A Nicholls student died Sunday, Nov. 8 at Tulane Medical Center after a five-year battle with Leukemia. He was 20. Grant Hebert, culinary arts freshman from Morgan City was diagnosed with Leukemia, a cancer of the blood, in 2004. His cancer went into remission from 2005 to 2008 after chemotherapy and 23 blood transfusions.

Hebert’s cancer returned in 2009 and he put off receiving a college education to undergo treatment at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

On Caring Bridge, an online Web journal devoted to keeping up with patients’ medical progress, Hebert’s mother Malissa said her son’s story is one of inspiration and courage.

“During remission he climbed a 600 ft. waterfall, kissed a dolphin and rocked out at concerts,” Malissa said on the Caring Bridge Web site.

“His was a life well-lived,” Malissa said. “He was so loved that he was surrounded by family and friends as his heart beat for the last time. His legacy and memory will live on forever.”

A funeral service for Hebert was held on Nov. 11 at Hargrove Funeral Home in Morgan City. A service followed at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Bayou Vista. Hebert was buried at the Morgan City Mausoleum.

Donations can be made in memory of Hebert to the JL Foundation, 21223 Waterfront East Drive, Maurepas, La. 70449, or to the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, 2609 River Road, New Orleans, La. 70121. Both organizations provide assistance to cancer patients and their families.