Teen with cystic fibrosis pays it forward at Calhoun St. Baldrick’s event

Greg Charkowick knows what it's like to battle sickness as a child, so he decided to give back to children experiencing a similar challenge.

The senior at Sanford H. Calhoun High School had his head shaved at the school's St. Baldrick's Foundation event Tuesday in honor of children with cancer.

Charkowick, 17, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 7. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. According to the National Institute of Health, the average lifespan of people who live to adulthood is 37 years old.

"It's been a rough ride and I had struggles, but at the end of the day I like helping other causes like this one," Charkowick said.

Charkowick said that he knows how hard it can be for children who are sick. He said that a near-death experience as a child changed his outlook on life.

"When I was in the third grade I almost died and my body started shutting down," he said. "It was that day that changed me and made me appreciate the things that people take for granted like a loving family, playing video games and hanging out with my friends."

His outlook on life is something that others notice.

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"He is so caring and giving," Calhoun principal Nicole Hollings said. "He faced a lot of hardship in his life, but he works so hard to overcome."

Charkowick had a message for kids who are sick.

"Hang in there and know your life is going to be great," he said. "You can make your life what you want it to be."