A 13 year old basketball fan with a brain tumor shot hoops with the President on Tuesday.
Justin Friedlander was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in March, 2009. Despite the devastating news, he decided to focus on living and doing what he loves. With help from his family and the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), Justin founded “Justin’s Quest”.
Justin’s Quest (www.justinsquest.com) is a sports-oriented initiative to shoot a basket for every person diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the U.S. each year – approximately 63,000 baskets – with a goal of raising awareness for brain tumor funding to help find a cure. All proceeds from Justin’s Quest benefit NBTS.
Justin and his family were scheduled for a short meeting with the president in the oval office. President Obama had other plans. “I know shooting a basket with you doesn’t fit in my schedule,” the Friedlanders quoted the President saying as he removed his jacket, “but we’re going to do it anyway.” The President and the Friedlander family then made their way to the Presidential Basketball Court, where President Obama sank a shot to bring Justin’s total to 15,005. Then he autographed the ball for Justin to take with him.
“I need to shoot baskets with celebrities and bring as much attention to this cause as possible,” stated Justin, “Today the President made my dream come true.”
NBTS Executive Director, N. Paul TonThat applauded the President’s recognition: “The President did a lot today to help us in our efforts to raise awareness, which we hope will drive a greater focus to research, to find better therapies and ultimately, a cure.”
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