Photography by Spacecrafting
Chad and Jenni Greenway
Now that former Viking Chad Greenway has retired from the NFL, he has turned his attention to a passion project he and his wife, Jenni, envisioned long ago. When they had their first child, it dawned on them: Children’s Minnesota hospitals were a place where they could make a big impact.
“We started with how we could reach the greatest number of people,” Chad says. And that was with the innovative digital locker, filled with tech from iPads to PlayStations, digital cameras to Nintendo DS consoles. “We all live with technology, and it can be a good distraction when you might need it most.”
“You get addicted to the feeling you get from helping someone without them asking for it,” he muses. Which is why their Lead the Way Foundation has branched out to projects like building a playground at Children’s: “Knowing that it will stand for 10 to 15 years and that kids will get joy out of it is a great feeling,” he adds.
The Greenways have learned that once you start talking about kids, you inevitably come around to the parents. Thus the annual TendHER Heart luncheon was born, which honors mothers who are currently caring for, have cared for or have lost sick children.
“We give them some gifts, but more importantly, we give them the microphone, and they just open up,” Chad explains. “It’s wonderful to be able to give them the voice to create this sorority together.”
And the Lead the Way Foundation isn’t done yet. “Football gave me an awesome opportunity to make some money as a young person, and now we can really enjoy our children, watch them grow and be a part of their lives,” says Chad. “This isn’t about careers or fame or Twitter. We’ll continue to build these bridges and help people.”
Read this article as it appears in the magazine.
