Omar Henry, a professional boxer and Chicago native, succumbed to stage 4 gallbladder cancer at 25 – just one week before his 26th birthday.
Henry, with a record of 12-0-1, had been scheduled to fight on Nov. 16, but pulled out days earlier. He later posted on his Facebook page:
“To all my friends and loyal fans I want to inform you all that I am fighting the fight of my life against a disease known as gallbladder cancer. While l’m in this current state I am fighting with my family by my side and I will not go down for the count. I am a champion who has chosen to fight not just for myself but for those who’s faith is believing in what u cant see, and i will continue to fight till I knock this sickness out. Your love and support mean the most to me, your prayers are prayers not only to me but to others like me. Please be advised l am grateful for any and all support in any kind of way please inbox me. My family has continued to be by my side, and its hard for them as well. I want to thank God for unconditional love and unconditional fans.”
According to friends and family, Henry showed strength through his faith, despite the pain his body felt. After his diagnosis, he continuously showed optimism during interviews, expressing that he would survive the disease. Henry died less than three months after learning that he had gallbladder cancer.
On Friday, February 1, the day of his passing, the following message was posted to his Facebook page :
“To all of Omar’s loyal fans and friends today Omar has made peace with our savior God and joined him in heaven. Thank you all for your prayers and support. And please let’s continue the name Omar Henry because that’s what he would want 2/8/1987-2/1/2013 R.I.P Omar D Henry.”
Henry was born on the South Side and later attended Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. He later moved to Houston.