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Because of Justin Whitaker's condition, North Stafford High School held his graduation in February. |
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.
After word of Justin's death spread Monday evening, the North Stafford baseball team held a candlelight vigil on the field. Several hundred people attended, including ballplayers from other county schools.
Justin's funeral will be held April 19. His father wanted the service on a Saturday so people wouldn't have to miss work or school, and he said he needs the extra time to make arrangements. He's been told to expect as many as 4,000 people for the ceremony, which will be open to the public.
"He touched people he didn't even know," said Margaret Lowry, an assistant principal at North Stafford. "The strength that people have gotten, just by watching that little boy battle cancer has been tremendous."
The family probably will have a viewing at a funeral home, then have the service elsewhere with a possible reception at North Stafford High School. Local restaurants already have offered food for the event, said Whitaker, whose spirits were lifted, at the worst time of his life, by the continued outpouring of love shown his son.
"His legacy will live on forever," he said. "I'll make sure of that."
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
