Christopher Charles Vlahos

October 23, 1973 – August 31, 2000

Chris was like any other kid growing up despite being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was only five months old.  He took part in Cub Scouts, karate, local theater, and sometimes found his way into mischief, as little boys do.  He was active in organized town sports such as baseball, football, soccer, and tennis, and especially enjoyed the Walpole Swim Team along with his two older brothers.  In his early teens, his day-to-day challenge to breathe became more demanding.  Daily healthcare took hours of chest therapy and a host of medications.  Several times a year, a two-week hospital admission was needed for special antibiotic treatments. But with all of this to deal with, Chris led a full and active life filled with accomplishments.

 

Chris attended the Blessed Sacrament School, Bird Johnson Middle School and Walpole High School.  He was WHS senior class president – Class of 1992 and president of the Latin Club.  He loved being a member of the WHS wrestling team and always enjoyed a weight-lifting work out.  Because he had difficulty with prolonged stamina due to his shortness of breath, his strategy in a wrestling match was to pin the opponent within 30 seconds, and he often did!  When it came to education, Chris was a hard-worker and a good student.  But, because of so much lost time due to hospital admissions, it took the dedication of his teachers and staff to help him with the pressure of make-up studies and tests.  He was accepted to Boston University – Sargent College for a six-year program leading to Masters in Physical Therapy.  Unlike high school, however, missing two or three weeks out of a semester in college proved overwhelming.  During his sophomore year, Chris made the difficult decision to defer his studies to concentrate on his health.

 

Those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Chris in his 27 years know he was truly one-of-a-kind; a special young man.  He was gentle, funny, sincere, thoughtful and dignified.  But most importantly, he had the strength to live true to himself and his beliefs.

 

His philosophy was:  First and foremost, be compassionate and respectful.  It was in Chris’ nature to be loving and comforting.  For him, there was no other way.  Second, enjoy life.  Chris may have had Cystic Fibrosis, but it was never a crutch.  He did not let it stand in the way of his happiness.  He never let it keep him from doing what he wanted to do.  Chris’ condition may have been part of his everyday life, but it was never an excuse.  His passion for life was unparalleled.  Third, seek challenges.  Chris set many goals for himself, and a high standard to boot.  Chris was not a settler.  He was an achiever, a dedicated hard-worker, and a courageous fighter.  Finally, lead by example.  A Latin phrase above his bedroom door read “facta non verba”, which translates to mean “deeds not words.”  Chris’ strong character spoke for itself.  He did not Talk big… he Acted it!  In the face of such a powerful enemy, CF, he chose to smile, to fight, to be strong, to live.  He loved life and lived it by his rules!

 

On their graduation day in 1992, Chris imparted the following words to his classmates.  The Vlahos family feels that his words are as relevant to you, the recipient of the scholarship, as they were for them.

 

“Now is the time for major changes in our lives.  I am confident that we will succeed and will fulfill our dreams.  I recently read this saying and thought I would pass it on to you today: ‘Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which he or she has overcome while trying to succeed.’  My wish for you is the strength of character and the love of life which will help you overcome the obstacles that get in your path, and I wish you JOY in your success…” 

 

The family is pleased to remember Chris with this permanently endowed fund to assist graduating students from Walpole in their pursuit of higher education.  In addition to our participation, members and friends of the Walpole Swim Team have made a major contribution to this Fund.  The family will be forever grateful.

• Donation Card

• The Vlahos Family, Walpole Scholarship Foundation 10 West Pine Drive, Walpole, MA  02081