Heath is the perfect role model for anyone to follow. His attitude in life just made his face light up. He was a determined, beautiful young man. He loved school, church, bowling, racing, music, amusement parks, friends and politics. His favorite teams were the Miami Dolphins, of which he met Dan Marino; Colorado Avalanche, Miami Hurricanes, Penn State, of which he met Joe Paterno, Jerry Nadeau, whom he was able to meet, and local driver Steve Bottcher, who also was there to support Heath and just recently dedicated his recent victory at Bridgeport Raceway to Heath.

Heath was idolized by his fellow peers and the community. His nothing but positive attitude towards beating his illness separated him from the “norm”. His quote “I Will Beat This” will live on forever in many people’s minds. He fought for his beliefs and was determined to vote in the November 2004 election, of which he accomplished by just a few days. His school work was always a priority in his life. He was the first student in Berks County to tutor from home via the web camera. This allowed him to be live in his classes with his peers from home. He maintained a straight “A” report card even through his difficult journey. He enjoyed helping other peers. We received a letter from an Albright classmate that read how she was lost at the beginning of college and how others would not help her but how Heath did, and how she didn’t even really know him until that point. This was not uncommon. We received so many letters reading almost the same thing from people whom had similar experiences of how he was able to help them in some way. What a fine young man he was.


His passion and desire in life is being shown in many ways, we only hope he is able to see how much people miss him, respect him and honor him by the things they do to keep his legacy alive. The family gives a generous scholarship every year to a student who has overcome a hardship, the 2004 senior class gives a scholarship in his honor, the Conrad Weiser High School gives an annual award named “The Heath Hassler, Most Courageous Athlete”, there is an annual bowling tournament held at Colonial Berks Lanes each November, a memorial race at Bridgeport Raceway each November, a memorial tree was planted at his high school of which we make many visits to as well as we notice others do as well by the trinkets left behind (thank you to those who do), a memorial tree is being planted at an elementary school and at a park in Lebanon PA, he was featured many times in the Reading Eagle newspaper, bells have been purchased in his name at Trinity Lutheran Church, fellow peers used Heath to write essays about in college and won awards, Berks Career & Technology Center held a fashion show in his honor, events were held by different clubs at high school where the funds were given to a charity in his name, on his birthday many past teachers and friends phoned the family to remember him. The list is endless and unfortunately some have been missed, but to everyone who keeps his spirit alive, a thank you does not begin to cover the gratitude that our family has for you.

Now, please enjoy our tribute to Heath. Come and visit this site often and light a candle or write a tribute, Heath's legacy will live on forever!