Lauren Hill, the Mount St. Joseph University freshman who so desperately wanted to play basketball, has died of cancer. Diagnosed during her senior year in high school with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glimoma (DIPG), a terminal form of cancer, Hill was told she had months–possibly only weeks–to live.
Determined not to allow cancer to halt her plans, Lauren Hill became an inspiration as well as advocate for cancer research. And she got to play basketball, too.
Hill delayed hospice care so she could play in a November 2nd basketball game for Mt. St. Joseph after the NCAA allowed the school to move the game up by a few weeks so Lauren Hill could join her team on the court.
When number 22 appeared and did her lay-up, the crowd went wild.
According to the Washington Post, Lauren Hill told everyone in the sold-out arena how excited she was to be there.
“Today has been the best day I ever had,” she said.
Lauren Hill’s passing on April 10th has inspired a huge outpouring of love and support on Twitter. LeBron James wrote a heartfelt tribute, broken up into several Tweets.
Dear Lauren Hill,
You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015
forgotten. I have that I never got the chance to meet u in person but know you inspired me the whole time! For every life u touched, u…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015
made the biggest impact of them by just being YOU!! You're in a far better place now and please don't have to much fun up there w/o all…
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015
your family and friends. Can u please tell my Grandma I said hello. Don't be afraid, she knows you cause we spoke about u plenty of times..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015
Until we officially meet again, take care and continue to be that LEADER we all love! #RIPLaurenHill
Sincerely,
LeBron James
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 10, 2015
The Cincinnati Reds honored Lauren Hill on the day she passed away.
During tonight's pregame ceremonies, the Reds will have a Moment of Remembrance for Lauren Hill. #RIPLaurenHill pic.twitter.com/F1cL4vxyNh
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 10, 2015
Certainly no one is mourning the passing of Lauren Hill more than her family, her friends, and her teammates. Her time on earth was much too short, but the impact she made in that short time was astounding.