Justin’s Beach House in Bethany is named for a Penn State Brandywine student who battled cancer but was determined to pursue his college studies in the face of his obstacles, writes Mike Smith for Coastal Point. 

Named for the late Justin Jennings, the beach house offers a place where families can stay for a beach vacation when a parent or child is facing a serious cancer-related illness.

Justin’s Beach House is still supported by Justin’s extended family and is recognized for its bright aquamarine paint colors and a giant Adirondack chair at the front of the home.

The five-bedroom home gives families a week of vacation or rest at no cost.

An annual fundraising run/walk with 475 runners and 180 2-mile walkers took place Memorial Day weekend to help support Justin’s Beach House.

 “Justin’s Beach House has helped over 250 families facing cancer, as well as their children, over the past 15 years and is a part of our Bethany community,” said Bethany Beach Mayor Rosemary Hardiman.

The winner was Joshua Sadlock, 32, of Harrisburg, with a time of 15:17.

Justin Jenning’s brother, Bill, was on-site and congratulated each participant. 

Justin was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in July of 1998, four weeks before he was to start his freshman year at Penn State University.

The doctors insisted that school would have to be postponed until after surgery and treatments, but he didn’t let that setback deter him from attending college.

He was able to attend Penn State Brandywine, at the Delaware County campus in Media, during his treatments.

 “It was, to say the least, a monumental task. But Justin did it,” noted the JBH website.

Justin learned in January 2000 that the brain tumor had branched out to five tumors and was growing rapidly.  He was given a month to live.

Penn State awarded him alumni status and presented him with a certificate of achievement and the Nittany Lion Award on Jan. 28, 2000.

Justin Jennings died on June 25, 2000.

The Jennings family started the Justin Jennings Foundation to bring to life Justin’s desire to help others.

 Justin spent summers at Bethany Beach with his family. During his illness, he used the beach as an escape. Now, families facing cancer can continue that tradition.

Read more at Coastal Point about Justin Jennings and Justin’s Beach House, and learn how you can donate.