"She wanted me to stay focused on my life," Willens said, "keep my mind off of her and focus on what was in front of me."
There were a number of things in front of him, too. Soccer, basketball, baseball, powder puff cheerleading, senior projects, and upcoming finals were all in front of Willens and he was forced to face them all while coping with the loss of his mother.
Willens was already active in a number of activities when his mother was diagnosed. But he pressed on and never stopped working towards his goals.
"I knew she wanted me to play sports and work hard at school," Willens said. "She told me not to change for her."
The schedule Willens was facing at the time was hard enough to deal with. Sports and school seemed to fill up all his time, but he was successful in both. Long before this hardship hit, Willens was busy making the most of his high school career.
"I do as many sports as I can," Willens said. "With most year-round sports, the coaches press you to do what they want. I just did what I wanted to do - high school is only for four years, and I wanted to make the most of it."
He ended up spending three years playing football, three years playing soccer, four years as guard for the basketball team, four years of baseball, and two years with the powder puff cheer squad.
Willens started out his freshman year playing soccer in the fall, and kicked for the football team on the side. During the winter season, Willens played basketball, and continued right into spring baseball. Willens earned Most Valuable Player awards for basketball and football both his freshman and sophomore years.
Only one word can describe Willens' junior year: busy. He played as kicker for the football team, finding time for soccer as well, and maintained his position as guard for the basketball team. During the baseball season, Willens made the San Joaquin Athletic Association All League First Team.
This year, Willens kicked for the football team and played guard for his fourth year as the boys basketball team took first place in league. This season, he pitched and focused on shortstop for the baseball team.
It was during this baseball season, during a game Willens was pitching, that Peggy Avery lost her struggle with cancer.
"She was afraid I wasn't trying anymore because of her," Willens said.
During Avery's fight, Willens found himself struggling with his school work.
"When my grades went down she thought it was because of her," Willens said. "Anything out of the ordinary that happened in my life she would blame on herself and her condition, but it wasn't her fault."
Currently Willens is one week away from graduating with a 3.4 grade point average and Golden State Merit Scholar status. All the sports are behind him and he is ready to move on from Bear Creek to St. Mary's College in Moraga where he will major in communications.
"When I was doing my best and leading a normal life it eased her mind and made her happy," Willens said.
With all his success, Willens is clearly doing his best.