Earlier this month, LifeNews reported that Lauren Hill, the freshman at Mt. Joseph College with terminal cancer, entered hospice care. Hill became a world-wide superstar after she participated in a college basketball game despite her deteriorating health.
Hill has a very deadly form of brain cancer– Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), which is a pediatric cancer found at the base of the brain. Unfortunately, less than 10% of DIPG children will live longer than 18 months from diagnosis and survival is even rarer.
Sadly, doctors told Hill’s family that she wouldn’t live past December.
However, Lauren refused to allow her grim diagnosis from keeping her from her goal of playing in a college basketball game. She went to the Division III college and played in four of their first eight games, making five layups while on court.
Her courage has brought in tons of donations toward cancer research and after her last game, Hill’s family said, “She stepped onto the court one last time in her college career and again fought the odds and made a basket that brought everyone in the gym to their feet. At the end of the game, she accepted a donation from Wooster toward her $1 million goal.”
They concluded, “It was incredible to see her continue to show such resolve and determination and continue to play strong both on the court and in life.”
Now, the college freshman has decided to end her basketball career but will help fight cancer from the bench as an honorary coach. When Lauren was asked about her worsening condition, she told an Ohio news station that she believes she will be fine because she’s done God’s work.
The host of the station, Brad Johansen said, “Very few of us are looking forward to the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas more than Lauren Hill as her body fails her more every day. As you watch the Hill family, clearly Lauren is treasuring each and every moment. Rather than focus on what can’t be done for her, Lauren turns her eyes to those around her—“the people that are right there in front of you.” In “every moment you gotta find that blessing. I believe that’s the blessing in that moment—the fact that we are all in the same room.”
If you would like to write to Lauren here is her mailing address:
The Cure Starts Now
Attn: Lauren Hill
10280 Chester Road,
Cincinnati, OH 45215
