BJ Correll
BJ was a freshman at North Lincoln High School in Denver, NC, who loved sports, fishing, and being outside—especially if it involved basketball or football. His infectious smile, unwavering positivity, and courageous spirit earned him a global following on social media, where people were continually inspired by his faith and determination.
In December 2015, U.S. Navy SEAL Team 8 honored BJ by naming him an Honorary Navy SEAL, recognizing his strength, grit, and warrior heart. His story touched countless lives and even gained national attention when it aired on Inside Edition. Throughout his nearly four-year battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, BJ remained focused on one thing: shining the light of his faith, no matter the outcome.
After exhausting every standard treatment—including chemotherapy, clinical trials, and two rounds of immunotherapy—BJ was discharged from the hospital in early 2016 and transitioned to hospice care. Just days later, he was finally able to meet with a local integrative medicine physician. Though the outlook was grim, his family still clung to hope. Tragically, BJ developed a severe systemic infection and passed away just 15 days after leaving the hospital—two days after his 15th birthday.
In the wake of his passing, BJ’s mother Michelle and sister Carly felt a deep calling. Despite the pain, they believed there was purpose in being led to explore integrative medicine. Their experience opened their eyes to the importance of options beyond standard chemotherapy and ignited a passion to advocate for change.
During his battle, BJ was vocal about the need for better funding for childhood cancer research, pushing the National Cancer Institute to devote more than the mere 4% allocated to pediatric cancer. Just six months after his death, the Stand Firm Warrior Foundation was born.
The name reflects both BJ’s powerful stance against childhood cancer and his unshakable faith in God’s plan. Today, we carry his legacy forward—standing firm in our mission, filled with the love, strength, and spirit of a mighty warrior.
BJ aka Superman
