CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Sid Hobbs, 17, Dies After Seven Battles with Cancer — Family Celebrates 'SidStrong' Legacy

Sid Hobbs, a 17-year-old athlete who battled cancer seven times since age 2, died on Nov. 18, his family announced. Diagnosed first with an ependymoma, he endured seven surgeries, roughly 60 rounds of radiation and additional therapies including Optune. His father and coach, John Hobbs, praised Sid's courage, faith and love of sports and said his legacy will live on. The SidStrong community has shared tributes celebrating his resilience and the lessons he taught others.

04:21 AM, 11/25/2025Society
Sid Hobbs, 17, Dies After Seven Battles with Cancer — Family Celebrates 'SidStrong' Legacy

Sid Hobbs, a 17-year-old high school athlete known by the SidStrong community, died on Nov. 18 after fighting cancer multiple times since early childhood. His family announced the loss on the SidStrong Facebook page, describing Sid as a warrior who has now been given his 'complete healing.' They said they are heartbroken but comforted by their faith.

Family Tribute

'This morning our warrior finished his final battle,' the family wrote, adding that after 16 years of treatment Sid 'has been given his complete healing.' They called the time they shared with him a miracle and remembered him as a friend, a hero and 'now a Legend — Forever SIDSTRONG.'

His Father's Message

John Hobbs, Sid's father and his baseball coach, paid tribute to his son as both a champion and an inspiration. He said he will remember Sid's smile, loving heart, grit and determination in both victory and defeat. 'Although I grieve the physical loss of my best friend and hero,' John wrote, 'I know that the legacy he left behind will forever be etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.'

Life and Treatment

Sid was first diagnosed at age 2 with an ependymoma brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove the growth. He began playing football and baseball around age four, and sports remained central to his life throughout his treatment. Sid faced subsequent recurrences, including a notable return in the summer of 2017, and another tumor discovered during a trip to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis in April 2024.

Across his long fight, Sid underwent seven surgeries and received about 60 rounds of radiation. This past summer he participated in Optune device therapy in an effort to slow tumor progression. Despite repeated setbacks, teammates, coaches and family say he continued to prioritize playing the games he loved. As his father recalled, Sid's response to another diagnosis was simply: 'Let's play some baseball and not worry about what we can't control.'

Community Response and Legacy

The SidStrong community, teammates and neighbors have shared memories and tributes, celebrating his resilience, faith and love of life. His family said they will hold on to a lifetime of memories and replay his victories and the lessons he taught them — humility, perseverance, kindness, forgiveness and love.

The family asks that those who wish to honor Sid do so through acts of kindness, support for families facing pediatric cancer, and by remembering the joy he brought to those around him.

Similar Articles

Trending