FORT VALLEY, Va. (WHSV) – After undergoing chemotherapy treatments at the University of Virginia Hospital for stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Skyler Stead decided to give back to children spending Christmas in the hospital by collecting and delivering toys.
Last year, 18-year-old Skyler Stead, a cancer survivor, turned a difficult chapter of his life into a mission of generosity. After being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkins Lymphoma in Feb. 2023 and now cancer-free and in remission, Stead is continuing a toy drive he began last year- this year, aiming to bring even more smiles to young patients at UVA Hospital.
“It just felt right to go back and do something nice for all those kids there,” said Stead.
Skyler knows firsthand how much a small gesture can mean to a child stuck in a hospital room. After reflecting on his journey and the support he received during treatment, he was inspired to give back to others facing similar struggles.
“I saw a lot of much younger kids there from new babies all the way up to 18, and I was one of the oldest kids there. Seeing all those kids, who don’t really understand what’s going on, it’s so sad to see,” Stead explained.
Last year, his toy drive collected over 350 toys, and Skyler hopes to exceed that number this year. Over 200 toys have been collected so far, in addition to monetary donations, which he will use to purchase even more toys.
His father, Duane Lee Stead, says he couldn’t be prouder of his son’s dedication.
“I’m just super proud of Skyler and what he is doing. The way it sounds, he’s going to continue to do this, and he’s going to help a lot of people,” said Duane.
Stead is balancing the toy drive with his studies at Laurel Ridge Community College and being a newly promoted shift leader at Cracker Barrel. He is working toward a future in engineering at Virginia Tech. Stead graduated from Central High School as a straight ‘A’ student-athlete earlier in the year.
Skyler said his hope is simple: to make the holidays brighter for kids who need it most.
“I’ll just say don’t give up. It might feel like things are the worst they can ever be, but I think there is always someone out there who probably has it worse, so be grateful for what you have and make the best out of it,” Stead says as he gives a word of encouragement to those going through a tough time.
The toy drive runs until December 20. Monetary donations can also be made via CashApp or PayPal at @SkylerStead. Drop-off locations for new, unwrapped toys include Cracker Barrel in Woodstock, Washington Gas in Kernstown, Wholesome Foods, and Fort Valley Country Store. For more information, call Stead at 540-481-5960.
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