Last November a young 19-year-old lady by the name of Lauren Hill made headlines for scoring a basket in a NCAA Division III women’s college basketball game.
Her team, the freshmen squad of Mount St. Joseph, won the opening tip against Hiriam College and she received the pass leading to an uncontested layup, which she made with her left hand — as her right (dominant) hand had lost some of its coordination due to the treatments she had been receiving for her inoperable brain tumor.
Not only did her layup yield a standing ovation from 10,000 fans in attendance at Xavier University’s arena — including Women’s Basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt, it garnered media attention across the nation and earned her thousands of fans and supporters.
Sadly, just a little more than five months after her inspiring layup, her battle with cancer came to an end.
Lauren Hill passed away Friday.
Just as her spirit and love of basketball, in spite of her terminal illness, made media headlines, so to has her death, and rightly so. Through her efforts, more than $1.5 million has been raised for The Cure Starts Now.
Many NBA athletes expressed their thoughts and condolences in light of the news that Lauren has now passed on.
Thoughts and prayers are with Lauren Hill’s family. The 19 yr old bball player inspired us all and her courage will not be forgotten. RIP.
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) April 10, 2015
R.I.P. 2 Lauren Hill… She was a true inspiration not only 2 bball players but all people! She impacted the lives of millions w/ her dream.
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) April 10, 2015
R.I.P Lauren Hill. — ReggieEvans30 (@ReggieEvans30) April 10, 2015
Rest in Peace, Lauren https://t.co/WNvAksz5Gw — Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) April 10, 2015
Didn’t know much about her but #RIPhttps://t.co/v6Cyxj49d5 pic.twitter.com/MhzYBR9Tya
— Anthony Bennett (@AnthonyBennett) April 10, 2015
— Jason Thompson (@jtthekid) April 10, 2015
RIP Lauren Hill! #FuckCancer A photo posted by matt_barnes9 (@matt_barnes9) on
RIP Lauren Hill. — rudy gobert (@rudygobert27) April 10, 2015
My deepest condolences to Lauren Hill’s family and friends. An example to us all.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) April 10, 2015
Your dedication was unmatched and your determination was inspiring. Thx for being a hero. #RIPLaurenHill
— Corey Brewer (@TheCoreyBrewer) April 10, 2015
Lauren Hill, your bravery, will power, and determination will never be forgotten. Thank you for being an inspiration. #RIPLaurenHill — Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) April 10, 2015
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach and former WNBA star Becky Hammon expressed her gratitude for Lauren’s inspiring character.
Lauren Hill thank you for inspiring us all. Your strength & courage will forever be remembered. Rest in peace. #LaurenHill
— Becky Hammon (@BeckyHammon) April 10, 2015
Cleveland Cavaliers small forward and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James wrote Lauren a letter (via Twitter).
Dear Lauren Hill,
You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be 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 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 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 Until we officially meet again, take care and continue to be that LEADER we all love! #RIPLaurenHill
Sincerely,
LeBron James
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hill family as they mourn Lauren’s passing. May her memory continue to be an inspiration to others everywhere.
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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin