about HBI
founders
history
leadership
partners & awards

Diagnosed with hepatitis B and liver cancer at the age of 17, John endured several chemotherapy treatments and a liver transplant. He died just one month after his 18th birthday. During this time, he always tried to make everyone around him happy, especially his sister, whom he loved greatly. He constantly told all that cared about him, "Don't worry be happy." Many friends and family were inspired by his faith in God and love for science and technology. When the Make-A-Wish Foundation asked him to make 3 wishes, he asked for a chance to see the Eurorail (which wasn't completed at the time), Legoland in Denmark, and Air Force One. On Nov 1992, the whole family was flown to DC, where they were given a VIP tour of the White House, and Houston, where Air Force One was parked due to the elections. Despite his belief that his doctors could freeze him until the day liver cancer could be cured, John died on March 3, 1993, only a year and 3 months after his diagnosis.

On his Make-A-Wish Foundation Trip, John had a chance to sit in the cockpit of a F-16. The pilot was inspired by John to continue to offer flight simulation and tours to other children with cancer.