Local Boy's Death Inspires Good Deeds Nationally

On Monday night and Tuesday morning, there will be visitations and a funeral mass at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Plymouth Meeting; family and friends of Gavin Leong will pay their last respects, and they will celebrate his five years on Earth.

While this may look like a normal funeral mass to cars passing by, a visit to Chasing Rainbows will tell the story behind his life, his health issues and the progress he had miraculously made, the "paying it forward" his life has prompted, and the outpouring of community generorsity regarding his funeral in the blog written by his mom, Kate Gallagher Leong, who was raised in Plymouth Meeting.

After Gavin died on April 14, Kate asked followers on the Chasing Rainbows Facebook page to help others in Gavin’s name—find a special needs classroom in your community and donate toys you have lying around; help someone struggling to unload groceries; volunteer at a hospital; donate clothes to a women’s shelter; make dinner for a special needs mother in your family… and any other ways to positively impact peoples’ lives.

“Think of Gavin when you do it,” Kate said on Facebook. “Share his story with the person you are blessing. Tell them that Gavin Leong changed the world with little acts of courage, determination and a sweet smile... without ever saying a word. And then ask them to pay it forward to honor his legacy.”

Kate asked her followers to share the good deeds, and photos, on the Chasing Rainbow’s Facebook page, and they have been flowing in ever since the request was posted.

People from across the county—from Massachusetts to Texas and beyond—have been purchasing coffee for others, donating to non-profits, running 5K races in honor of Gavin, Speak for Yourself, donated clothing, art supplies, volunteering at a local nursing home, purchasing meals and leaving notes for strangers. For a full list of the good deeds done in Gavin's name, visit the Chasing Rainbows Facebook page.

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The makers of “Speak for Yourself” app, which helps children who are unable to speak, have given dozens of the apps—that retail at nearly $200—away in Gavin’s honor.

Additionally, the local community has rallied around the Leongs for the funeral. 

Gene McGonagle, owner of the Ambler Flower Shop, is donating all flowers for the funeral.  When Kate said on Facebook she was looking for a videographer, dozens offered to help. On Wednesday, Kate asked for suggestions on an application for funeral programs—and two professionals offered services within an hour.

For much more on the Leong family's story, visit the Chasing Rainbows website.