13-year-old Justin Friedlander had the biggest thrill of his young life. The basketball enthusiast and founder of "Justin's Quest" not only met with President Obama in the Oval Office of the White House, they shot baskets together in hopes of helping to find a cure for brain tumors.
In March, 2009, doctors diagnosed Justin with an inoperable brain tumor. In spite of this difficult personal news, Justin decided to take action and help others. Focusing on living, and doing what he loves, Justin and his family established "Justin's Quest" with help from the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).
Justin's Quest is a sports-oriented initiative to raise awareness for brain tumors, and to help raise money to find a cure. Justin is in the midst of shooting a basket for every person diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the U.S. each year — approximately 63,000 baskets. All proceeds raised from Justin's Quest will benefit NBTS.
Justin and his family met the President for a quick greeting in the Oval Office, but the President had more in mind. "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 gonna do it anyway." The President and the Friedlander family then made their way to the Presidential Basketball Court, where Justin and his brothers each shot a basket to make Justin's current total 15,004 baskets. President Obama's shot made it 15,005, and then he signed 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. It was simply awesome!" The Friedlander family also met with Vice President Joe Biden, who referenced his own medical history and had encouraging words of hope for Justin.
NBTS Executive Director, N. Paul TonThat applauded the President's recognition of Justin and his Quest. "Because brain tumors do not discriminate against age, race, sex or socio-economic status, we think that brain tumors need to be on everyone's radar," he stated. "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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