> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Life’s journey includes adversity. Misfortune, fear, and sadness are undeniably part of the process of living. As much as we work to avoid adversity, it can serve to ultimately bring a higher level of appreciation for the joy that flows into our lives. Often we realize the greatest bliss when we are able to compare good times against the bad.

Our Extra Miler this month understands these comparisons. Extra Miler Chad Boseker used to sit quietly with his family in the second row pew at First Christian Church in Jeffersonville. He wasn’t one to get too deeply involved in volunteer efforts. He was busy with work, continuing education, and his beloved family. Chad seemed content with his life until adversity hit, changing his path forever. 

Chad was twice diagnosed with thyroid cancer; first in July 2008 and again in August 2009. After surviving two surgeries and radiation, something clicked in Chad’s left cerebral hemisphere and he found himself responding more often with, “yes,” rather than “not now.” Chad explains, “What pulled me from the pew to the youth room was the realization that we are all on a timetable and we never know when it will be too late to step forward and do our part.”  

Chad’s parents have passed away and he vividly recalls the positive comments about their lives from people who visited during their memorial services. He wonders what his children will one day hear about his impact on others. 

Chad’s wife, Stephanie, believes a lot of what Chad does for the youth program stems from his own childhood and also his desire to set a good example and provide valuable direction to his two sons, Zachary and Hayden. She said, “Chad didn’t grow up around a lot of extended family and he quickly adopted the youth into his life as family … they bring out the kid in him.”  

After his illness, Chad wanted to get more involved and the church provided the ideal outlet by asking him to expand upon his involvement with the youth from being a supportive parent to volunteering his time to be the program leader. Stephanie explained, “Chad has always been a caring man, but his direction changed after the cancer.” 

Chad’s son, Zachary is in the youth program. When asked how he feels about his father’s participation with the program, Zachary responded, “I feel really good about my dad’s involvement because he relates well to what young people are dealing with — he understands our frustrations and finds effective ways to teach us the right path.” 

Others in the youth program agree. Cassidy Padgett is inspired by Chad’s teachings and guidance. She stated, “Chad relates to us very well and he treats us as part of his family.” She adds, “He is like an adult who hasn’t forgotten what it was like to be a teenager.” Cassidy further explained her connection to Chad, “He teaches us to be better people … nicer, and more responsible people and we do this by being closer to God.” 

Haylie O’Brien, a senior in the youth group, has been very pleased with her connection to Chad in the past year.  “Chad has changed the youth group by pulling us together and teaching the importance of staying connected to one another and also to others outside of our program,” Haylie explained. She believes the youth have benefited significantly from Chad’s innate ability to connect the experiences young people have during the junior and high school years to the teachings in the Bible. She said, “Chad doesn’t just preach to us; he allows us to be ourselves while learning that our faith in God will always pull us through the difficult times.”  

Chad, not afraid to discuss his own imperfections, uses his childhood mistakes to bring out discussion from the youth about their own choices. Chad explained, “The kids know I am honest with them and I don’t pretend to know everything or do everything right.” He thought for a moment, then added, “They truly appreciate and respect honesty.”  

When asked to provide his favorite quote or verse, Chad didn’t hesitate with a response. “Psalm 23 has always provided me comfort during difficult times,” he said. When life gets complicated, Chad often repeats a portion of the verse, “… even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

When asked what he ultimately hoped to instill in the young minds of the group, Chad quickly referred to his mission, “These kids will make choices throughout their lives and will find themselves making some tough decisions … they need to know they can stand confidently on their Christian faith and know how to independently respond.” He added, “If I can teach them the lessons of faith based leadership, my time has been well spent.” 

Chad explained that he initially became involved in the program to spend more time with Zachary and that remains much of his motivation; however, he adds that he has come to truly care about each person in the youth program and his care and concern has extended to many of their friends. He has become part of their family and they have become part of his. Chad Boseker is the cool uncle who the young people look up to and who can dispense advice and guidance in a manner that is non-threatening. 

Our Extra Miler no longer has to wonder what his children will hear one day at his memorial service. Chad Boseker is one of the lucky ones. He is able to see and hear the impact he is making every day in the lives of a group of kids who consider him a role model who is ... and as Haylie puts it, “fantabulous!” 

Thank you, Chad Boseker, for being a Southern Indiana Extra Miler. You compared the good against the bad in your life and discovered a key to happiness. By having the courage to say, “YES,” you have honored your family, faith, and a group of young people who needed a leader they could admire and trust.   

Extra Miler Tip of the Month: Chad encourages you to make a new year’s resolution to say “yes” and try something new that will give back to your community and to our youth. While some may find teenagers to be difficult to read and a challenge to steer in the right direction, Chad believes honesty and being consistent are the keys to unlocking positive behavior. He also believes we all have the ability to be honest and consistent … so step out of your comfort zone in 2012 and have the courage to say “YES!”  



Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc.  If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, please contact her.  To submit an Extra Miler, a story, or act of kindness, contact Carol via email:  Cdawson@eeoguidance.com, mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The News-Tribune, 221 Spring Street Jeffersonville, IN  47130-3340.