Dying Teen's Final Wish Granted: Baptism in Florida Gulf

As of November 18th, 2025, Caden Speck, an 18-year-old from Georgia, has been courageously battling a rare form of brain cancer. Diagnosed earlier this year, Speck has been undergoing treatment in Atlanta, but his condition has continued to deteriorate.

Despite the challenges he faces, Speck had a strong desire to be baptized in the Gulf of Mexico, a wish that was realized last week with the support of his loved ones and the local community in Pinellas County, Florida. Speck's girlfriend, Jasmine Hancock, described him as "always there for anyone who needs it," and the pastor who conducted the baptism, Grayson Wells of Grace Family Church, praised Speck's "very courageous" spirit.

The event was organized by Kristen Hancock, who Speck refers to as his "aunt." She initially reached out on Facebook, asking for prayers and a pastor willing to perform the baptism on short notice. The response from the community was overwhelming, with boat captains offering tours of the islands and others providing various forms of support.

Speck, who was barely able to walk due to his condition, was determined to proceed with the baptism. "We can reschedule. If you're not feeling well we can go to the emergency room," Kristen Hancock recalled telling him, to which he replied, "No, I'm going. I'm going. I have a mission."

The baptism ceremony was a deeply meaningful moment for all in attendance, including Cody Lejeune, who expressed the significance of witnessing Speck's resolve in "as bad of shape as he's in, to get baptized."

As of November 18th, 2025, Speck has stopped all treatments and may be moving into hospice care in the coming months. His family says he plans to stay in Florida until Thanksgiving and then return to Georgia, with the hope of returning for a full immersion baptism when he regains strength.