Steven Daniel Vanover made the most of his short time on earth by living his life to the fullest despite battling cancer. He always put family, friends, faith and education above all else. He will be remembered for many things, but especially his courage, faith and positivity.

Steven was born and raised in Louisville, KY, and was a 2008 graduate of Saint Xavier High School where he played football and volleyball. He went on to receive a Masters of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisville J.B. Speed School of Engineering in 2013. Steven was a die-hard Louisville Cardinals fan who regularly attended football and basketball games. He was also an alumnus of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he served on the executive council for three years and was Vice President of the Alumni Association for one year.

In December 2013, Steven was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, and passed away just 15 months later on March 12, 2015 at the age of 24. His battle with cancer was fought with courage and strength, and he never let his diagnosis get the best of him. Despite battling his illness, he lived his last 15 months of life to the fullest by golfing, playing music, fishing, spending time with friends and family, and proposing to the love of his life, Lauren. He befriended his nurses and hospital staff, and even held a concert with his band on the rooftop patio of the hospital.

Steven had an innate ability to provide joy to all of those around him, especially through his humor. He was incredibly selfless even in the darkest of times, and inspired others to be strong, courageous and hopeful. Though he is no longer with us, Steven’s legacy is carried on through several local scholarships, as well as the foundation’s contribution to fund the science that leads to cures for rare cancers.

For more information on Steven’s story and the Steven Vanover Foundation, please visit StevenVanover.org.