While many high schoolers look forward to getting their diploma,19-year-old Gary Keller can mark Friday night as another milestone in his battle against cancer.
It has been a tough two years for high school senior Gary Keller. His mother says it started with a lump by his neck when he was 17, and he was unusually tired.
Gary was then diagnosed with a rare cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.
"Of course when you hear the word cancer, you cry, you know, you're scared, you're devastated, you don't know what's going to happen," said Cindy Keller.
Gary went through aggressive treatment and was in remission until the cancer came back this year.
He is now in the hospice program, but he has a will to live and goals to accomplish.
He's written a so-called bucket list, things he wants to see and do, and is working his way through it.
He saw the Statue of Liberty; went to Hawaii with help from the Make a Wish Foundation. He also went to prom, and even got a surprise military escort.
"That was great, he was so happy, he never thought he would be doing that," said Gary's sister, Arieannah Keller.
Also on the list, a girlfriend, and he can check that off. Her name is Chelsea.
"She is wonderful, someone in my life that I've never had. It's just great to have a girlfriend, being there with you," said Gary.
Gary's father says Gary has never complained; always staying positive.
"He's kind of always been that way," said Gary's father.
Gary tells me he's not angry, cancer happened to him. He's just glad it didn't strike one of his friends.
"I'm glad it happened to me, because I am the strongest one out of them," Gary said.
But Gary also gets his strength from his friends, family and schoolmates who have helped him cope with the hand he's been dealt; rallying around him every night and every day.
"Gary is like a celebrity here at the high school. He can't go anywhere without being stopped, 'hey Gary, how you doing, how you feeling?'" said John Gunning, Gary's guidance counselor.
He was even crowned Homecoming King, another item he can check off his list.
But he still had his eyes on another goal.
"Well, graduation is the number one goal," said Gary.
"If he can go through graduation okay, he can do anything," said best friend, Zach Marks.
Gary checked graduating high school off his list Friday night. He walked across the stage at Upper Perkiomen High School, got his diploma and a standing ovation.
"Hopefully this is not the last dream he sees," said "He sees more dreams, he accomplishes more. I'm just so proud of him."
Next on Gary's list is celebrating his birthday. He will be 20 years old on August 9th. He will be 20 years old.
Also on his list with the highest priority is beating cancer.
Gary has also set up a Caring Bridge website if you would like to wish him congratulations and other well wishes.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/garylesterkeller