Hardys father Bob shared the news in a post on Twitter on Sunday. Justin lived like he played basketball, meeting each moment with uncommon determination and hope, Martin said. All rights reserved. The team had advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Hes seeing diminishing returns from the therapy, which he describes as maintenance as opposed to a cure the tumor has started to adapt, which means that now he has to start considering other options. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The Bears did earn a ticket to the NCAA tournament, but were unable to advance to the Sweet 16 after a tough 2-point loss. Your email address will not be published. Even during the summer, his closest friends struggled to get a sense of Hardys physical and mental obstacles because his optimism overshadowed everything else. He was just the most selfless person, always there with a text message or a gesture, checking in to make sure youre OK.. With less than a minute on the clock, Hardy dribbled to the basket, exchanged a knowing smile with Chicagos Bryce Hopkins and scored his last basket. Washington University basketball player Justin Hardy recently passed away at the age of 22. ST. CHARLES, IL A former St. Charles East basketball standout who refused to let cancer stand in the way of living his life to the fullest has died. Hardy's was also spotlighted by ESPN's College Gameday this past college basketball season. Right now, Hardy can only look ahead two weeks at a time, and its driving him crazy. From the moment he stepped foot on this campus, he has been a pillar both on and off the floor. Juckem hadnt considered the possibility, but still, the news didnt really surprise him. Read more stories from Olin Business School. Justin Hardy has changed my life like six different times since the diagnosis, Nolan said. Justin Hardy died on Sunday morning after a 13-month battle with stomach cancer. There will be plenty more great days to come. He delivered a speech in New Orleans to explain the mental approach that helped him overcome physical obstacles. From a mental standpoint, it was the best thing that could have happened for me, he said. Incredible. 4-ranked team in Division III. Thank you Justin for sharing your life story with us. He was alsoprofiled in a College GameDaysegment earlier this year, in which it was revealed that the cancer had spread to the lining of his colon. Everyone knows Justins incredible story about how he kept playing, Nolan said. The funds will be used for medical & memorial expenses, with the majority put towards the HardyStrong Scholarship a fund for high school graduates competing athletically in college who share Justins grit, determination, and all-around excellence.. I know you are a very strong minded young man and you want to live. Justin graduated with a degree in Business Administration while playing basketball for the Bears. RIP Justin Hardy. Maybe he could compete for a rotation spot. Bob, Im so very sad to learn of Justins passing and very fortunate and thankful to have known him. He was 22. He learned last spring that he had Stage 4 stomach cancer, a devastating and rare diagnosis for someone so young. He is on a trip with the Bears this weekend. This is my life now and one day it changed forever. Hardy was raised in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles and earned his degree in finance and accounting from Olin Business School in December, after just 3 1/2 years. "The sadness was really tough at first just because I felt my life was kind of closing in on me," Hardy said. Hardy epitomized selflessness and determination through 13 months of intense treatments following his diagnosis in April 2021. To respond to even the toughest of circumstances with the strength and courage that Justin did. 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. We were fortunate to be brought along on his journey. The community also came together to donate more than $100,000 to Hardys GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and launch the HardyStrong Scholarship. Despite having Stage 4 stomach cancer, Justin Hardy is the second-leading scorer for. Hardy will complete another round of chemotherapy at the end of January and undergo further testing to determine his status. An example of PERSEVERANCE was JUSTIN HARDY. He was 22 years old. Sometimes you see patients who are unrealistically positive. Remarkable story/person. This is all mind over matter, Hardy typed. That's because it's no longer confined to the stomach and may involve several distant organs. He was named first-teamAll-UAA (University Athletic Association) and second-team NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) All-District 8. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! He was an inspiration and he will be missed. To encourage support for the fund, the donor has committed another $500,000 to match tribute gifts made by others. The gym where Hardy experienced many of his greatest moments in the sport was filled. I was so emotional about it all. The Bears and Maroons hugged each other as finalseconds ticked away. Jeff Pape. Hardy continued to play for the WashU basketball team while undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as working towards a double major in accounting and finance. Still, Justinwho was the second-leading scorer on his college teamtold the outlet that "there was no piece of me that was going to half-ass this" in following his passion for basketball. There will be plenty more great days to come. I look up to him in a million ways, but mainly because despite his circumstances, hes just been so unrelenting in our friendship, Wendler said. Hardy wasnt finished. Justin Hardy was born in in December 18, 1991. His first day of treatment was a bittersweet day of Oh, were really starting this, Hardy recalled. According to The Source, Hardy lost 50 pounds after chemotherapy and thought he might not be able to play his final season. This is me living my life regardless of the circumstances, Hardy said at the time. Risk Advisory Associate at Grant Thornton. I felt like most of things were gone and I was finished playing basketball.. He has four siblings, are Michael Jordan, Roslyn Jordan, Deloris Jordan, and James Jordan Jr. Paramedics then came to Michael's . Teammate and close friend Jack Nolan certainly has been. Hardy wasnt a stranger to waking up a little sore after workouts. Teammate and close friend Jack Nolan certainly has been. He majored in accounting and finance, which means that he cant ignore the odds that were given to him. I am living in some of the best days of my life. In his own words: If you want to win, just give me the ball.. 4,386 Followers, 1,187 Following, 53 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Justin Hardy (@jhardy_32) No matter what was happening on the scoreboardand we had plenty of successwe felt like every day was a win because we were in it together.. Mentally, Im not at the point where the bad things are really bad, he said. 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. We were in awe on a daily basis.. I want to embrace the moment I am living in. Hes a planner: he likes to have things lined up. He worried the attention would add further pain for his family and closest friends. RIP JH. No matter what was happening on the scoreboard and we had plenty of success we felt like every day was a win because we were in it together.. Helping him tell his story will remain a highlight of my career. Justin Hardy, a basketball player for the St. Louis-based college, passed away early morning on May 29 after spending the last "13 months courageously redefining what it means to live with. At that point, no one knew what was wrong. Those of us who dont personally know you are inspired and with you in prayer and spirit. Justins story has resonated with so many people at Washington University and beyond, Juckem said. His family doesnt doubt that hell be ready for whatever is next. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Post grad Beats IMG Academic team 89-74 to close out the IMG Beach Blast! She recalled his response, which might have sounded flippant to anyone else. Amen. "You have to live your life. The 6-foot-5,. }. No matter what was happening on the scoreboard and we had plenty of success we felt like every day was a win because we were in it together.. Hardy grew up near Chicago in the suburb of St. Charles. Patriots receiver Mohamed Sanu is one of Meadows's regulars. Purchase tickets for WashU nights at soccer, baseball stadiums, Nominate staff members for Distinguished Honor awards, New faculty to join race, ethnicity cohort in thefall, Kwon named chair of epidemiology society committee, William A. Peck, former medical school dean,89, Garland Allen, professor emeritus of biology,86, Joseph L. Roti Roti, professor emeritus of radiation oncology,79, Cunningham, Ward share Mellon Foundation grant, Molecular activity of the immune system to get a closerlook. He went through a lot the first few months, Karen Hardy said. ': Battling stage 4 stomach cancer, WashU's Justin Hardy inspires on senior night. I dont know how else to describe him.. His wondrous basketball skills were the tip of the glorious Iceberg of what it meant to be Justin Hardy. Coming back and playing basketball and finishing my degree are two things that I really wanted to do.. (Photo: Danny Reise/Washington University), Your email address will not be published. He also underwent chemotherapy as the season progressed and didnt miss a game until he was diagnosed with Covid-19. In spite of the illness, he remained his teams second leading scorer as they reached the second round of the Division III NCAA tournament. He transitioned from walks around the block to runs around the neighborhood. 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. I was in tears after the game, hugging that kid. Omar Adegbola records his first Triple double 21pts 12rbs & 10asts,Eric Ihekwaba 22pts 10rbs 5blk, Ayo Bamisile 17pts 10rbs, DaveOlayini 14pts 6rbs 6ast, Isaiah Campbell 13pts. Hardy helped lead the Bears during their 13-game winning streak and scored 28 points, a career high, in two separate games. I am living in some of the best days of my life. Simple skills that once were second nature were initially still a struggle the senior was tricking wide open layups. 2023 Cable News Network. Athletes have come back after dealing with cancer, but how many play through the treatment? Hardy scored a collegiate career-high 28 points in February. He passed away on May 29, 2022, when he sadly was only 22 years old. Hardy is a really good basketball player, KSDK reports. 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. Hardy is survived by his parents, Bob and Karen Hardy; sister, Jackie Hardy; and brother, Nathan Hardy. This website is managed by 411 Locals and has been temporarily removed. The sadness was really tough at first just because I felt my life was kind of closing in on me, Hardy told Cusumano in this piece, which aired January 17. 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. School, Executive MBA and Professional Development. display: none !important; This is me living my life regardless of the circumstances. The funds will be used for medical and memorial expenses, with the majority put towards the HardyStrong Scholarship - a fund for high school graduates competing athletically in college who share Justin's grit, determination, and all-around excellence.". But what changed me in so many ways was everything he did off the court. Patrick Woods and Justin Hardy are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Robert and Karen Hardy. He was just 22. Plus, he said he doesnt really believe in miracles: Theres no reason for me to think that Im an outside exception. Still, there are a lot of unique factors in his diagnosis. six There were some emotional moments when he got that diagnosis, but Ive never questioned his hope, determination or resiliency.. She said the experience has made her think about working with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. You have the worst thing possible happening, and you get to experience the thing that brings the most joy. My age and my health status are two things I really have going for me. Live Like Bella was founded in 2013 with the mission to help children with cancer maintain the same love for life that Bella had. In addition to his son, Justin Hardy was also an athlete and played basketball for WashU. Hardy underwent surgery last summer and recovered well to start the basketball season in November. 9:49 AM EDT, Wed June 1, 2022. The average age of diagnosis in stomach cancer is 68, and Justin is a 21-year-old athlete with seemingly everything going for him. ': Battling stage 4 stomach cancer, WashU's Justin Hardy inspires on senior night, Hardy Strong: WashU athlete plays on while battling Stage 4 stomach cancer. Someone said, Positivity kills cancer. I dont feel happy with the situation, but I do with where I am in life.. The college sports star was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in April 2021, according to a statement shared on his GoFundMe page. Hes relentlessly supportive of his friends in their successes like his former roommate Caleb Durbin getting drafted for Major League Baseballs Atlanta Braves while also supporting them in their struggles. If theres anyone built to beat this, its Hardy.. "And there wasn't going . Hardy passed away from. He has just never once made anything about himself. ST. LOUIS The Washington University basketball player who inspired people all around the country during his fight against cancer, has died. Hailing from . "After 13 months of courageously redefining what it means to live with cancer, Justin passed peacefully early this morning, Sunday, May 29th," his father Bob Hardy announced on Twitter . Hed come back from injuries and maxed out reps enough to know the tiredness that comes from pushing his body to its limits. He missed the teams two NCAA Tournament games. Hardys treatment days are long and usually scheduled for a Monday or Tuesday so that hes feeling well by the end of the week to play in games. He underwent rounds of chemotherapy as the season progressed but didnt miss a game until he was diagnosed with COVID. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at. 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 The Tigers fell to 13-8 overall and 8-6 in conference play. 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. You can express your gratitude here. Justin Hardy, a former St. Charles East and Washington University basketball player, is pictured at the Saints' Hoops for Hope game in Hardy's honor in February. Karen Hardys reading has been more extensive. She keeps tabs on her younger brother, who she considers the equivalent of a twin. Six current and former teammates, alongside Washington coach Pat Juckem and Hardys high school coach, traveled to join his parents, Bob and Karen, while he accepted his award. They were led by Camdon Khon's 14 points. Royce Reed is officially done with They are 12-1 on the season and are ranked No. Please ask the Lord God to heal you. His muscles had morphed into something that he didnt recognize, and the first two weeks returning to conditioning were the hardest mentally. Hardy died on Sunday morning following a long battle with stomach cancer. James Koh examines if you can still trust Martin, and breaks down the rest of Week 14's top news stories . Having played there (1961 grad) I follow the team on line. A lot of things have stayed constant for Hardy over his three and a half years at WashU. 3 Bears early-season, Hardy is a numbers guy. More features from the Student Life sports section: Three-time Paralympic champion Kendall Gretschs journey from Olin Library to Tokyo gold, There has to be a way to do a better job: How the history of WUs head coaches of color relates to current conversations of diversity in athletics, From the neighborhoods of Tamale, Ghana, to Francis Olympic Field: The mens soccer assistant coachs journey to the top, Tags: Hayden Doyle, Jack Nolan, Justin Hardy, Kally Wendler, pat juckem, Stomach cancer. Justin Hardy. I didnt think this was possible.. The first round, he said, produced impressive progress but subsequent chemo has left him regressing slowly. That game, that moment Ill never forget that.. Juckem was present for all three events. He showed us what it means to be others focused what it means to be a great teammate. "Justin decided to attack this diagnosis like he would attack a defender on the court," the campaign's description read, adding that the student athlete continued his studies as well as his work as a "major contributor to the Men's Basketball Team at Wash U" amid cancer treatments. Justin Hardy earned his degree in finance and accounting from Olin Business School in December, after just 3 1/2 years. They gave way to Hardys revelation that there was much to accomplish, even if he figured basketball was a thing of the past. RIPJustin. Dr. Haeseong Park, a Washington University oncologist at Siteman Cancer Center, said she has not seen a case of stomach cancer in someone Hardys age in two or three years. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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. I dont necessarily think Ive accepted that this is going on and what fate has dealt me, Hardy said. In place of flowers, we encourage donations to the #HardyStrong GoFundMe, Bob Hardy wrote. He entered the final regular-season game at the Washington U. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to theHardyStrong Scholarship. In April of 2021 Justin was diagnosed with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. At the center of the story is an athlete with a rare disease for his age, 22, returning to college basketball and playing in every game this season. More details will be provided soon," Hardy's father, Bob, wrote on Twitter. To show their support, Nolan, his teammates and Juckem designed #HardyStrong T-shirts emblazoned with the motto You are stronger. Soon Bears of all sports, fans and even players representing rival teams wore the shirts in solidarity. He was 22. We were in awe on a daily basis.. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Basketball is just one piece. Justin Hardy, a 2018 St. Charles East graduate and former Kane County Chronicle Player of the Year, has gone public about his Stage IV stomach cancer diagnosis. Hardy is a numbers guy. Justin Hardy also happens to have Stage 4 stomach cancer. Its pretty amazing hes still playing through all of this. His son, Justin Hardy, was one of the guests of the Chicago Bulls during their game against the Washington University Huskies last month. While dealing with his treatment, he continued to be a major . He graduated in December with a degree in business administration and resumed tutoring students in subjects such as calculus and statistics. Updated: 6:24 PM CDT May 29, 2022 ST. LOUIS The Washington University basketball player who inspired people all around the country during his fight against cancer, has died. The first person Hardy called from the hospital was his dad. Your email address will not be published. The most the senior had done since March was walk his dog around the block. The family was together at home after the diagnosis during the toughest days. COVID was not a trivial matter to Justin Hardy, but he already had been dealt a tougher opponent. You have to live your life. A portion of the contributions will be put towards the HardyStrong Scholarship, a fund for high school graduates competing athletically in college. This is one of the best years of my life that I have lived. It's usually not curable, but it's considered treatable. Someone said, Positivity kills cancer. I dont feel happy with the situation, but I do with where I am in life..