President Obama shoots a basket in 'Quest' to raise awareness about brain tumors

Thirteen year-old basketball enthusiast and brain tumor patient Justin Friedlander had the biggest thrill of his young life on Tuesday when he shot baskets with President Obama 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. 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 (www.justinsquest.com) is a sports-oriented initiative to shoot a basket for every person diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the U.S. each year – approximately 63,000 baskets – with a goal of raising awareness for brain tumors and much-needed research funding to help find a cure. All proceeds from Justin's Quest 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 going to do it anyway." The President and the Friedlander family then made their way to the Presidential Basketball Court, where President Obama sank a shot to bring Justin's total to 15,005. 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." 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. "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."

www.braintumor.org

SOURCE Justin's Quest