Justin Hardy died on Sunday morning after a 13-month battle with stomach cancer. I dont know how anyone could fail to be moved by Justins honesty, by the nature of the medical odds he faces, by the elegance of his iron will, and by an extraordinary brand of courage and inner strength that somehow overpowers Stage 4 cancer for the length of a college basketball game, Wojciechowski wrote. Im baffled., Centene expects to lose millions of Medicaid customers beginning in April, Neman: Missouri womans saga of trying to find common sense at Walmart, I can still hear the roaring of the engine, says father of teen maimed in downtown St. Louis, So much for collaboration: St. Louis County Council meeting deteriorates into turmoil, Willson Contreras makes Cardinals debut, and Tyler O'Neill begins his run for center. Hardy epitomized selflessness and determination through 13 months of intense treatments following his diagnosis in April 2021. He lost 50 pounds and resigned himself to sitting out his final season. Washington University basketball player Justin Hardy recently passed away at the age of 22. A beloved college basketball player died on Sunday following a year-long battle with cancer. An incredible young man. Coming back and playing basketball and finishing my degree are two things that I really wanted to do.. Hardy grew sicker as the season came to a close and was unable to travel to away games. Fact-checking the claims on case related to St. Louis crash, 4 killed, 4 critically injured in crash at South Grand Boulevard and Forest Park Avenue, McClellan: Too many have lost faith for Kim Gardner to continue, Fate of St. Louis Fox Theatre still undecided, Brothers who did everything together, fashionista among victims in fatal St. Louis crash, Parents push back on allegations against St. Louis transgender center. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! The scene at St. Charles East on June 3 probably would have pleased former basketball star Justin Hardy. Stay up to date with everything happening at Washington University and beyond. Hysterical is not a word that seems appropriate for the circumstances, but little about Hardys life with cancer has been the norm. 3 Bears early-season, Hardy is a numbers guy. While dealing with his treatment, he continued to be a major . What followed was a sequence of events as amazing as it has been harrowing. Hardy scored a collegiate career-high 28 points in February. Theres nothing at this point that can really rattle me., A warmup shirt worn by Hardys teammates and the coaching staff. "I would tour, but I know Justin [] doesn't want to tour with the Moodys, so it won't happen." The 22-year-old college basketball player from St. Charles, Illinois, who passed away last week after a battle with stage 4. He passed away on May 29, 2022, when he sadly was only 22 years old. The NBA G League Ignite team landed its second high-profile commitment from the class of 2021 on Saturday as five-star shooting guard Jaden Hardy announced he plans to sign with the professional . Hes not like that. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Basketball analyst Dick Vitale also offered his support and said the impact Justin had on those in his life was reflected in the Most Courageous Award that he received in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Hardy has moved forward with the basketball season, trying to normalize life as much as possible. Hardy is hoping Washington University gets another opportunity in the NCAA Tournament. Justin graduated with a degree in Business Administration while playing basketball for the Bears. "I can't control the spread of cancer inside of me, that portion is going to do what it does," he said. display: none !important; When ESPN journalist Gene Wojciechowski learned of Hardys remarkable season, he traveled to St. Louis to profile him for ESPNs College GameDay. The story opened with Hardy sitting at a laptop writing a letter to himself. He told me, Im not afraid of it.. She recalled his response, which might have sounded flippant to anyone else. Hardy helped lead the Bears during their 13-game winning streak and scored 28 points, a career high, in two separate games. Hardy died on Sunday morning following a long battle with stomach cancer. He finished his collegiate career with 387 receptions, the most of any wide receiver in NCAA history at the time. In April, Hardy was surrounded by his teammates when he received the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award in New Orleans. And there wasnt going to be all the things that I loved in my life. His doctors performed a small surgery that bought him five weeks without treatment at the beginning of the season, and then he reverted to IV chemotherapy. He lost 50 pounds and resigned himself to sitting out his final season. The family will host a visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva, Ill., and a legacy celebration at 1 p.m. Friday, June 3, at St. Charles East High School. This website is managed by 411 Locals and has been temporarily removed. Hailing from St. Charles, the late athlete was only22. School, Executive MBA and Professional Development. He focuses on the neuromuscular aspect - speed, reaction and change of direction. He was 22 years old. But, when he comes and he will, dont forget to thank him. As a result of his dedication, Justin graduated early from Washington University with a double major. I know you are a very strong minded young man and you want to live. Justins story has resonated with so many people at Washington University and beyond, Juckem said. The entire 2020-21 season was canceled. Hardy grew sicker as the season came to a close and was unable to travel to away games. It was growing pains for him, but by the fourth game of the season, he had a mental switch flip. His compromised immune system would be susceptible to COVID. Hardy also was a leader in three-pointers and free throws. He leaves most of that to his sister and mother. He has four siblings, are Michael Jordan, Roslyn Jordan, Deloris Jordan, and James Jordan Jr. Paramedics then came to Michael's . Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Everyone knows Justins incredible story about how he kept playing, Nolan said. A Warner Bros. Hes still living with his best friends and bringing out his competitiveness in games of Hearts. We were slow to start and the second half we were still feeling a little slow." Hardy, a 6-foot-5 forward, scored a game-high 22 points and dunked twice on alley-oop passes from guard Zach Mitchell. Mizzou (22-8, 10-7 Southeastern Conference) didn't take its first lead until 97 seconds were left in the game but with the victory stayed alive for a top-four seed in next week's SEC . Given an initial prognosis of 12-18 months after diagnosis, Hardy averaged 11.1 points in 23 minutes per game over 21 games last season. Justin Hardy, who inspirationally played college basketball while battling stomach cancer, died Sunday at the age of 22, his family announced on social media. Park said his tumor is undergoing genomic testing to determine if a treatment more specific to Hardys cancer might be helpful. (Photo: Danny Reise/Washington University), Your email address will not be published. I will ask the Lord to make his presents known to you and touch you and take away all of the cancer from your body. appreciated. This type of cancer is harder to treat than earlier stage stomach cancer. He was 22. He wasnt in game shape, obviously, Doyle said. Hardy first received the devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis back in April 2021. Photo courtesy Hardy family. In his own words: If you want to win, just give me the ball.'. In April, Hardy was surrounded by his teammates when he received the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award in New Orleans. When former University Athletic Association Rookie of the Year Justin Hardy came to campus in September, he couldn't jump 10 inches off the ground. Coming back and playing basketball and finishing my degree are two things that I really wanted to do. Amen. The family will host a visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva, Ill., and a legacy celebration at 1 p.m. Friday, June 3, at St. Charles East High School. Jeff Pape. Like what we are doing? Justin Hardy, a former St. Charles East four-year varsity basketball player and current player for Washington University in St. Louis, is presented with the Jodie Harrison Lifetime. Lisa Salters and Jeff Van Gundy shared some of his remarkable story on the ABC telecast. He was 22. Former Washington University basketball player Justin Hardy leaves a legacy of selflessness and optimism An anonymous donor recently pledged $500,000 to endow the Justin Hardy Courage Fund to support the wellbeing and development of scholar athletes at Wash. U. by Gaby Mendoza June 13, 2022 6:00 AM Expand Hardy, 22, graduated in December after just three-and-a-half yearswith a double major in accounting and finance while also playing a sport. Its pretty amazing hes still playing through all of this. Jackie Hardy is studying occupational therapy and will do her first clinical rotation soon at the Mayo Clinic. But ultimately, he felt like telling his story could have a powerful and positive impact on a lot of people, Nolan said. Hardy came to the Athletic Complex on Oct. 15, the first day of practice, with his jersey on. RIPJustin. He was 22. The entire 2020-21 season was canceled. I never got the chance to meet Justin Hardy but he and is family live in my neighborhood. He entered the final regular-season game at the Washington U. Washington University student-athlete Justin Hardy died of stomach cancer Sunday morning after a year in which he refused to allow a stage 4 diagnosis to get in the way of his goals. He was just 22. When former University Athletic Association Rookie of the Year Justin Hardy came to campus in September, he couldnt jump 10 inches off the ground. Justin Hardy, a basketball player for Washington University in St. Louis, passed away on Sunday from stomach cancer at age 22, according to a statement from his father Bob Hardy. After undergoing genetic testing, it was discovered that Hardy has the CDH1 gene mutation, which made him a high risk for aggressive stomach cancer. Hardy was supposed to serve as an honorary marshal. Teammate and close friend Jack Nolan certainly has been. The main reason was their faith and belief God was going to heal them..and he did. His father, Bob, paid tribute to his son on Twitter and wrote: Bob asked everyone to make donations to the #HardyStrong GoFundMe that would be used for medical and memorial expenses. His son, Justin Hardy, was one of the guests of the Chicago Bulls during their game against the Washington University Huskies last month. Hardy went back to Chicago to figure out a plan for treatment at University of Chicagos oncology center. Justin Hardy, the Washington University in St. Louis basketball forward whose courage inspired players and fans nationwide, died Sunday, May 29, 2022, of stomach cancer. What we saw this yearhis courage, his toughness, his commitment to his teammatesis really mind-blowing. According to The Source, Hardy lost 50 pounds after chemotherapy and thought he might not be able to play his final season. At the time, he had a port in his chest and treatment was still a biweekly battle Is that even an option? he questioned. Karen Hardys reading has been more extensive. His diagnosis was so unlikely in the first place that he has hope that he can also defy the odds with his outcome. In May, sports announcer Dick Vitale paid tribute to Hardy at his annual gala to raise money for cancer research. The Bears and Maroons hugged each other as finalseconds ticked away. Chicago, IL. Ive seen his strength since Day One, Jackie Hardy said. Washington University basketball star Justin Hardy died on Sunday, just months after helping lead his team to the post-season while playing with stage 4 stomach cancer. Jayson Tatum helps Celtics outlast Heat in Game 7, as Butler misses a crucial shot, Chaos in ABA League Finals: Raging Zvezda fans throw objects, as Lessort tries to confront the crowd, Former ASVEL associate coach Frederic Fauthoux takes over Bourg. Through his compassion for his friends, he redirected attention away from himself. He underwent rounds of chemotherapy as the season progressed but didnt miss a game until he was diagnosed with COVID. Diagnosed in April 2021, Justin Hardy graduated in December and recovered from 50 pounds of weight loss to play college basketball. Get the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about wide receiver Justin Hardy on ESPN. Death (Photo by Pixabay) Feb 20. And at Commencement, Andrew E. Newman, chair of Washington Universitys Board of Trustees, honored Hardy before a crowd of 15,000 students and their families and friends. CHARLES, Illinois -- Justin Hardy was a star on and off the court. 3 Bears early-season, 13-game winning streak. Your email address will not be published. I had to get over the fact that, yeah, thats a very real possibility., As the senior started to feel more physically capable, his first step once he returned to St. Louis in September was to go to head coach Pat Juckem to suggest the possibility of returning in some facet for the team. Simple skills that once were second nature were initially still a struggle the senior was tricking wide open layups. I didnt think this was possible.. He was named first-teamAll-UAA (University Athletic Association) and second-team NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) All-District 8. A session of chemo starts with blood work before he gets situated in a pod where he spends the day. He won the Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award from the United States Basketball Writers Association for refusing to let a terminal prognosis sidetrack his immediate plans. At some point I had to come to terms, Hardy told Stu Durando, basketball reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. First comes 1 hours of medication to fight nausea and other side effects. Required fields are marked *, Solve the equation: * Then he broke the news of his diagnosis to his closest friends on the team over Facetime. He graduated in December after just three and a half years, refusing to take a lighter load to accommodate the busy schedule of basketball. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Hardy passed away from. Those of us who dont personally know you are inspired and with you in prayer and spirit. Photo by Alex Rubin, Washington University, Justin Hardy was able to graduate early in December from Washington University despite dealing with treatment for stage four stomach cancer. I am living in some of the best days of my life. Surrounded by his family, he went through test after test, talked to doctors, and explored his options. If I want to live life, I have to choose to put my best foot forward and attack it with a positive mentality. He delivered a speech in New Orleans to explain the mental approach that helped him overcome physical obstacles. Justins love for the game of basketball, competition and his teammates made him truly special. They were led by Camdon Khon's 14 points. In May, sports announcer Dick Vitale paid tribute to Hardy at his annual gala to raise money for cancer research. His diagnosis was so unlikely in the first place that he has hope that he can also defy the odds with his outcome. If I want to live life, I have to choose to put my best foot forward and attack it with a positive mentality. "And there wasn't going . They ran a biopsy and pathology on the mass, and after days in the hospital, Justin Hardy was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nolan said Hardy struggled with the decision to go public with his diagnosis. He worried the attention would add further pain for his family and closest friends. Pat Juckem, mens basketball head coach, said Hardy was a leader whose love for the game was surpassed only by his love for his teammates. United States. Washington Universitys athletics department said in a statement: Our deepest condolences go out to Justin Hardys family on his passing. Hed come back from injuries and maxed out reps enough to know the tiredness that comes from pushing his body to its limits. Two months after Hardy couldnt reach the rim, the team played Illinois Wesleyan and Hardy took possession of the ball at the top of the key. Please academic regalia pronunciation to reactivate or argentine ants identification Monday through Friday The remarkable Justin Hardy who inspired all those who knew him and his courageous story passed away today, his family says. He followed through with an internship last summer while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. We've received your submission. Just saw on ESPN that Justin Hardy passed away. I remember thinking he seemed so physically weak. Diagnosed in April 2021, Hardy completed a summer internship, tutored students in the fall, graduated in December a semester early and recovered from 22 kilos of weight loss to play college basketball. The most the senior had done since March was walk his dog around the block. We also cannot address individual medical concerns or provide medical advice in this forum. It all lines up perfectly. Nolan said Hardy struggled with the decision to go public with his diagnosis. I urge you if you havent, search up his story and read it. Remarkable story/person. This is all mind over matter, Hardy typed. Now, I watch him on the court and hes back to dunking again and looks a lot like his old self. Patrick Woods and Justin Hardy are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Robert and Karen Hardy. }. At some point I had to come to terms, Hardy told Stu Durando, basketball reporter for theSt. Louis Post-Dispatch. The seven days of isolation that followed were nothing compared to his 10-month journey with stage 4 stomach cancer, a diagnosis he received last spring after suffering abdominal pains that led to the ER trip. Comments and respectful dialogue are encouraged, but content will be moderated. His high school coach opened up the gym and let him shoot around with the younger players. You have the worst thing possible happening, and you get to experience the thing that brings the most joy. Justin Hardy has changed my life like six different times since the diagnosis, Nolan said. You can express your gratitude here. This is one of the best years of my life that I have lived. Its truly incredible. He recovered from 50 pounds of weight loss to play college basketball. Hardy will complete another round of chemotherapy at the end of January and undergo further testing to determine his status. "This is me living my life regardless of the circumstances.". Your email address will not be published. Granted, he added, there was no way Hardy could return to a high competitive level, but there was no harm in shooting around. His family doesnt doubt that hell be ready for whatever is next. A scholarship fund for future student athletes "who display the grit, determination and will that Justin has clearly demonstrated through these difficult times" has been set up in his honor. Hardy wasnt finished. To "Live Like Bella" means to serve and help others. Through cancer, Washington U. basketball player shows hes just built different. How, after a life-changing diagnosis, he became a better person, a better friend and a better teammate. Wide receiver who became a standout player at East Carolina University before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He then balanced his last semester of school with treatment, in the doctors office every Monday and then back on the court on Wednesdays with two days of practice before weekend games. The only thing getting me through that day was that I had [the baseball teams] game against St. Thomas.. Our community is forever changed by his legacy of love and strength.. "The sadness was really tough at first just because I felt my life was kind of closing in on me," Hardy said. = I have known several people with stage 4 stomach cancer, and they dont have it anymore, they beat it. "After 13 months of courageously redefining what it means to live. She keeps tabs on her younger brother, who she considers the equivalent of a twin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the HardyStrong Scholarship. 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