ONSLOW COUNTY -- A young Onslow County man who died two years ago is continuing to make a mark on the state and beyond. Jeffrey Fisher coined the term Fishstrong as he was battling a brain tumor and his family and friends are working to spread his message of strength.

"I want them to see he wasn't just an illness. He has a life, he had friends, he had an impact on the community,” said Jeffrey Fisher’s mother, Debbie.

She’s making sure his legacy of giving back lives on in the community of Hubert and beyond.

"We were given so much through a very difficult time, from so many people, through the community through his friends, our family,” said Debbie Fisher. “Jeffery’s spirit, he was all about giving back. And we want to give back what we were given."       

Jeffrey was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010, when he was just 21 years old. He was given six months to live.

"At first of course he was discouraged,” said Debbie. “But after he got to thinking about it, he thought, 'OK, now what can I do with this diagnosis? How can I reach other people through what I have to go through? How can I help other people who are going through similar circumstances?' It was always about somebody else and not about him. And that's why he wanted to be strong." 

That's when Jeffrey began the Fishstrong movement, which he defined as "the state of fearlessness in the face of insurmountable odds."

“He wanted to inspire other people that no matter what you face in life, that you can still live a happy life and go on to have an impact on other people all around you,” said Debbie. “And he did."

Jeffrey used humor and his Fishstrong motto to fight his battle, which he lost three years after his diagnosis.

Now the Fisher family and friends are continuing to spread his message. They created the Fishstrong Foundation, which raises money for people who are facing similar situations.

"Fishstrong doesn't just focus on one sort of illness," said Megan Parsons. “We focus on all people no matter what happens to them."

Last year the Fish-O-Treat haunted hayride raised $24,000. This year the number of volunteers more than doubled, reaching about 120.

And while guests enjoy the Halloween decorations, pumpkins and hay bales, Debbie Fisher is making sure they also learn about Fishstrong.

“When people come in and I see them looking at his pictures and all, it’s nice to be able to share with them what he stood for,” said Debbie. “Not just because he’s my son, but because other people need to get out and make a difference in other people’s lives too.”

The haunted hayride runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 31 at 3100 Freedom Way in Hubert.

For more information on the Fishstrong Foundation and Jeffrey’s story, visit: http://www.fishstrong.org/.