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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.


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