Normally I write about all things tech and social media and marketing related. But every once in awhile I like to include the human element in what I do and what I write about.  With that being said, It is with great sadness that I have to write another post that pains me. I thought that writing about Randy Pausch would be tough and here I go again. 

Awhile back, because of the fact I lived in Pittsburgh for quite some time, I am still connected with friends and the community there, I wrote about a young man in Pittsburgh who was inspiring others with his optimism, his courage and his indelible spirit. His name is and was John Challis. A remarkable story on so many levels not the least being that he was dying of cancer and was still able to muster the strength to not only get up out of bed every day, but to also play in his high school’s baseball game and get a hit. The story is a must read.

He was embraced on so many levels. Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette profiled him, Scott Van Pelt of ESPN radio profiled him and every notable sports person in the Pittsburgh area, as well as nationally, wanted to meet a truly amazing individual. John challis died today and he was only 18.  Here is Mike White’s latest on the passing of John Challis.

We’ll miss you John.