It all started with an idea for an inadvisable prank. Chris Rosati planned to stake out a Krispy Kreme doughnut delivery truck, and when the driver wasn’t looking, he was going to steal it. This harebrained scheme wasn’t just for thrills. Rosati wanted to “go around and give away the donuts” to people who could use a smile.
About a year ago, Rosati, 42, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Rosati knows that he doesn’t have long to live, and feels the best way to spend those days is to do whatever he can to make others happy.
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Before Rosati could get himself in trouble, someone posted about his desire to “borrow” a Krispy Kreme truck on Facebook. Apparently the company was listening. Instead of adding extra security to their trucks in the Durham, N.C., area, they lent Rosati a bus — and an impressive amount of donuts — allowing him to fulfill his fantasy of playing Robin Hood. For a full day, Rosati , his family and friends delivered the delicious treats to people at schools, city parks and hospitals. There were plenty of smiles and, thankfully, no criminal charges.
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