About Us

The Richie Pervan Touch Foundation was created in memory of an extraordinary human being. Richie was born in Joliet, Illinois on November 22, 1981. He lived an exemplary life while always keeping his family, friends and community a priority. He attended Saint Mary Nativity School and excelled in basketball while studying and keeping up with a very active social life. Richie graduated from Providence Catholic High School while maintaining his grade point average and multiple wrestling state championships. He then attended Lewis University and graduated with a degree in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice while being named to the National Honor Society.

Richie chose to stay local for most of his academic life as he loved the community that he lived and became very vested in working with youth while furthering his education and making family and friends a priority. Richie always held the privilege of attending Catholic institutions close to his heart and often gave back by coaching, mentoring and keeping his faith as a priority in his life. He enjoyed being a lifeguard, teaching children how to swim, and saved dozens of swimmers from drowning during the years he was on duty. Saving lives was a routine undertaking for him. Never fearing for his own safety, while on vacation he saved two potential drowning victims and even once pulled a man from a burning car on the side of the highway. The latter was done while returning home from a chemotherapy treatment.

Richie was a beacon of strength and courage throughout his diagnosis, treatment and multiple surgeries during his battle with cancer. His upbringing and strong faith carried not only himself, but all those who surrounded him with love and support during those dark times. He often quoted the bible saying, "May God's will be done" and turning to Padre Pio stating "Pray, hope and don't worry."

Richie lived his life with dignity, respect and humor. On March 18, 2013, he passed from complications of cancer with the same poise & grace he lived his life. He forever left an indelible mark on all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit carries on.

The Richie Pervan Touch Foundation was established as a non- profit 501(c)(3) organization to continue the legacy of his noble life and work. The mission of the organization is to assist children in need--whatever the need may be. As an organization, we are proud to have already helped children with both academic and sports scholarships, assisted children with medical and mental health supports, and have financially eased the burden of families in need. The mission of the foundation has now extended to particularly assist children and their families diagnosed with cancer. We are now working with families through Advocate Children's Hospital CHildren's Cancer Center-Park Ridge Campus. Where there's a need, the foundation helps!

We are just getting started. The amount of love that our supporters have already displayed has been profound. We will move forward to help others in Richie's memory. We hope you will continue this journey with us.