It grew from an idea first mentioned at one of their regular lunchtime meetings.

And, next month, it becomes a reality -- and hopefully the beginning of a long line of charitable work.

As John Challis, a Beaver County teen battling terminal cancer, and his former baseball coach at Freedom High School, Steve Wetzel, were having lunch recently, the two had the idea to start a foundation.

And on that whim, the Courage for Life Foundation was formed. The first official function of the foundation was announced yesterday -- a golf outing and auction Aug. 25 at Chartiers Country Club.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation.

"This is about spreading John's message and our goal will always be to help other families who are dealing with similar challenges like the ones John is going through," Wetzel said. "Through all of these challenges, John has never complained. He just takes it day by day. We see a lot of negative in the world, but to feed off his positive energy is really something special. He is a special person."

Wetzel was joined yesterday by Tim Murdoch, president of the foundation, and Chad Welpley, a board member.

The three outlined how the money raised from the outing, and subsequent funds raised, will go to help high school aged student-athletes who are facing life threatening illnesses.

Challis did not attend yesterday's news conference and when Wetzel was privately asked about the current health of his former player, his cheerful demeanor quickly turned serious.

"He's facing some tougher challenges each day right now," Wetzel said. "John is dealing with some changes in his body, and right now, there are challenges. But, he sets goals and one of his goals is to be at the golf outing.

"After all he's done, I would never count him out, would you?"

Information on the golf outing and the foundation can be found at www.courageforlifefoundation.com.