When life takes an unexpected turn, some stumble, some fall, and some fly. Last year, when Gabe Scalise was diagnosed with cancer, he was sent stumbling down a hard, and bumpy road.

“I learned that I’m strong,” said Scalise.

As a freshman, Scalise was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Scalise was a fortunate cancer patient. His cancer was was removed by surgery.

No one can say what the outcome of cancer will be, but many assume the worst, such as the end of a loved one. But there are moments when a family gets to observe a miracle. Most importantly, the outcome is a moment in life that can set the stage for the future.

Scalise explained that the experience enlightened him to what’s important in life. For one, he loves his family.

“It’s the most important thing to have,” said Scalise.

The second most important thing to Scalise is baseball. A good friend of his, Luke Paulus, also a sophomore, frequently accompanies Scalise to the batting cages.

“We just do it to get better,” Paulus said. The boys, along with some other friends, are there almost every day after school, working to improve themselves, especially Gabe, because he missed last year’s season. There, they get together and practice baseball. Both students have a strong passion for baseball.

Scalise missed out on the recent baseball season. To make up for it, and still be a part of the sport he loves so much, he became a manager, and helped managed the team.

To make his recovery he has been working with a physical therapist.