Dying to Serve

A terminal cancer diagnosis inspired Doug Ruch, 55, of San Antonio, to spend his remaining time giving back. With less than 18 months to live, he launched the “dying to serve tour,” aiming to do community service in all 50 states.

“I can’t go back, but I can go forward and help as many people as possible before I go,” said Ruch, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021. After spending his savings on treatment, he learned in early 2024 that the cancer had reached stage four.

“I thought to myself, I have two choices. I can sit at home and wait to die, or I can go out and live,” he told KABC.

Ruch chose to live—with purpose. Since mid-March, he’s visited nine states, volunteering at food pantries, delivering meals, and serving the unhoused and elderly. Despite physical challenges, he said the work energizes him.

Funded by donations, Ruch hopes to inspire others to act: “more people across the country to volunteer in their communities.” His mission is already catching on—four strangers joined him in San Francisco to help prepare meals for the ill and isolated.

His wish: to see that kind of ripple effect grow across the country.

“Help people and inspire more people to help people,” Ruch said while summarizing what his tour’s website described as his dying wish. “That’s it. That’s all.”

Doug, we salute you. You are truly up and doing! May God bless you always.