Dave Mahay was known for his creativity, kindness and sense of humor.
“He was one of 18 cousins on his father’s side, and they’d exchange gag gifts every Christmas,” recalled his mother, Marie. “One year, he made a birdhouse for one of his cousins and gave her an actual bird.”
But more than anything, Dave was known for his compassionate and empathetic spirit, which often made him the first person to lend a hand to someone in need.
Dave loved to help people. He spent many summers as a lifeguard in the Chicago Park District and knew he wanted to go into the medical field. After graduating from Western Illinois University, where he earned his EMT certificate, he enrolled in the Advocate Christ Medical Center EMS Academy to become a paramedic.
“After he graduated from the program in 2013, he worked for a local ambulance service. He later worked as a paramedic with Maxim Health at Amazon.”
In November 2017, Dave, who was 28, tragically passed away in a car accident. His family was devastated.
“One of my first thoughts was, ‘He still had so much to do,’” shared Marie. “I knew we’d have to find a way to continue his legacy of kindness and serving others. He was always thoughtful and doing little things to make others happy.”
Dave was a regular participant in Polar Plunge Chicago, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois. He joined a team that was formed for one of his mom’s co-workers. Dave looked forward to the event every year. He was enthusiastic not only to plunge in the lake, but also to raise funds for a worthy cause.
“It’s kind of funny; he used to ask us to join him at Polar Plunge Chicago, and we always refused, telling him it was crazy. Now we do it to honor him.”
In January 2018, his two brothers gifted their parents a non-profit organization, Dave’s Divers. The family decided to honor Dave by asking some friends to join for a plunge at North Avenue Beach. The first year brought 37 plungers raising money for the Special Olympics. It quickly became clear this was a way to raise money for a wonderful cause and also help everyone move past the sadness and come together to remember Dave with a smile. The team grew every year – so much so that in 2021, Dave’s family decided to move the plunge to their family’s lake home in Koontz Lake, Indiana. It was a place Dave had spent all his childhood summers, so the move seemed like the next logical step. Now hundreds of supporters and around 70 plungers show up each year.
“Dave’s good friends help us organize the event and keep it true to his memory,” said Marie. “It’s not just about the plunge; it’s about Dave. We embrace the fact that we’re celebrating him. We also keep it fun – we paint toilet plungers gold and give out Golden Plunger awards for things like costumes and creative ways people dive into the lake.”
The larger event allowed Dave’s Divers to broaden their outreach to several charities that reflect what was important to Dave, like organizations supporting families dealing with cancer and funding youth sports – all from the south side of Chicago where Dave grew up. The Koontz Lake Fire Department also receives support from Dave’s Divers.
There is one, however, that is especially meaningful to Dave’s parents. Dave’s Divers funds an annual Paramedic/EMS scholarship for students at Advocate Christ. Dave was a graduate of this program. This month, Marie attended the graduation ceremony for students at Advocate Christ. She got to see firsthand the impact of their efforts and Dave’s legacy.
“We met the EMTs and paramedics who received our scholarships,” shared Marie. “It was pretty emotional. It was great to be able to honor and remember him. And the new EMTs and paramedics know his story and understand who he was and how they can carry on his spirit.”
Dave’s large family continues to grow, and Dave’s Divers grow every year with them. His cousins and friends bring their children, and his two nieces, Gracie (5) and Kensie (2), are there to play a special role in the event. Their support will help Dave’s Divers continue their mission to honor Dave and continue to help others with small acts of kindness.
How you can help
Advocate Christ Medical Center is part of Advocate Health, a non-profit system that relies on the generosity of donors and organizations like Dave’s Divers to fund many of its programs and services. Please consider making a gift today.