A Foundation Built on a Legacy 

Work hard. Play hard. Love hard. 

Brad Echols was 36 years old in April 2013 when he lost his short battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, leaving behind a wife and two small children. Not only was he a devoted husband and loving father, Brad was also a beloved son, admirable brother, and loyal friend. He just about always had a smile on his face and was the life of the party. He was truly one of a kind. It has been said that his name could almost be an adjective in the dictionary because of the many unique and profound characteristics he displayed while living on this earth. He worked hard. He played hard. But most of all, he loved hard.

The saying “it takes a village” was proven true during Brad’s illness and continues to this day. As his story spread, so did the outpouring of love. Family members, friends, church congregations, coworkers and even complete strangers reached out to the Echols family and became the hands and feet of Christ during a time when Brad and his family were faced with some of the darkest days of their lives.

It is because of the love shown to Brad and his family during their storm that the Brad Echols Family Foundation was established. We want other families in the Birmingham area who are experiencing their own cancer storm to know that they are not alone. The goal of the foundation is to be a light in the darkness by sharing the love that was so generously shown to the Echols family. It is also our hope that our work will honor the life of Bradley Wade Echols and allow his legacy to live on. 

Led by the example Brad set, we will work hard, play hard, but most of all love hard.

A Testimonial: Making an Impact

Brad Echols

A Message from The Jackson Family:

The Brad Echols Family Foundation is much more than a memorial for one, but serves so many that are battling, surviving, and those lost to cancer. That is evident in the Foundation's initiatives, giving, and positive impact experienced by so many.

We lost our husband and father to a short, but intense, battle with colon cancer. That loss created a void that will never be filled, but the support, compassion, and reassurance offered by those that have been in our shoes is irreplaceable. 

In addition to the Brad Echols Family Foundation's generous contribution to our sons' education fund, Laurie's story and strength offers continuous encouragement. We had not met before, but since the loss of my husband, she has listened, provided reassurance, and the Echols family has inspired me on many occasions. That is something very few can offer and for many, is too difficult to share.

My hope is to one day make a difference, however small, as the Echols family has for my family! Our family is forever grateful to the Brad Echols Family Foundation, the Echols family, and their supporters! 

--The Jacksons (Trussville, Alabama)

Brad's Three Challenges

We can all hope to leave a legacy like the one he has left behind. Investing, helping and believing in others are principles by which we can all learn from the way Brad lived his life. 

He left us with three challenges before he left and we believe it is fitting to share as part of the organization that bares his name:

    1. Make sure you let those close to you know just how much you love them because life is like a vapor – here today and gone tomorrow. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow so maximize today by letting those whom you love know exactly how you feel about them each and every day.
    2. When asked what I could do to continue a legacy in memory of him – His wish for me/us to carry on his legacy was simple – continue to love and support another in friendship and fellowship, especially those with whom you have a vested interest. Continuing to support, sacrifice and give of yourself in whatever capacity necessary is the most significant and solemn gift you can impart on someone. One sacrificial act on another’s behalf can potentially alter the course of their life forever. This is a choice – a decision we all can make today. Give of yourself for the good of someone else.
    3. Come to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.