Chordoma Champions
Justin Straus
(8/12/1995 - 9/17/2008)
On the eve of Justin’s 13th birthday he was rushed to Duke Hospital because of symptoms brought on by progression of his chordoma, a cancer he has courageously battled with for six years. Sadly, over the last four weeks, Justin’s health has declined dramatically. His loving family has been by his side the whole time advocating for his care and demonstrating unconditional love. The Straus’s are an inspiration and a remarkable family, who have done so much for the Chordoma Community.
Though Justin walked this earth for only thirteen years, his impact on others transcends time. He is loved deeply by his family, friends, classmates, and countless others in his community and beyond. Justin inspired members of the Chordoma Community to unite, and to persevere in the search for a cure.
The physicians and researchers who attended the 2nd International Chordoma Research Workshop, and everyone who attended the First Chordoma Community Conference in April of this year, remember Justin well. He spoke with such charm and eloquence as he described his journey since his diagnosis. He shared his experiences with candor and wit and a maturity far beyond his 12 years. Justin’s amazing smile lit up the room as he captured the hearts of everyone; leaving a lasting impression and inspiring everyone to work together to find a cure. Hear this valiant speech by following this
link…
As Gregg Jarvies wrote on Justin’s CaringBridge page:
Justin: If there was a Hall of Fame for kids who have battled courageously against all odds, you'd be a charter member. The courage and strength you have demonstrated over these many years have made all of us understand so clearly that one person, no matter how young, can make a difference in the lives of so many.
As his wise best friend James Becherer wrote:
life won’t be the same without you, but then I come to thinking that you might not be with me physically but will always be standing on my shoulder helping me though my tough times and laughing with me in my joyous moments. I will never forget your beautiful, smiling face.
As emotions run deep and our words are limited, let us all join in love, positive thoughts and prayer in support of Justin, Heather, Steve, Jason, Kerry, Julia, and their entire family. As Justin embarks on a new journey of peace, and his family faces the difficult days ahead, let’s learn from our young hero and forge ahead to put an end to the pain and suffering caused by this devastating bone cancer.
Just before his final decline, Justin made a heroic stand against his disease, communicating in the only way he could a lasting lesson to us all by scrawling across his whiteboard:
perseverance. Justin was dedicated to finding a cure. He encouraged his parents to try anything that would advance research; and thus, they have ensured that the secrets of his tumor will not be lost and have been preserved for research. Though Justin had begun experimental therapies discovered by chordoma researchers at Duke, it was too little too late. Sadly, his tumor moved faster than the science.
We take heed of your instructions dearest Justin; and, therefore, have created the
Justin Straus Perseverance Fund to carry on your fight. We will persevere with you in our thoughts and hearts forever.
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The Celebration of Justin's Life was held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Emily Krzyzewski Center in Durham, North Carolina.
Approximately 500 family members, friends and fans of Justin’s filled the Emily K Center basketball gymnasium. The ceremony was led by Reverend David Sherwin of Canada. Inspirational, touching and loving tributes were shared by Justin’s teachers, healthcare providers, Mrs. Ruth Dzau, Steve Straus, Justin’s brother Jason and best friend James Becherer. Guests wore mismatched socks, attire that reminded them of Justin and T-shirts including Justin's Buddies, Duke, New York Giants, Atlanta Braves, Boston Celtics, Carolina Hurricanes and the new Perseverance shirts designed and distributed by parents of Durham Academy.
Together we laughed and cried as we celebrated Justin's life and spirit. The family shared pictures and videos which captured the many facets of this special child. Steve led a chant of Per-Se-Ver-Ance which reverberated throughout the room as everyone clapped in unison. Justin’s final command serves as an inspiration forever. The event ended with ‘Shoot A Basket in Honor of Justin’. We know he was keeping score……
Justin's family asks that if possible, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the Justin Straus Perseverance Fund.
Other information can be found at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/justinstraus