Homepage > Family

Teen With Terminal Cancer Receives Special Key

Community Honors John Challis

POSTED: 6:54 pm EDT August 2, 2008

John Challis continues to captivate the country with his courage. On Saturday, he received a key to the city of Conway.

Challis, 18, who has terminal liver cancer, graduated from Freedom High School in June. The cancer has spread from the liver and lungs to other parts of his body, and he has taken to napping for several hours a day.

He received the key on Saturday afternoon during Conway's Community Day at the fire station.

"It isn't really my place to say this, but I am technically mayor right now," Challis said. "So, I figure, just have a good time, don't break (anything) and just have fun, don't cause trouble and just have a good day."

Challis has established a foundation that seeks to provide other high school-aged athletes who are fighting a terminal illness with an opportunity to take their minds off what they are going through -- "whatever the kid wants or needs," Challis said.

A member of Conway's council came up with the idea to honor Challis with a key to the Beaver County city because of all he has done to inspire others in the face of his illness.


Related Links:
More County News
Get RSS Headlines | Free Desktop Alert
Links We Like
Don’t believe everything people tell you about home improvement. Check out the top 4 myths and stop throwing away your money. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser has a diet and fitness plan to help you burn fat faster and stay in shape. MoreClick Here

Find out exactly what Medicare covers with our easy-to-use Medicare coverage tool. More

Sponsored Links