Calvin Pettitt

When he hit 237 pounds and found himself out of breath after climbing the stairs, Calvin Pettitt of Peoria decided it was time to take action. He bought some workout clothes and shoes, and then started walking regularly on the track next to Bradley University’s Shea Stadium. The weight started dropping fast—too fast. It was kidney cancer. “My grandfather and my mom both died of cancer. I thought it was a death sentence.”

With God, his extended family and the team at Illinois CancerCare by his side, Calvin proved it’s not. He had his kidney removed, joined a clinical trial and now feels good enough to start taking laps around the track once more. “I prayed a lot. I told God I just wanted to see my children and grandchildren progress a bit more before I leave this earth.”