Steven Bradley Ward Foundation supports community during tough times
Steven Bradley Ward had a generous heart and was a friend to all, according to his sister.
When he died of a pulmonary embolism in 2015 at age 34, his family wanted to honor his unwavering kindness. They started the nonprofit Steven Bradley Ward Foundation to provide financial help to those who experienced a catastrophic loss or hardship due to a medical challenge or emergency, fire, natural disaster or death.
鈥淪teven was the life of the party. He always had the biggest smile on his face, and at his funeral there were people of all ages coming up to us and saying, 鈥楽teven was my best friend,'鈥� his sister Sara Grazulis said. 鈥淗e really would do anything to help anybody.鈥�
Since Ward was an organ donor, 鈥淗e was giving even in his death,鈥� Grazulis said. Recipients of his organs wrote letters to the family, thanking them.
鈥淚t was such an amazing experience, so we try to spread awareness about organ donation during any event,鈥� Grazulis said.
She said they chose to help people who were experiencing hardships due to a catastrophic loss because, 鈥淭hey often aren鈥檛 the ones who ask for it.鈥�
鈥淲e hear about the situation through friends or family, and we step in to help. To date, we鈥檝e given back well over $100,000 to the local community,鈥� Grazulis said.
There鈥檚 no application process; however, they verify the situation. Requests vary, Grazulis said. One person may need help purchasing clothing or paying for a hotel room after a fire; another may need assistance with the cost of an organ transplant.
Volunteers at the Washington County-based nonprofit partner with other nonprofit organizations to host fundraisers or take part in other activities that benefit the community.
It鈥檚 what Steven would have done, his sister said.
Supporters can donate to the foundation at https://www.thesbwf.org/. Checks can also be mailed to 50 Huffman Ave., Washington, Pa., 15301.
At some point, Grazulis said her children will run the nonprofit. Although they were young when they lost their Uncle Steve, they look at the organization鈥檚 mission as part of their family legacy.
鈥淚 think Steven would be proud. He wouldn鈥檛 want everyone making a big deal about him; he鈥檇 be doing things under the radar, but that鈥檚 really how we do it too,鈥� Grazulis said. 鈥淚 believe he鈥檚 watching, and he gives us his blessing.鈥�