June 7, 2010

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Today, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) joined with local officials and members of the Challis family to celebrate the official dedication of the “John Scott Challis, Jr. Post Office” in Freedom, PA.  Last year, Congressman Altmire introduced legislation officially renaming the Freedom Post Office -- located at 601 8th Street in Freedom, PA -- the “John Scott Challis, Jr. Post Office.” This legislation passed the House unanimously and was signed into law on the first anniversary of Challis’s death, August 19, 2009.

“John Challis’s passion for life inspired people nationwide,” Congressman Altmire said. “It is indicative of his character that in the final months of his life, John worked to help start a foundation that is dedicated to helping other seriously ill children live out their sports dreams. By renaming this post office in his honor, we are both commemorating John’s courageous spirit and the ideals that he embodied.”

“We are honored to be part of this ceremony recognizing John Scott Challis, Jr.,” Postmaster Mark Wahl of the John Scott Challis Jr. Post Office said.
 
Along with Congressman Altmire, John’s parents Scott and Gina and his sister Lexi; Beaver County Commissioners Tony Amadio, Charles Camp and Joe Spanik; Freedom Mayor Don Zahn; U.S.P.S. Western Pennsylvania District Manager Charles McCreadie; Pittsburgh Postmaster Rocco D’Angelo; Postmaster of the John Scott Challis Jr. Post Office Mark Wahl; Joe Wiedner, with State Senator Elder Vogel Jr.’s office; Freedom Area School District Superintendent Dr. Ronald Sofo; Freedom Area High School Principal Dr. Robert Staub; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Sports Writer Mike White; and the Vice President of Community and Public Affairs for the Pittsburgh Pirates Patty Paytas all attended today’s dedication ceremony.

John Challis was diagnosed with cancer on June 23, 2006. Despite his illness, John made the most of every day he had, hitting a now-famous single in Freedom High School’s baseball game against Aliquippa and graduating with his high school senior class. John also met with and inspired players from many major sports teams, including the Pirates and the Penguins. A few months before his death, John helped to start the John Challis Courage for Life Foundation to help other student athletes with life-threatening illnesses be involved in sporting events.