[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 82 (Monday, May 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF JOHN CHALLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JASON ALTMIRE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Challis. This 
young man is an inspiration to me and to the citizens of my district. 
He is a senior at Freedom High School in Freedom, Pennsylvania and was 
diagnosed with liver cancer almost two years ago. He recently learned 
his illness is terminal.
  Although doctors have told him the ``cancer is winning right now,'' 
his spirit and faith has not wavered. With wisdom far beyond his years, 
he recently told a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, ``I used to be 
afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now . . . Because life ain't about 
how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths.''
  Even though the cancer has ravaged his body, this courageous young 
man continues to hunt; in the last year he got three bucks and two doe. 
He also continues to play his favorite sports, baseball and football.
  A few weeks ago, John was able to fulfill one of his wishes. In one 
of the final baseball games of the season, his coach and friend, Steve 
Wetzel, called him into the game to pinch-hit. Even though he has not 
played in several years, he took one swing and sent a line drive into 
right field. As he struggled to first-base, he found encouragement in 
his first-base coach, who was crying, and the opposing team and crowd 
who were applauding and cheering him on. As he reached first base, he 
shouted ``I did it! I did it!'' Throughout his fight with cancer, John 
has remained positive. He does not worry about himself, but focuses 
more on his family and friends. His father Scott has sat with him many 
nights discussing John's advice for the future.
  John explained to an ESPN reporter how he feels about the situation 
and his concerns for his family. He said, ``it's harder for [my family] 
than it is for me. I mean, my mom's gonna lose her son. What am I going 
to lose? . . . It's harder on her than it is going to be for anybody. 
If I'm afraid of anything, that's what I'm afraid of.''
  Coach Wetzel recently organized a ``Walk for a Champion'' fundraiser 
to help fulfill one of John's wishes--a vacation with his mom, dad and 
his 14 year-old sister, Alexis. This was his way of giving back to a 
young man who has given him so much.
  Coach Wetzel hoped 100 people would come to the fundraiser. In fact, 
over 500 people participated in the walk-a-thon in the pouring rain and 
the original fundraising goal of $6,000 was easily surpassed. John and 
his family are now preparing for a cruise in June.
  John continues to inspire those who know him and many who have 
recently learned about his story. After being interviewed by Mike White 
of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, John's story has touched people 
throughout the country and even members of the military serving 
overseas. Mike White recently discussed his article about John and said 
``I have received literally hundreds of e-mails from people saying how 
John is inspiring and how John has affected their lives.''
  John's story has also gained the attention of the national sports 
media, as well as many professional athletes. The Pittsburgh Penguins 
recently honored John by inviting him and his family to a playoff game 
against the Philadelphia Flyers where they watched the game in the 
Mario Lemieux suite. While watching the game John was greeted by Mario 
Lemieux; Steelers chairman Dan Rooney; Steelers quarterback Ben 
Roethlisberger; and Atlanta Braves' pitchers Tom Glavine and John 
Smoltz. After meeting the athletes John said ``my head is spinning. 
This week has just been incredible and now this. It was like someone 
dropped me off at the wrong party.''
  John's spirit, grace and courage are truly an inspiration to me and 
many around the country. This young man has done more with his 18 years 
than most people do in a lifetime.
  Even in this difficult time, he continues to be selfless and put 
others before himself. John, his family, and Coach Wetzel are setting 
up a foundation in John's name for young cancer patients. Of the 
foundation, John said ``maybe it will help younger people who haven't 
gotten to see the finer things in life that I got to see.''
  John Challis is truly a role model and not only for the constituents 
in my district, but for the people all across this nation.

                          ____________________