FREEDOM, Pa. -- Two years ago, John Challis was diagnosed with liver cancer, which has since spread to his lungs. Doctors only give the Beaver County native months to live.

But instead of focusing on the inevitable, the 18-year-old is building a legacy to leave behind.

Like many other western Pennsylvania children, he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing and cheering for the Steelers -- and hoping to play sports.

Despite his illness, Challis has been determined to make his athletic dreams come true.

Last fall, he spent a few plays with the Freedom High School football team. This spring, when his body allows, he participates with the school's varsity baseball team.

"if you don't get the results of your prayers, it isn't because God isn't answering them, just in a different way," said Challis. "You need to open your eyes and see the greater picture."

Above everything, he has kept a positive attitude and outlook, despite knowing that his days on the playing field are numbered.

"It makes you realize that seeing things in a positive manner affects more that just you," Challis said.

And in fact, Challis' story has affected his entire community. Baseball teammates organized a "Walk For a Champion" to raise money for him to take a cruise -- one last vacation with his family.

Challis insisted the leftover money that was raised should be given to another family in need.

"If you look around, there's all these people that support me, and I just want to say thank you for that, and that's what keeps me going every day," Challis said.

---

UPDATE: Since this story originally aired, Challis has had an opportunity to meet some of his Pittsburgh sports heroes.

Challis attended the Penguins-Flyers playoff game on Sunday night at Mellon Arena and was a guest in Pens owner Mario Lemieux's box.

He met Lemieux, Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who said he wants to invite Challis to a team practice.

"They made me feel like anybody else, and that's what made me feel so cool," said Challis.

Challis was shown on the air several times during Versus' nationally televised broadcast of the hockey game.

He also met Atlanta Braves pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz, who were in town for a weekend series with the Pirates at PNC Park.

Glavine is a hockey fan who was a fourth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings before he chose to play baseball instead.

Challis is working with his baseball coach on an organization that will allow other children with cancer to focus on the positive things in life and possibly help them see some of their dreams come true.

Challis, who was recently named prom king at his high school, was named the High School Playbook Student-Athlete of the Week. You can watch the video of his award presentation below.

---

Related Links:
More Beaver County News

Get RSS Headlines | Free Desktop Alert

---