Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe, who has been called a "living hero", has led a life of courage and compassion.

Competing in the New York Marathon earned him the nickname "Marathon Rabbi".

The Rabbi's visit in 1980 to the 52 hostages in Iran was featured in a recent BBC Documentary on the 40th anniversary of their liberation.

As a five time cancer survivor his battle with life threatening illness inspired him to co-author "Why Me? Why Anyone", the story of his rescue from leukemia and his spiritual triumph over despair.

The Rabbi received the Presidential "Award of Courage" from Ronald Reagan in a White House Rose Garden ceremony.

Engraved on his ID bracelet are the fighting words: NEVER GIVE UP!

Inspirational, Health, Authors, Cancer, Cancer Survivor, Inspiring, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Leadership, Leukemia, Lymphoma