John Challis, 18, Courage of Life Foundation, Dies of Liver Cancer

by Ground Report    August 19, 2008

John Challis, a courageous teenager from Beaver County, Pennsylvania who founded the Courage of Life Foundation for high schoolers with terminal illnesses, died after a two-year fight against cancer.

John Challis' life changed on June 23, 2006 when he was diagnosed with cancer and told by doctors that he had months to live. Through courage, determination and a will to never give up, Challis dedicated the next two years to empowering teenagers experiencing situations similar to his.

John Challis founded the Courage of Life Foundation to provide, as the foundation's mission statement says, "Life Encouraging Sporting Experiences and Community Support for High School Athletes with Life Threatening Illnesses." Challis spoke to numerous teen groups about living with his illness and enjoying life to the fullest, whether one is sick or healthy.

John Challis received plenty of support during his valiant fight against cancer. He even received phone calls of encouragement from professional baseball players Alex Rodriguez and Adam LaRoche.

A month before his death, John Challis said, "I don't feel like I'm inspiring people. It's just me. I don't know any other way."

Visit www.courageforlifefoundation.org.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

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