A Remarkable Young Woman Builds a Lasting Legacy
By: Amanda Gratsch
Thousands around the nation have heard the compelling story of a special young woman named Lauren Hill. With only a few months to live and a dream to play one last college basketball game, she taught an unforgettable life lesson to never give up. With efforts to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer through a natural desire to play her heart out in this sport, Lauren became a basketball hero.
Even throughout her terminal illness, Lauren’s bravery and sincerity fueled her lasting hope to never give up on her cause even during her final months. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor (DIPG), Lauren’s life had been cut short, but her determination to spread awareness of this pediatric cancer was not. With little research completed on the disease, Lauren believed her purpose in this world was to give a voice to those with DIPG who cannot speak for themselves of their experiences in collaboration with The Cure Starts Now.
Lauren built a legacy that will truly endure in an effort to help the generations who come after her with this fatal disease. Her inspiration is like a bright light that continues to shine unto the world, as her spirit carried a determination to never let it fade. The number 22 will forever be instilled in our hearts.
In support of her fight, the Mount’s women’s basketball team has become a huge family for supporting Lauren throughout this process as the situation really hit home for the girls, according to Dan Benjamin, women’s basketball coach at the Mount. Overcome with emotion, the coach found the words to express the circumstance.
“We talked about the situation. The end result. We had to tell them (the teammates), there is no cure. This hit a lot of girls.”
As a result, Benjamin feels that the support Lauren has gained throughout this process has made the Mount community stronger, and made them realize what the Mount’s mission truly represents.
Lauren’s former religion professor, Dr. Trokan, D. Min. and Department Chair of Religious and Pastoral Studies, adds, “I’ve been going to practice whenever I can to watch the team, and I am totally inspired by these young women and how they have cared for one another and Lauren. It’s just inspiring to me in terms of that care and concern.”
Do you know someone in the Mount Community with the Heart of a Lion?
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