About Justin and His Quest

About Justin & His Quest

About Justin
Michael Jordan once said, “Always turn a negative situation into a positive one.” Thirteen year-old athlete and sports fan Justin Friedlander is doing just that.

Justin is a normal 13 year-old boy. And as a healthy youngster, his dreams were not unlike those of others his age. Even now, Justin wrestles with his three brothers and plays with his dog. Break dancing and sports, particularly basketball, are his passion. While he may be the smallest player on the field, his competitive spirit and drive allow him to excel.

In March 2009, Justin was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called an optic nerve glioma in the chaism. He and his family were devastated by this life-changing news. But Justin vowed to fight this battle, and merely six weeks after his diagnosis, he helped raise almost $50,000 for brain tumor research and patient services through the Race for Hope-DC.

Justin is also an extraordinary 13 year-old boy. With drive and determination that set him apart from most teens, Justin is on a mission: to find a cure for brain tumors. Justin’s Quest begins here.

About Justin’s Quest
After Justin’s diagnosis, he and his family decided to take action in the fight against brain tumors. And they have taken the fight to the basketball court. The Friedlanders are out to make a difference and to find a cure.

Justin’s Quest is to shoot a basket for every person diagnosed with a primary brain tumor each year in the United States. That’s approximately 63,000 baskets. Through Justin’s Quest, the Friedlanders are raising urgently-needed funds for brain tumor research. All proceeds from Justin’s Quest benefit the National Brain Tumor Society.

But Justin can’t do it alone. “I plan on asking friends, family, athletes, rock stars, politicians and even the president to shoot a basket with me.” says Justin, “If you can shoot a basket, come shoot with me.”

Justin and his family are determined to raise as much money as they can so other families don’t have to experience what they are going through. Justin’s passion for helping others with brain tumors led to Justin’s Quest and to this website and blog so the world can follow along with Justin and his family. You can support Justin and his Quest by donating to the National Brain Tumor Society’s research, patient services and advocacy programs.

“I challenge you to join me in this quest. Thank you for your support.”
—Justin Friedlander

A Message from Justin’s Parents
My wife Audrey and I have been happily married for over 17 years. We have four wonderful sons Jordan, Justin, Jacob and Joey and one dog, Maxi. I work full time in the insurance business. Audrey is incredibly busy as a stay at home mom taking care of the house and driving numerous carpools for soccer, activities and school. We have a house in the suburbs of Washington, DC. We spend most of our time with our kids whether it is homework, soccer games or going out to eat and a movie. We are the typical American family that Audrey and I dreamed of over 17 years ago with such a loving and satisfying family.

Then came the devastating news in March 2009 that our son Justin has an inoperable brain tumor. We were truly devastated and shocked by the news. As a father for the first time I felt helpless that I could not make things better by curing Justin. From that day of Justin's diagnosis, Audrey and I along with Justin decided that we were going to make a difference and raise awareness and help find a cure for brain tumors so other families do not have to experience this tragedy. We feel there is a reason for everything in life and GOD chose our family and Justin to have a brain tumor so we can make a difference. This has truly changed our lives forever because we will always live with the fear that our son has a ticking time bomb in his head that could go off at any time, this is a terrible feeling for any parent to have.

There is not an hour in every day that I do not think about Justin and other families with similar situations. Unfortunately, we are in a small tight fraternity that we have been indoctrinated in because of Justin's brain tumor but the people from the National Brain Tumor Society have been fantastic in guiding us through this terrifying journey. We are so grateful for all the family and friends who have helped us get through the daily grind.

Please help Justin reach his goal of raising awareness and find a cure for brain tumors. I want to leave you with one last thought, this unfortunately, can happen to any family and with your help you may save some child's life or even your own child's life and spare a family the horrible grief of burying their child.

Thank you for your support.

- Audrey and Jon Friedlander

Questions and Contact Us
Questions or comments? Please contact Justin’s Quest at justinsquest@gmail.com.

Donations
Support Justin’s Quest to benefit the National Brain Tumor Society by making a secure online donation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Prefer to mail your donation? Download our printable donation form and send it to:

National Brain Tumor Society
Attn: Justin’s Quest
124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D
Watertown, MA 02472

Donations should be made payable to National Brain Tumor Society.

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Justin's Quest

Progress: 16%
Raised: $ 40528 Goal: $ 250000

Photo: Justin at NBA Fit event Justin was all smiles after meeting and shooting hoops with several NBA draftees at NBA Fit event at Madison Square Garden, including the #1 overall pick, John Wall
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Photo: Justin with Darryl Dawkins Former Philadelphia 76er and NBA Legend, Darryl Dawkins, poses with Justin and his family at NBA Nation: Philly event
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Photo: Justin with Greivis Vasquez Justin hangs with ACC Player of the year and recent first round draft pick of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, Greivis Vasquez, on the set of the CBS Morning Show in April
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