Lauren Hill passes away at the age of 19 after battle with brain cancer
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lauren Hill. Her courage will never be forgotten. http://t.co/vj8xg7C480 pic.twitter.com/KQjvDQd2uj
— NCAA Women’s BKB (@NCAAWomensBKB) April 10, 2015
Lauren Hill, the Mount St. Joseph University women’s basketball player who realized her dream of playing in a collegiate basketball game after being diagnosed with cancer, died on Friday at the age of 19 in Dearborn County, Indiana.
She first rallied the women’s basketball community, then people from all over the world with her determination to realize her dream and raise money for research into a rare form of brain cancer, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Her efforts helped to raise over a million dollars for pediatric cancer research.
“Lauren Hill’s bravery, enthusiasm and strength were an inspiration not only to those who knew her best but also to the millions of people she touched around the world by sharing her story,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert in a statement. “Lauren achieved a lasting and meaningful legacy, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
In March she was selected as a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s All-HCAC first team.
“This award is being presented to Lauren in recognition of her courage and outstanding leadership,” stated HCAC commissioner, Chris Ragsdale. “Lauren has been a tremendous inspiration and role model for all student-athletes across the country. She has shown through her leadership and dedication how one individual can truly make a difference.”
The NCAA granted Mount St. Joseph to rearrange its basketball schedule and play a game two week early so Hill could participate. The nationally televised game drew a sold out audience at Xavier University and her team won the contest, 66-55.
- Lauren Hill: An appreciation (D3 Hoops)
- The Cure Starts Now
- A Game for Lauren (NCAA)
