SOUTH BEND — If you've seen Rudy about a thousand times, like most Notre Dame football fans, then you probably remember D-Bob, Rudy's friend and mentor throughout the film.

D-Bob — whose real name is Dennis McGowan — provided encouragement to Rudy during his time in South Bend. Now Rudy is returning the favor to someone close to McGowan's heart.

"He didn't quit. He just kept on going, kept on trying. He does really motivate me and gets me to say, 'I'm not going to quit, I'm not going to quit, I'm not going to quit,’” explained McGowan's 14-year-old grandson Austin, who is fighting leukemia.

"From the hips down it's just major pain. I cry at night sometimes because it hurts so much. At those points I just want to give up and I just want this to be over with because I can't stand it anymore."

Rudy has made a living inspiring others at dinners and benefits. But this benefit was different ... it was personal.

"He's just always there for me. If I need to talk to him, I'll just call him up and he'll talk to me for a while," Austin said.

The Henry Tucker Foundation raises money to fight childhood cancer. They hosted a dinner at the South Bend Marriott on March 30.

Guests heard inspiring words from both Rudy and Austin on what it means to keep fighting.

"I just want this fund to make sure that everyone knows about childhood cancer because it's a serious thing and we need to try to put a stop to it," Austin said.

Rudy left the audience with some inspiring words about what it’s all about.

"It's all about hope and not giving up. It's not about football, Notre Dame or Rudy. It's about hope. And when we can represent hope, that's when it's powerful.”