Because of Justin Whitaker's condition, North Stafford High School held his graduation in February. PETER CIHELKA/THE FREE LANCE-STAR Visit the Photo Place

Superman Whitaker loses battle with cancer

North Stafford High School student dies after battle with cancer

By CATHY DYSON

Date published: 4/9/2008

Justin Whitaker lost his battle with cancer Monday night, but the North Stafford High School student kept fighting until the end.

He was removed from life support Monday afternoon at Fairfax Inova Hospital, but his "strong" heart kept beating for another three hours, said his father, Craig Whitaker.

"He was the real Superman, I tell you that," Whitaker said yesterday.

For the past two years, Justin, 18, inspired others in his school--and the North Stafford community--as he dealt with the cancer that ravaged his body. He had non-Hodgkins T-cell lymphoma, which affects the cells that fight infection, but he rebounded after initial treatments to earn a position on the school's baseball team. There were times he hurt so badly he could barely walk, but Justin still played, and cheered on others when he couldn't, said friends and family. People started calling him "Superman" after his favorite cartoon character.

When the cancer came back and he needed a bone marrow transplant last fall, Justin recovered from the surgery and told others: "You should never give up."

When his condition deteriorated again, the school organized a talent show and graduation ceremony in February. Justin smiled as he received dozens of cards and gifts and as he posed for even more photos. Even though the drugs he took made him weak and nauseous, he personally greeted every person who came to see him--and there were almost 500 in the crowd.

Those around Justin knew his days were numbered on April 1, when he developed a high fever and his brain swelled, causing seizures. As he was being transported to Fairfax, Justin was delirious when he told his father that he almost did it, that he almost hit a home run.

Whitaker answered, "No, son, you hit one out of the park. You got a grand slam."

Justin gave his dad a thumbs-up, and that was his last communication.

Justin was born on Sept. 7, died on April 7 and wore the No. 7 on his baseball jersey, in honor of his favorite player, Mickey Mantle.

His North Stafford teammates, long-time girlfriend Courtney Crews, and other friends and school staff members stayed by his bedside, Justin's father said. For the last week of Justin's life, his hospital room and the hallways around it were packed with people.

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Date published: 4/9/2008