud to be asked to be the 2026 Cares Month Champion. KW Cares helped pull me out of a hole in one of the worst times of my life. What they offer is so much more than just financial help. It’s the knowledge that a whole company of people has your back and they care about you, even if they’ve never met you.

We’re all called to do what we can for others, and giving to KW Cares is an amazing way to answer that call; you can also sign up to give through Command. Please give as you’re able, so KW Cares can always be there for us when we need them.