The Launch of Justin's Quest

Wow!! The day has almost arrived for the launch of Justin's Quest. As you can imagine Audrey and I were so shocked and devastated by the news that Justin was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in March 2009. At that moment, we felt it was our calling from GOD to do something about this terrible disease and make a difference. Justin was so upset by the news but he is so strong mentally and physically that he wants to do everything possible to find a cure for brain tumors and raise awareness. Audrey and I, 2 weeks after receiving Justin's diagnosis went to a National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) meeting regarding their pediatric initiative at Cord Schlobohm's( a board of director of NBTS and father who sadly lost his daughter Sidney to a brain tumor) house. We were blown away by the support of the people and crushed by the extremely sad stories of the parents at the meeting who lost their children to a brain tumor, we were fighting back tears all night. Justin's diagnosis and that night changed our lives forever as we decided that we WILL make a difference to help find a cure for brain tumors. That night I spoke with some board members about setting up a meeting to see what we can do to fight brain tumors. I met in early June with 3 board members, Jeff Kolodin, Barry Glassman and Cord Schlobohm. They realized at the meeting how serious we were to help find a cure for brain tumors and after kicking around ideas , Justin's Quest was born. Justin's Quest has been alot of work for everyone involved to launch but well worth it. It is our hope and aspirations that Justin's Quest will raise awareness and enough money to help find a cure for brain tumors. It just breaks our hearts to see all the families going through this horrific journey and obviously it has been an incredibly difficult time for our family and Justin to deal with his brain tumor. Justin's Quest is a tribute to the strength and courage of Justin to wear his emotions on his sleeve in a public forum to make a difference. There are not to many people in the world, let alone kids, who will rise to this challenge. That being said, we want to thank so many people who made Justin' Quest possible, first and foremost, Justin who we love so much for taking on this challenge, his 3 brothers Jordan, Jacob and Joey who have been so supportive of Justin, our family and good friends for their love and support, Jeff Kolodin, Barry Glassman, Cord Schlobohm, N. Paul TonThat" Executive Director of NBTS", the whole staff of NBTS and especially Abbey Haber, Glyde and Freddy for producing the video, Steve Buckhantz the narrator of the video and the Wizards basketball play by play announcer for Comcast Sportsnet, Lee Margolies for graphics and logo design, and Renaldo Nehemiah good friend and first athlete to shoot a basket with Justin and anybody else we forgot to mention. We want to urge everyone to follow Justin's Quest and spread the word, shoot a basket for or with Justin or make a donation for this great cause.

Warmest Regards and Thanks For Your Support,

Jon and Audrey Friedlander
Proud parents of Justin