A heartwarming scene unfolded in Pasadena, California, during the Rose Parade on Thursday, as a fire chief from the Chicago area took a prominent spot on the City of Hope float.

Rudy Horist, a beacon of perseverance, shared his powerful narrative of overcoming life’s hurdles.

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Despite the rain, the spirit of 43-year firefighting veteran Horist, along with other cancer survivors, shone brightly as they were showcased to onlookers worldwide.

“I was astonished when they approached me with the opportunity to represent City of Hope Chicago at the Rose Parade,” said Horist, who leads the McHenry Township Fire Service.

Since his cancer diagnosis in 2017, Horist has been determined to communicate his story of survival.

“I’ve been a spectator of the parade and the Rose Bowl before, but being part of it firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he remarked. “It’s an incredible honor for anyone to receive.”

Horist says doctors discovered his cancer during a routine colonoscopy.

“I had no signs, no symptoms, and that’s when they found I had colon cancer,” he said. “I am the poster person for early diagnosis and early treatment. And I’m very glad to say I’ve remained cancer-free since then.”

He’s been cancer-free for eight years. Horist says he still goes in for regular cancer checkups and surveillance, and says that’s part of why he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share his message.

“Early diagnosis, routine preventative health checks, things that are recommended based on age and gender and whatnot for surveillance and cancer testing, that kind of thing, it’s just so critically important,” Horist said.

Horist said his friends and family at home were watching, along with the crew at the firehouse.