I rarely suggest that anything I write is a must read. There is a simple reason for that. Most of what I write is not. Today is the exception not because of my writing skill but because of the subject of this article. I have been deeply touched, moved and a little shamed by the story of an amazing little boy from Lynnwood, Washington.

KOMO News in Seattle reported the original story on November 7th.

When Brenden Foster was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do.

In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy's heart.

"I was coming back from one of my clinic appointments and I saw this big thing of homeless people, and then I thought I should just get them something," he said. "They're probably starving, so give them a chance," said Brenden.

Brenden is too ill to leave his bed and feed the homeless. But Brenden's wish will not go unfulfilled.

One week later KOMO updated what had now become a international story of inspiration and love.

The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker, but his message is growing stronger. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker.

"B-Man is his nickname, or Mr. B. But most people call him B-Man," said Wendy Foster.

The end is near, and Brenden has one question for God. "Why at so young an age? I could have done more. But if it has to be now, it has to be now," he said.

It's easy to imagine all he could have accomplished after seeing what the 11 year old has achieved in his final days. Brenden's dying wish to help the homeless has touched hearts from Saudi Arabia to South Carolina. Many of them left voice messages for their new hero.

"We collected over 20,000 cans of food and donated it to a local food bank in your honor," said a woman named Nina. A Vietnam vet from Kentucky who lost his leg in the war wants me to give Brenden his Purple Heart for bravery.

Brenden's message inspired Daniel Chairez, a 12-year-old boy in California who is also battling leukemia. "He really inspired me because he's not afraid. And he wants to help people and he's not selfish," he said. Daniel says he wants to pick up where Brenden leaves off and help the homeless.

"I think that's very great," Brenden said.

  Courtesy KOMO News, Seattle

On November 20th Brenden was able to attend a food drive organized on his behalf to feed the homeless and fulfill his dying desire. Brenden urges others to follow their dreams. "Mine already came true," he said. Achieving Brenden's wish makes his mom proud. But the thought of losing him has been devastating her and the expected costs of his funeral frightening her. "We don't know how we're going to pay for it," said Wendy. Worry no more, Wendy. The Seattle Seahawks saw the KOMO News story and asked how they can help. The Seahawks players have decided to pay for the funeral of beloved Brenden Foster, the one little boy who has touched so many lives.