Back in September doctors told Lauren Hill, 19, she only had a few months to live. On Sunday, Nov. 2, Hill scored the first two points for her basketball team in their season opener, fulfilling her dream to play college basketball.
Just 48 days after committing to Mount St. Joseph last October Lauren was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG, which is a rare form of brain cancer that usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 7. DIPG has a zero percent survival rate and very few treatment options.
Lauren proved to be greater than the statistics.
On that magical Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati, 10,000 fans including sports stars and celebrities filled Xavier University’s Cintas Center to support Hill in her fight against the fatal disease. From WNBA star and Rookie of the Year Elena Delle Donne to NCAA coach Pat Summit, there was not a dry eye in the place.
The outpouring of love for Hill continued on social media. LeBron James dedicated a post to Hill on his Instagram page.
The hashtag #1More4Lauren is currently trending on Instagram and Twitter with over 1500 posts. Mount St. Joseph University went on to beat Hiram College 66-55. I’m sure no one will remember the score, but the number 22 is unforgettable. Lauren did not want the game to be about her. She knows this fight is bigger than her. Hill has decided to spend her time advocating for those who are too young to fight for themselves. “This game has been amazing, and everything that happened today was amazing,” said Hill after helping lead her team to a victory. “This is a really good day.” The inspirational Hill was recently honored by being featured on a Wheaties box.
Inspirational Mount St. Joseph freshman Lauren Hill gets honored with her own Wheaties box. http://t.co/Wx3PtKo0bW pic.twitter.com/ZXVJW74zd2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 6, 2014
Hill’s story is just beginning and far from being over, I think it’s safe to say she is kicking DIPGs butt!