Where healing is found in love and community.
The Strong Willed Project was born from our family's journey to turn unimaginable pain into a powerful purpose. It is the story of our son, Will Bearden, and the light he continues to shine.
At just 17, during his senior year of high school, Will was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in October 2023. After five months of treatment, he entered remission and began his freshman year at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. Just one year after his initial diagnosis, the AML relapsed. His only hope for a cancer-free life was a bone marrow transplant, which he received on April 15, 2025, from a selfless anonymous donor. Today, Will is working toward restarting his college journey in 2026.
Throughout the fear and hardship, Will’s resilience has been our constant inspiration, showing us that hope can shine even in the darkest moments.
During this experience, our family quickly learned that healing is found in love, kindness, and connection. The support we received from friends, family, and our wider community became a lifeline, reminding us we were never alone.
Guided by Will’s example, we are inspired to build a legacy of compassion for others on a similar path. The Strong Willed Project exists to honor Will’s story by ensuring that no one has to face this journey alone, and that brighter days are always within reach for patients, families, caregivers, and the hospital staff who serve them.
How We Support MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
Our work centers at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, SC, where Will received life-saving care and where so many families walk a similar journey. We partner closely with staff and families to identify real-time needs and respond with meaningful support. From funding staff appreciation meals to coordinating volunteers for special projects, we focus on lifting burdens both big and small. Each effort is rooted in our mission to bring moments of comfort, connection, and hope to patients, families, and the caregivers who serve them every day.