Paul Detweiler was born on May 13, 1993 in Sellersville, Pennsylvania accompanied by his mother, Julie; father, David; and sister, Erin. From a very young age, Paul had an incredible spirit inside him, quite possibly the most positive person you’d ever have the privilege of meeting. Everyone who knew Paul described him as optimistic, caring, selfless, hard-working, amongst other great qualities. He always asked how everyone was doing, and was genuinely concerned with the lives of others. Paul loved Gettysburg, and he certainly made a lasting impact there. Paul was also very diligent and hard-working. His first semester of college, he decided that becoming a Physician’s Assistant would be his dream. In the first two months alone, Paul maintained around 3.9 grade point average, despite complaining of headaches.
At the end of October, Paul complained of an excruciating headache, and was rushed to the emergency room. From there, the doctors diagnosed him with a brain tumor. This was truly the beginning of the toughest fight of Paul’s life. But despite this heartbreaking news, Paul remained positive and determined. Even when he wasn’t at school, Paul stayed in contact with his closest friends at Gettysburg. He always had an optimistic outlook about his diagnosis. When Paul returned to campus the following year, he was more determined than ever to finish school. The first semester, he was on the Dean’s List and got straight A’s. He also remained active in APO, his favorite organization on campus. Paul passed away on June 13, 2013.
Paul was a fighter. I remember one of the most profound things Paul told me: “If cancer has taught me anything, it’s to be grateful for the ones around you and appreciate the little things. I’m so blessed to be in this world, and to have people who care about me so much.” Paul did that every day of his life; he embodied these words. He loved APO, and he loved everyone in it. His dream was to put on a 5K alongside his APO brothers, and we’ve had the privilege to live out his dream for the past three years.
Each year funds raised from the 5K go toward Paul Detweiler Memorial Scholarship Fund (which is granted annually to an incoming student with financial need who wishes to pursue higher education at Gettysburg College) and toward continuing this race, which was one of Paul's dreams.
At the end of October, Paul complained of an excruciating headache, and was rushed to the emergency room. From there, the doctors diagnosed him with a brain tumor. This was truly the beginning of the toughest fight of Paul’s life. But despite this heartbreaking news, Paul remained positive and determined. Even when he wasn’t at school, Paul stayed in contact with his closest friends at Gettysburg. He always had an optimistic outlook about his diagnosis. When Paul returned to campus the following year, he was more determined than ever to finish school. The first semester, he was on the Dean’s List and got straight A’s. He also remained active in APO, his favorite organization on campus. Paul passed away on June 13, 2013.
Paul was a fighter. I remember one of the most profound things Paul told me: “If cancer has taught me anything, it’s to be grateful for the ones around you and appreciate the little things. I’m so blessed to be in this world, and to have people who care about me so much.” Paul did that every day of his life; he embodied these words. He loved APO, and he loved everyone in it. His dream was to put on a 5K alongside his APO brothers, and we’ve had the privilege to live out his dream for the past three years.
Each year funds raised from the 5K go toward Paul Detweiler Memorial Scholarship Fund (which is granted annually to an incoming student with financial need who wishes to pursue higher education at Gettysburg College) and toward continuing this race, which was one of Paul's dreams.