As part of Athletes for Hope’s Hospital Heroes program, High School Leadership Academy member Quade Kelley joined the Celebration of Champions to honor and uplift young cancer warriors in San Diego.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and sponsors gathered in San Diego, California, to take part in the Celebration of Champions—a powerful annual event hosted by Rady Children’s Hospital that honors young cancer patients and survivors through a symbolic run.
Among the participants was 15-year-old Quade Kelley, a high school water polo player and member of the AFH High School Leadership Academy, a program that empowers young athletes to lead with purpose in their communities.
Quade attended this special event as part of AFH’s Hospital Heroes program, which connects athletes with pediatric hospitals and treatment centers to bring hope, joy, and encouragement to children facing serious illnesses.
Representing AFH, Quade ran alongside six incredible young champions, ranging in age from 3 to 18, each currently undergoing cancer treatment or in remission. These children, celebrated for their bravery and resilience, were cheered on as they took part in the ceremonial run. In some cases, they were supported by volunteers like Quade—athletes committed to using their platform for good.
“When it was Champion Maryanu Najeeb’s turn to receive the event torch and run their leg of the race, he asked me to “carry him like Simba” from The Lion King,” Quade recalled. “Raising him in the air, I could feel his laughter. When I started to put him down, he just smiled and pointed back up. Maryanu’s joy and playful spirit reminded me of the power of hope, even in the face of daily challenges. His joy made me stronger, and that is cool.”
These brave kids and their families are an inspiration.
Quade Kelley
Another powerful moment came when Quade met 18-year-old Salvador Uribe, a young man in a wheelchair who has endured numerous cancer treatments with unwavering strength. Quade said, “Salvador looked me in the eyes and said, “I can do hard things.” He is a champion in every sense of the word.”
Through experiences like this, Quade continues to grow as a leader and a compassionate teammate—both in the water and in the world. His participation in the Celebration of Champions exemplifies the mission of Athletes for Hope’s Hospital Heroes program and High School Leadership Academy: to help athletes of all ages harness the power of sport to create real, lasting impact in their communities.
“I’m so grateful for the chance to use sport as a platform to support kids like Maryanu and Salvador,” Quade said. “Their stories encourage me to push myself further in my sport and my community service.”
The Athletes for Hope High School Leadership Academy cultivates the next generation of athlete leaders, while the Hospital Heroes program brings life-changing moments to children facing unimaginable health challenges. Together, these efforts remind us of the deep connection between sport, service, and hope.
Want to learn more about how Athletes for Hope supports athletes and children through the Hospital Heroes program and the High School Leadership Academy? Click here to explore our programs and get involved.
All photos credited to S. Kelley (age 13).