CHAD

The inspiring true story of a beloved son taken too soon and the life he packed into his 33 years.

As devout Christians, the Chapmans don’t believe in coincidences but rather in miracles, many of which are detailed in this biographical tribute to Chad Chapman. His father, Gary, notes the many similarities between his son, born just two days shy of Christmas, and Jesus’ own challenges and triumphs from birth to death as he searched for, and found, meaning in tragedy. From the moment of his birth, Chad symbolized the miracle of birth and a difficult lesson that “[c]hildren belong to God and are given as gifts to Parents.” Chad’s family soon perceived him as a vehicle for miracles, whether he was healed suddenly and unexpectedly from a malaria-driven coma or rescued from social and spiritual difficulties in high school. Skilled in construction and eventually a successful builder, Chad married Lauren, a woman he chased from Toronto all the way to England. Together, they had two boys, Jonas and Keelan, and involved themselves extensively in the local church. But an intense stomachache in his mid-20s turned out to be cancer of the appendix that had gone undiagnosed and spread to more of his body. Burdened with a dire prognosis, Chad struggled to maintain his faith in God and a cheery disposition as life slipped away from him. He died at the same age that Jesus was crucified, and in this, and in many other ways, Chad’s father took comfort that his son carried out God’s wishes. Filled with photographs and memories, Chad’s story is one of determination, tenacity and faith. As told by his father, this account isn’t only of Chad’s accomplishments and strength of character throughout his short life; it’s also about the lessons he left behind for his family to learn. Chad’s work ethic, honesty and commitment to God inspired each of his siblings as well as his parents, and this is the legacy he left behind. By documenting Chad’s short but full life, his father allows for more than just sadness in the aftermath of his loss. Celebrating life and its challenges, the poignant collection of anecdotes and lessons paints a picture of an admirable and courageous family finding strength in the harshest of challenges.

A tragic yet uplifting account of a young man’s spiritual growth despite adversity.