In Battle With Cancer, Doctor Asks Others To Perform Acts Of Kindness

October 2014

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4) - A hero of a doctor is asking others to be heroes, too, in their communities.

Jill Pechacek, who was recently diagnosed with stage-4 pancreatic cancer, is challenging others to perform random acts of kindness to benefit their communities. The challenge has spread to all 50 states and internationally.

In her 29:11 challenge, Pechacek is asking people to perform at least 29 random acts of kindness over 11 days, for instance: hugs, homemade cards, opening doors for others and more.

Pechacek is a co-founder and physician at Aspen Family Care in Highlands Ranch. She wrote recently on the practice’s website: “Thank you so much for all the love and support that you have provided my family over these last few weeks! While this time has been very challenging, I have drawn so much hope and inspiration from each one of you. We have been blessed with so many acts of kindness, and while these kind acts are incredible, it is the thoughtfulness behind these acts that is truly the most amazing!”

LINK: Jill Pechacek’s Caring Bridge Site

Her coworkers in Highlands Ranch recently dressed up as superheroes to support the hero she’s been in their lives and careers.

“I love her, I miss her,” a co-worker dressed up as Green Lantern said.

Pechacek said she is overwhelmed by the love and encouragement she’s received. So she had the idea of making that kindness contagious. Her challenge is based on a bible verse about hope. The call went viral.

She read to CBS4’s Kathy Walsh from an email that listed the acts people have performed in her challenge: money given to a homeless man, a 100 percent tip to a struggling waiter, a tank of gas filled, more than 37 random hugs and more.

The cancer’s survival rate is 1 percent.

“That’s all I focus on is the 1 percent,” she said, “and I know that I can be there.”

She has beaten the odds before. Twenty years ago, she survived ovarian cancer.

She places her faith in a higher power: “God’s got this” is a motto she invokes often.


“If I can be someone’s hope or someone’s miracle and empower and inspire other people, then I’m honored that God chose me,” she said.

To watch her video or to learn more, CLICK HERE.