Honoring a young man’s inspiring legacy

What would you do today if you knew your final day could be tomorrow?

16-year-old Cole Frederking spent the final days of his cancer battle thinking about how he could give back to his Highlands Ranch community.

The Board of County Commissioners honored Cole’s courage, resilience, kindness, determination and spirit by posthumously inducting him into the Douglas County Hall of Fame during a Business Meeting on Sept. 22, which is during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Cole died from cancer at age 16 after courageously battling Wilms’ tumor, a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. Despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation, the Mountain Vista High School student maintained a 4.0 GPA every semester and earned membership in the National Honor Society.

A gifted student and athlete, Cole excelled in baseball, soccer, track, flag football and golf. Following his diagnosis, he brought that same determination to acting and found a new source of joy and purpose through StageFlight Theatre. He contributed as an actor and behind the scenes in technical production and film.

Before he died, Cole began planning ways to give back. He donated his tumors to science in the hopes of advancing research and planned ways to support his Mountain Vista High School community, specifically the StageFlight Theatre program.

“Cole’s time with us was far too brief, but he used his years to show us all what he was made of: strength, hope and heart,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “We are humbled to honor his life and grateful to the Frederking family for sharing Cole’s story and carrying his legacy forward.”

Cole’s drive, ambition and generous spirit live on through the Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation. Led by his family, the foundation provides scholarships to local students pursuing their dreams.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award in memory of Cole and to celebrate the strength, courage, and determination that defined who he was,” said Cole’s mom, Kim Frederking, Vice-Chair of the Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation. “The Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation keeps his spirit and memory alive by recognizing students who embody those same qualities. Knowing that Cole’s legacy continues to inspire and touch the lives of others is incredibly meaningful, and this award is a beautiful reminder that his spirit lives on through the people he continues to inspire.”

Watch a video of Cole’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

The Douglas County Hall of Fame recognizes residents who embody the values the community holds dear, including courage, resilience, honor, kindness and generosity.

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