In a heartwarming scene at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, a fire chief from the Chicago area took a prominent spot on the City of Hope float, delivering a powerful message of hope and resilience.

Rudy Horist, a long-serving firefighter, is dedicated to spreading a message of perseverance and courage in the face of life’s challenges.

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Despite the rainy weather, the parade highlighted the indomitable spirit of Horist, a 43-year firefighting veteran, along with other cancer survivors, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide.

“I was amazed when they reached out to me, asking if I would like to represent City of Hope Chicago at the Rose Parade,” said Horist, who serves as the chief of the McHenry Township Fire Service.

After his cancer diagnosis in 2017, Horist has been passionate about sharing his journey of survival and hope with others.

SEE ALSO: Chicago cancer survivor rides on float in Rose Parade: ‘Survive and move forward’

“I’ve watched the parade before; I’ve watched the Rose Bowl before. But it’s a chance of a lifetime to participate in the parade and watch the game in-person,” he said. “As you can imagine, anybody that can get that honor, it’s amazing.”

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.