At Mid-Atlantic Christian University, servant leadership is more than a concept it is our calling. Recently MACU students had the opportunity to live out that calling by volunteering with Ferocious Fighters, a nonprofit founded by Patrick Boland, a current MACU student with a heart for making a difference.
Patrick’s Story: A Mission Born from Experience
Patrick Boland knows firsthand the challenges of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic and often debilitating condition. Rather than allowing his struggles to define him, Patrick turned to God’s calling to serve others.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a global mission, reaching over 3,000 children in 29 countries, and offering them encouragement, resources, and a reminder that they are not alone.
Patrick Boland, the founder of the non-profit Ferocious Fighters.
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
“Being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome introduced a lot of overwhelming feelings, some that I didn’t know how to deal with at the time. I felt completely betrayed by my body,” says Patrick Boland, the founder of Ferocious Fighters.
CRPS is a chronic nerve condition that causes severe, persistent pain, often affecting a limb after an injury or surgery. It is sometimes referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the extreme pain levels and the emotional distress it can cause. CRPS disrupts the nervous system’s ability to regulate pain signals, leading to intense burning, swelling, and hypersensitivity in the affected area.
Many children diagnosed with CRPS face isolation, anxiety, and depression, as the condition is often misunderstood and difficult to treat. Patrick has personally experienced these struggles but has chosen to turn his pain into purpose, creating a support network for children like him through Ferocious Fighters.
The Impact of Ferocious Fighters
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The work of Ferocious Fighters embodies this command, offering care packages known as “Ferocious Fighter Kits” filled with blankets, handwritten notes, and other comforting items to children fighting CRPS.
These kits serve as a tangible reminder that they are not alone and that God is walking with them through their struggles. Beyond the kits, the organization fosters a sense of community among children and families affected by CRPS, creating a network of support and understanding.
“My mom led me to start this non-profit. I had a service project due at school, and at the same time, we had started what we knew as the first children’s support group. One of my friends went into the optical and I wanted to send her a package. It brought me so much joy, I wanted to do it for everyone,” said Patrick.
MACU Students in Action
Recently, MACU students came together to pack care packages filled with blankets and handwritten cards of encouragement. Each package was thoughtfully assembled to provide warmth, hope, and a personal connection for children battling long-term illnesses. The atmosphere was one of compassion, teamwork, and a shared desire to reflect Christ’s love tangibly.
At MACU, true leadership begins with service. Our students do not just prepare for careers, they are prepared to make a difference in the world.
Partnering with organizations like Ferocious Fighters allows them to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in meaningful ways, impacting lives beyond our campus. Through their actions, our students demonstrated what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing that faith is not just about words but about active love and service.
“Student involvement at MACU had made me feel a part of the community. Seeing how willing people are to spread awareness for our cause brings me hope,” says Patrick.
Join Ferocious Fighters’ Mission
Patrick’s work with Ferocious Fighters is a testament to God’s power to transform suffering into a mission of hope. The organization doesn’t just provide comfort—it also raises awareness about CRPS, advocating for affected children and educating the public and medical community about this often misunderstood condition.
“I’m hopeful that one day Kids with CRPS will have a greater outlook on life. Especially for their caretakers. With CRPS, adults who are diagnosed often become depressed for longer periods. Kids can acclimate, but with the mental consequences of seeing parents struggle to pay for healthcare for their kids, this acclimation can be difficult, and for some a lifelong journey. I hope for better medical training, more available treatment, and more support and resources for those that are diagnosed,” says Patrick.
If you’d like to support, donate, or learn more, visit Ferocious Fighters’ website.
We are so proud of Patrick and our students for following God’s call to serve and making a lasting impact. May we all be inspired to serve one another in love as Christ has called us to do.
