John’s Story

John Russell Cradick
Our son John was a wonderful and loving husband, father to a 3 ½ yr. old and 40-day old twins when he passed. He was 24 yrs. old when he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, missed on a CT report 2 yrs. prior that his physician had never seen, and which had now grown 25 % since then, discovered at this time because he had a sinus infection and went for a CT.

John’s journey was extremely difficult. He fought hard to overcome each obstacle put in his path, and there were many. He never complained throughout 4 brain surgeries and years of chemo, infusions and radiation. He met each challenge with an “ok, let’s do it” attitude. He kept us going. During his third surgery John’s ability to walk and communicate were severely tested. He continued to fight with a spirit that was astonishing and was an inspiration to us all. He did his rehab with a vengeance. He is proof that strength and courage aren’t always measured in medals and victories. They are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people aren’t always the people who win, they are the people who don’t give up when they are losing.

We have often asked ourselves why this happened, but I think we know the answer, John was given this life because he was strong enough to live it. It’s true, that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.

If there was a gift that came from John’s illness it is that he knew he was loved. His wife, children, his Dad and I, his brothers, friends and family (Cradick’s Crew) will forever remember John’s easy-going manner, his love of his family and friends, the Redskins, his golf game, his uncanny ability to play the air guitar and his love of the Grateful Dead. John would want us all to remember him with smiles and laughter from all the good times. Cancer cannot and will not rob us of that.
We love you John, forever in our hearts.
Mom

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Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.