Dying man dedicates last days to fixing up bikes for kids in need

This man is spending his last days fixing bikes.

(Image credit: iStockphoto)

last updated 4 May 2017

A terminally ill Springfield, Massachusetts, man is making the time he has left count. After Bob Charland, 44, was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative brain disease earlier this year, the mechanic decided he wanted to give something back to his community. So Charland began fixing up old bicycles for Springfield children in need. Last month, he handed over 35 finished bikes to local elementary school students, many of whom come from poor families and have never owned a set of wheels. "It's really exciting to see all these kids so happy," Charland says. "I'm going to keep doing this as long as I physically can."