BRAD KOSTER

Struggling with a deadly form of cancer before even graduating from college didn't stop Brad Koster from trying to reach his dream.

Last July, the University senior from Marietta, died from "Brad's Tumor," a type of sarcoma cancer named after him. Koster had one class left prior to graduating with a degree in marketing.

The rare form of sarcoma cancer typically is found in bones, muscles, tissues and some organs.

Plans for an endowment fund currently are in progress at The Walker School in Marietta, where Koster graduated from high school.

The scholarship will award a student-athlete who displays leadership and character.

The recipient must be a returning student and will most likely be a basketball player, since Koster played basketball for Walker.

Ty Tumlin, a former classmate, is the endowment fund's founder and architect.

"We're hoping to set-up a leadership award; a courage award rewarding someone on and off the field," Tumlin said. "It doesn't have to be a star player, but they will represent something that Brad was -- a quality guy in every way."

Establishing a permanent statue or memorial on Walker's campus and retiring Koster's basketball jersey are two possibilities Tumlin also is considering.

The endowment fund is an idea which stemmed from Koster's close friends.

Everyone involved is thrilled the school is helping, said Matt Moulthrop, a close friend of Koster's.

"I think (the fund is) a tremendous honor in Brad's name, and that his friends and high school want to do something like that is such an honor," said Randy Koster, Brad's father.

The fund, which was founded in August, has raised an estimated $6,000-$7,000 so far, Tumlin said.

Additionally, a Web site, founded by Stacey Johnson, provides updates on the memorial fund.

"My younger brother was a good friend of (Brad's)," Johnson said. "And, I wanted to make a permanent memorial that people could go to at anytime because they don't all live near the gravesite," she said.

To make a donation, contact The Walker School Development Fund at (770) 427-2689 or visit the Web site at (www.bradkoster.com).