Freedom's John Challis passes

This story puts alot of things into perspective.   I'm sure the young man served as an inspiration to those who came in contact with him.  

My condolenses go out to the Challis family on this saddening day.  One is never prepared for this moment as much as you try to be.  John gave off the impression of being an extrodianry human being.  God Bless the Challis family.  RIP John.  We know you are smiling down.

My comment here (Hell, any comment here) will appear feeble compared to the way John Challis used words and actions to inspire and motivate people across the Globe.

Compared to Challis, the $6M Bob Nutting spent on Pedro Alvarez doesn't amount to a hill of beans.

May he continue to give people pause to put sports in perspective even as he rests in peace, free from further pain.

It's sad to see that he passed so young.  Its also a testament to his character that he didn't dwell but he went out and touched many lives and became and inspiration to many.

Rest In Peace John

My thoughts and prayers are with the Challis family, and with the Pirates players - especially Adam - who developed a fondness for this inspiring young man.

John is in a far better place, having made more of an impact in 18 years than many of us ever will. May he rest in peace.

Indeed, our deepest condolences go to the Challis family for the passing of John, who was a truly extraordinary and selfless person.  May he rest in peace, and know that he will not soon be forgotten by any who heard his amazing story.

WOW!

Really was not expecting to see this!

Robbiesdad - For Sure.

I Really feel for them...

All my Thoughts & Prayers

I'm sure the boys will be playing for John tonight.

Although words never seem to express them properly, I'd like to send my deepest condolences to the Challis family. May God be with you during your rough times.

Condolences to the Challis family.  How sad.  Also, another reminder of some of the class people on the Pirates.  I'm sure LaRoche calling to say hello made the kid feel good.

John was such an inspiration not only to me but to thousands of people in western Pennsylvania and throughout the country.  He touched more people's lives then he can possibly imagine.  His message for courage and fun will continue to live on in all of us.  His impact can not be measured in words, because there are no words that do justice to what John Challis meant to so many people.

To John's parents and to his sister Lexie and the rest of John's family I extend my heartfelt prayers and sympathy during this difficult time.  May God be with you and John.

Grant unto him eternal rest and peace O Lord.  What an incredible young man.

:-(

my sincerest condolences to the challis family.  what a great young man they had.

Just to add some more - I'm sitting at the office with my 7 year old,  who's namesake (Mrs. Jake's cousin) died at 15 of cancer.  I feel their pain.

My mother-in-law died of cancer five years ago, and I wish I'd know some of John's words then in order to share with my wife. Brave young man. His life touched more (and in a better way) than many people who live a century.

Meus pêsames.

I was not aware of John until I saw him featured on the national telecast of a Penguins playoff game last spring. We got to see John joyfully visiting with Mario, Ben Roethlisberger, Dan Rooney and one of the Atlanta Braves pitchers among others. Later, I also learned of John's experience meeting the Pirates and Yankees. Listening to and about John got my attention and I then got around to reading the PG story about him. I never met John, but he made an enormous impression on me.

This news comes on the heels of the equally sad loss of Randy Pausch from Carnegie-Mellon. This is a difficult time for Pittsburgh. But these two young men illustrate the character and strength of the city and the Pittsburgh community.

God bless you John Challis and family. We are better for having known you.

To the Challis family my deepest and hearfelt sympathies to your enitre family. I can not even begin to imagine the sorrow. I saw your son on TV and know he touched so many. He is with God now and watching over all of us. May that thought help brighten your lives. John and the rest of the Challis will be in our prayers. God Bless and God's Speed little John.

Tremendously saddened to hear about John.

He is a young man who lived his life to the fullest.

May God bless him and grant his family and friends much comfort.

My condolences to the Challis family. They should be proud for raising such a level headed young man.

Strange day on the PBC blog today. Puts the baseball into its proper perspective I guess, and serves as a reminder to the rest of us to treat every day as the precious gift it is.

My condolences to the Challis family.  Mat he find his field of dreams.

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