Former St. Charles Basketball Star Dies Of Cancer At Age 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.

Justin Hardy "passed peacefully" on Sunday, his father, Bob Hardy, wrote on Twitter.

The 22-year-old St. Charles native was diagnosed last April with Stage 4 stomach cancer and went on to "attack this diagnosis like he would attack a defender on the court," according to a GoFundMe set up by his family. The doctors gave Hardy — who was playing basketball for the University of Washington at the time of his diagnosis — 12 to 18 months to live.

"There is no cure for Stage 4 stomach cancer. And I've been put into this game that I have, in theory, zero chance of winning," Hardy told ESPN earlier this year.

The chemo and radiation shrunk the 215-pound Washington University senior to 165 pounds. But he would go on to amaze and inspire his teammates, coaches and the nation when he returned to practicing with his team in October, and by December, was once again slam-dunking at games, according to ESPN.

In February, he learned the cancer had spread to his colon and five days later, Hardy tied his collegiate career high scoring 28 points in a game.

"This is me, this is me living my life regardless of the circumstances. If this isn't beating it, I don't know what is," Hardy told ESPN.

Hardy was a 2018 graduate from St. Charles East High School and "a major force" behind 70 wins for his basketball team, according to a GoFundMe, which has brought in more than $142,000. In 2018, a three-pointer he scored at the buzzer to beat St. Charles North went viral on Twitter.

• St. Charles East Game-Winning 3 Pointer Grabs National Attention

On top of continuing to play basketball while battling cancer, Hardy also graduated from college with two majors in 3.5 years.

"Justin exhibited uncommon courage and determination to achieve his goals and pursue his passions despite unimaginable adversity, inspiring people to live life regardless of the circumstances," according to his obituary.

In announcing his son's death, Bob Hardy wrote: "After 13 months of courageously redefining what it means to live with cancer, Justin passed peacefully early this morning, Sunday, May 29th."

Following his death, Washington University basketball coach Pat Juckem said "we are devastated by this loss but comforted by the manner in which he lived his life."

"We have the awesome responsibility to carry forward his legacy of relentless positivity. To respond to even the toughest of circumstances with the strength and courage that Justin did," Juckem said.

He said Justin's love for basketball, competition and his teammates "made him truly special."

"In his own words, 'if you want to win, just give me the ball,'" Juckem recalled. "We were fortunate to be brought along on his journey. He showed us what it means to be others focused - what it means to be a good teammate."

A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 1771 W. State St. in Geneva. A legacy celebration for Hardy will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday in the main gym at St. Charles East High School, 1020 Dunham Road in St. Charles.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has brought in more than $142,000 and will help pay for a scholarship fund for future student athletes "who display the grit, determination and will that Justin has clearly demonstrated through these difficult times." Donations can be made here.