Like so many, Kenny Chesney watched the bombings at the Boston Marathon in incredulity and horror. The idea that people who’d trained so hard, who’d improved and become better runners for the iconic race – and those who’d turned out to cheer them on – would be injured was unthinkable. Like so many, he didn’t know what to do; like so many people, he wanted to make a difference.
After careful consideration, Chesney reached out to WKLB‐FM and explained his desire to help fund and support prosthetics for the people who were having or would ultimately need amputations. Saddened by the state of the world, he wanted to sow healing for the nation’s souls, as well as the broken bodies of the people affected.
Beyond making a sizeable donation for seed money, Chesney decided to put his music where his heart was. He’s establishing the Spread the Love Fund to work with Boston Medical Center (BMC) to help pay for not just prosthetics, but the fitting, ongoing care and physical therapy required.
All Chesney’s proceeds from the downloaded single sales of “Spread The Love,” his track co‐written and recorded with the Wailers, go to the fund, which will benefit post‐acute care for victims of traumatic injuries from the Boston Marathon bombings at BMC or other Boston hospitals. In addition, people are encouraged to donate what they can, knowing the money will help the injured regain as much mobility as possible.
“It’s hard to imagine a world where taking your children to school, going to the movies or witnessing something as iconic as the Boston Marathon is a dangerous thing to do,” Chesney says. "For me, I want to help give these people as much of their lives back as possible, but I’d also like to counteract some of the negativity in the world… Remind people that there are more good people out there, and it’s up to us to ‘Spread the Love.’
“Music can be healing. When you’re at your lowest, it can inspire… The way these athletes, their friends, family and the city of Boston inspire me! I want to give back to the ones who need it, but also to heal all of us a little bit. So, spread the love.”
“I am honored that Mr. Chesney has selected Boston Medical Center as the home of the Spread the Love Fund,” says Kate Walsh, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center. "BMC cared for many of the patients most seriously injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, patients who have a long journey of recovery ahead. Over time, the spotlight will fade, but their needs will go on.
“We thank Mr. Chesney for stepping forward to make sure these and all the Marathon patients have all the support they need over the long haul,” Walsh continues. “Thank you for embracing Boston, these patients and their families, and everyone who has gotten us through this very challenging time. Your generosity, vision and support will keep us Boston Strong.”
“We are extremely grateful to Kenny Chesney for spearheading a Boston‐based fund that will meet real immediate and future needs: prosthetics and prosthetic therapy for victims. This will help make their long road to recovery a little shorter,” says Mike Brophey, WKLB/Country 102.5 Program Director. “Boston Medical Center, the patients with prosthetic needs, and the City of Boston will quickly and directly benefit from the Spread The Love Fund.”
Beyond downloading Spread the Love, giving to those in need is as simple as a click. Boston Medical Center has established a dedicated link for the Spread the Love Fund, which can be accessed at www.bmc.org/kenny.
“I can’t change what happened,” Chesney says. “I can’t imagine how the families, as well the city of Boston, feel – and I want to do what I can. If we can all remember that the negativity only wins if we let it, that’s a good start. That, and helping these families with this huge process of dealing with a prosthetic. Hopefully, we can all come together and make a difference.”
