November 4th, 2014 | Uncategorized
This blog is a little different from all my previous ones. I’m not going to talk about things that’ve happened over here in Galway. This blog is about someone and something much bigger: Lauren Hill. Some many know this name and her story, but for those who don’t, she is a freshman basketball player at Mount St Joseph’s. Lauren committed to Mount St. Joe’s in October of 2013 and just a month later and a few days shy of her 18th birthday, she was diagnosed with DIPG (an incurable form of brain cancer). Because of her rare condition and the 0% survival rate, she isn’t expected to make it past this December. About a year ago, Lauren was preparing for college and her collegiate basketball career like any other freshman, and now all she wants is the opportunity to set foot on the court in her Mount Saint Joseph’s uniform and play the game she loves. She has one dream: to play the game one more time! Thanks to enormous support worldwide, Lauren Hill got that chance Sunday when their November 15th game against Hiram College was moved to November 2nd so she could get the chance to step onto the court for her first collegiate game. The day finally came and her dream came true! Not only did Lauren play, she scored twice to standing ovations of a sold-out crowd of 10,250. I got goose bumps just watching it! Her post game quote summed it up perfectly, “It was awesome in every way. It’s a dream come true. To play on a college court, to put my foot down on the floor and hear the roar of the crowd – I just love it so much. I love basketball. Everything that happened today was amazing. I’m truly happy.” Hearing this made me absolutely speechless.
Lauren’s story touched me and moved me in so many ways. Her determination, enthusiasm, passion, and fight is a constant inspiration. For someone with terminal cancer, she remains positive and continues to fight for her dreams. She never gave up and made her dream come true! She positive attitude and determination is evident in her words: “I’ve never felt so good in my entire life… Let’s not call it my last game. This is my first collegiate game.” This kind of attitude and outlook is something that everyone can learn from. If a college student with terminal cancer can think like this, why can’t we all? I think a lot of times we get caught up in all the little things going on around us and take the opportunities and things we have for granted. We forget what is really important. Through her story, we can gain valuable life lessons…Never give up! Fight for your dreams! Lauren Hill is an inspiration to us all. #1More4Lauren
Click here to hear her interview and watch her score!!
