Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
Living October 24, 2018

After 9/11 hero succumbs to cancer, kids further his legacy in viral 'Shark Tank' pitch

WATCH: Family pitches product for late firefighter father on 'Shark Tank'

It was a pitch no "Shark Tank" fan will ever forget.

After Keith Young -- a 9/11 hero and firefighter who helped in the aftermath and cleanup at Ground Zero -- died recently from cancer related to that cleanup, his children took it upon themselves to promote and pitch his invention and continue his inspiring legacy.

Kaley, Christian and Keira Young wowed the Sharks and left many in tears with Keith's story and his Cup Board Pro, a wood cutting board with a detachable cup to easily clean up messes like chopped vegetables, which has since sold out after the trio's appearance on the show. The invention spawned from Keith Young's desire to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with his kids.

(MORE: 9/11 hero's daughter sworn into NYPD: 'He would be so totally proud of her')
View this post on Instagram

#Repost @sharktankabc ··· The children of a fallen firefighter carry on their father’s legacy. Sunday’s episode of #SharkTank will be the most emotional one yet.

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

But for Kaley Young, 25, appearing with her brother and sister on "Shark Tank" and the weight of their father's story is more about fulfilling her idol's dream and sharing him with the world then any sales figures.

"It's kind of crazy," Young told "Good Morning America" about all the pickup Sunday's appearance on the show has gotten for the family and their father's creation.

"I'm just grateful to fulfill my dad's dream and I know he has my mom right by his side."

View this post on Instagram

Catch us young sibs on @sharktankabc Sunday, October 21st at 9PM EST with @firehousechefky‘s Cup Board Pro ?? #firehousechefstrong

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

Before Young, a two-time "Chopped" champion, succumbed to his cancer, Kaley and her siblings also lost their mother Beth to breast cancer more than five years ago.

In addition to furthering their father's legacy, Kaley has also sought to honor her mother's legacy, running and teaching at the pilates studio her mother founded, Hot Pilates Secret.

View this post on Instagram

6 years too long without you mom! We miss you every day! Thank you for teaching us so much. I love you, forever and always ???? @shetaught

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

View this post on Instagram

“Who do you want by your side when your dreams come true?” @firehousechefky’s dreams are coming true and she’s right by his side. ??

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

As inspirational as Kaley and the rest of the Young kids have been for millions who saw them on Sunday's show, she says her father was that same role model for them. The three children played Young's audition tape he made for "Shark Tank" before his passing, which left Daymond John and Lori Greiner in tears.

(MORE: Love Lost: 9/11 Spouses Reveal What They Wish Their Partners Knew)

The outpouring of support for this special family has been incredible! Kaley, Christian & Keira Young brought their late father’s dream to life last Sunday when they pitched his product #CupBoardPro on @ABCSharkTank. pic.twitter.com/96PMl3SA5b

— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) October 24, 2018

"He would be dancing and having the biggest party now," she said of how Keith would react to all this success. "He was the greatest dad any child could ask for. Just the way he lived his life, I know he'd be really excited about this."

But no matter how big the Cup Board Pro company gets, Kaley said her father paved the way for them to handle it with grace and class.

"He was also very humble, he wouldn't let it change who he was," she said.

View this post on Instagram

My siblings and I are so grateful! Thank you to @thesharkdaymond, @lorigreinershark, @mcuban @matthigginsrse, & @kevinolearytv for being part of our dads dream with us! And thank you to every person who has sent our family such kind messages. We are blessed with our angels in heaven and angels on earth! @firehousechefinc ?? #Repost @thesharkdaymond ··· Out of my entire decade of being on #SharkTank this was the most emotional pitch I have ever been through. It took everything in me not to walk off the set because my emotions ran so crazy because I was there and lost many friends from 9/11. Reality is that everybody on set was in tears… cameramen, stylists, makeup artists. Not one person didn’t totally break down and realize the value that life has. I'm glad that you all met this special family tonight and @mcuban @lorigreinershark @kevinolearytv @matthigginsrse and I made a deal with #CupboardPro. I'm looking forward to working with these incredible entrepreneurs. I will remember this pitch forever - DJ. - If you want to support the Young family, click the link in my bio to donate to their #GoFundMe in honor of the FDNY.

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

At the end of Sunday's show, all five Sharks invested to try and take this special chopping board, which helps for easy cleanup, to as many households around the country as possible.

Kaley says her family is working with the investors to produce more boards, which have since sold out with thousands of orders rushing in after Sunday.

"The site just went viral and crazy, which is insane," she said. "We are in talks now, trying to figure out the best direction to take it."

View this post on Instagram

Love yous

A post shared by kaley young (@kaleyyoung) on

There's still more to come from the Youngs.

In addition to the pilates studio and Cup Board Pro, the Youngs have set up a GoFundMe to support the FDNY Foundation, further promoting their father's rich history and legacy and "to give back as our way of saying thank you."

"I always dream pretty big, because if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough," she said. "I just want to live my life with meaning and purpose, and share my mom and my dad with the world."