John “Bad Dog” McCormack: Hero for the Children at Ronald McDonald House® of Memphis
On Thursday March 10th, John “Bad Dog” McCormack, a hero for the children at Ronald McDonald House®, left this earth and took his place among the angels in heaven.
There was certainly irony in his own cancer diagnosis that came in October 2009. This man who had devoted so many years to raising money for Ronald McDonald House® so children with cancer would have a home to stay in while they were treated at St. Jude, now himself had cancer. It was a strange twist of fate. Bad Dog called it a blessing. He said it had brought him closer to the children at Ronald McDonald House®. Now their story was his story. He could also understand what the kids were going through physically – the side effects of the chemo treatments – the bone marrow aspirations.
He really admired the courage and strength of the kids at Ronald McDonald House®. If he had to go through a particularly tough procedure, he thought of the kids at Ronald McDonald House® – their little bodies pumped full of chemo drugs – and he fought through the pain. This is what the kids at Ronald McDonald House® were going through. And if they could handle it, he would handle it too – without complaint. He drew strength from those children. And he pushed ahead tirelessly as their advocate.
John “Bad Dog” McCormack will forever be part of the story of Ronald McDonald House®. He’ll be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
To make a gift to the children and families of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis in memory of Bad Dog, please click HERE!
Your Thoughts About Bad Dog
“Bad Dog touched many lives in his Years here on earth. He helped many like me through times when it was hard to even smile, let alone laugh. I hear his laugh every day in my mind and I can't help but laugh out loud. I have personally stayed in Ronald McDonald House®. I am thankful for people like John that put thire lives on hold to help families in need. I met Bad Dog once at a CD release and he lit up the whole music store with his genuine joy of life. I won't say RIP. ‘Cause I know without a doubt you are in heaven smiling. :)” -Tommy McKee
“It is good to know that you are home now and surrounded by all the Kids you did so much for! What a blessing you were and will be for those of us left behind.” - Dawn Scarborough
“You are there in Gods arms. Miss you so much. Take care of all the kids there …” - Bonnie Reynolds Thomas
“I love you John. Heaven has a new angel and his name is "Bad Dog". See you one day on the other side and we'll share a good laugh. Bless you for your kind heart and remarkable devotion to all that you have helped.” - Diane Ponteri