Friends, family and many supporters are mourning the death of Brady Hunker of Mt. Pleasant Township, who lost his battle with a rare childhood cancer.
Hunker, 18, who married his high school sweetheart, the former Mollie Landman, this summer after receiving his diploma in June from Mt. Pleasant Area Senior High School, succumbed Monday at his home.
Hunker impressed many, receiving regional and national attention for the positive attitude he displayed while battling Ewing’s sarcoma for more than three years. He was diagnosed in July 2016 with the disease that attacks the bones and surrounding soft tissue. After he had a tumor removed from his right leg, the cancer went into remission, but it returned in March 2018.
His mother, Jen Hunker, who is reeling from the loss, said her son’s abiding faith is chief among his lasting legacies.
“Despite everything he was facing, he said in the beginning, no matter what happened, he wanted to show people his faith in Jesus,” she said. “He has certainly done that.”
In a social media post, Hunker’s family thanked those who have given “love and support and prayers” and noted: “The pain is gone. The battle against this horrific disease is over. Although we all want to … keep him here on Earth with us as long as we want, that was not God’s ultimate plan for him.”
Hunker was recognized in 2018 as a Trib Total Media Outstanding Young Citizen. Involved in inline hockey and roller hockey programs, he also received the Western Pennsylvania Positive High School Athlete Scholarship Award and the UPMC Comeback Player of the Year Scholar Award.
He maintained a grade point average of more than 4.7 while completing much of his high school education through homebound instruction or independent study as he underwent cancer treatment.
Supporters responded to a GoFundMe page this year, donating more than the $15,000 Hunker and his bride needed to make their wedding plans come true. Hunker posted on social media that any leftover money would be applied toward items on the couple’s bucket list, including travel plans.
Many vendors provided services for the nuptials for free or at a reduced price, Mollie Hunker posted.
“We’ve had so much community support,” Jen Hunker said.
Arrangements are in the care of Graft-Jacquillard Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottdale and will be announced when complete.
Visit gjfuneral.com for more information and online condolences.
