July 17, 2023, was a day that changed the lives of the friends and family of Sean Richards–his friends and family have vowed to change the lives of others. The Love Like Sean goal of helping others love as Sean did is aided through donations and events run by the foundation. Most recently, they partnered with the St. Isaac Jogues Parish to host the Love Like Sean Family Run on Nov. 3. 

Sean Richards was 14 years old when he was hit and killed by a vehicle in Hinsdale as he was walking to the local library. This tragedy inspired the family of Richards, primarily his parents, Brian Richards, and Kristine Richards, to start a foundation to instill the values Richards exemplified in his life, thus the Love Like Sean Foundation was born. During his 14 years, he demonstrated deep dedication to others as an altar boy and Boy Scout. The foundation seeks to continue these guiding pillars. 

“What that means to us is to continue to support children, support families, and also, encourage people to love like Sean did and will the good of the other,” his dad said. “We should be supporting each other and expressing our love for each other, and that’s what we want to continue even after 10, 15, 20 years. That’s what we want people to remember about Sean.”

Since its founding, the Love Like Sean Foundation has aided local immigrants by providing warm clothing, helped to provide books for children, and stuffed animals, B. Richards said. Most recently, the foundation has sponsored a family run. The foundation hosted over 500 runners. A 5K was followed by a kid’s dash to include runners of all ages. An additional 100 people came to support the family at the run and socialize. All proceeds from the event went to the Love Like Sean Foundation and St. Isaac Jogues community outreach programs. St. Isaac Jogues Parish Catholic School was where Richards attended. Father Burke Masters, a pastor at the Church, ran in the 5K and was greatly impacted. 

“Sean was a true disciple of God who brought people together and spread love and kindness everywhere he went,” Masters said. “It is only fitting that his spirit lives on through events like the 5K where our parish community and people from all over gathered together to carry on his legacy.” 

The Love Like Sean Foundation has continued to partner with local non-profits to further a joint goal of bettering local communities, B. Richards said. There are many events during the holiday season. This Thanksgiving, the foundation bought around 100 pies and distributed them to local organizations such as the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Hinsdale Food Bank. 

“Sean loved Thanksgiving, who doesn’t, and he liked turkey,” his dad said. “But like most kids, he loved pie. Because everybody should get turkey, but everybody needs some pie.”

The lessons and memories that the Richards family will take with them from the life of their son will be many and of great magnitude.

“To, especially for kids, be nice to other kids, especially kids who are different from you,” B. Richards said. “Just be nice. For families to spend time together and give each other hugs and express, you know, Sean knew every day of his life how much we loved him, and we knew every day of his life how much he loved us.” 

To keep updated with the work of the Love Like Sean Foundation, visit lovelikesean.org