As I look at my role in the Majors, I tend to be the writer that offers perspective. I look for feel good stories, I look for stories behind stories but sometimes, I have to scour obituaries for these stories and today I came across one.
We all were inspired by the tale of Lauren Hill a freshman basketball player at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio moving forward and playing basketball. Even getting the first and last points of the game against Xavier to the cheers of her classmates making the little arena they play in as loud as Pauley Pavilion, Assembly Hall or even the Breslin Center. By all accounts Ms. Hill was a courageous, an inspirational voice for cancer patients as herself and her voice and presence was felt by people as diverse as LeBron James, Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon and Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton among many.
Five days ago, she was awarded the Pat Summitt Courage award and showed more valor and heart than some twice even thrice her age and experience.
Lauren Hill passed away Friday morning of that brain tumor and I was more affected by the news than I thought I would be. I heard about her and thought how brave but somehow this seemed a little different. It’s amazing how the younger among us are stronger and braver than those of us who have been around a while. Leah Still at 6 years old constantly smiling though her veins were constantly having radiation shot into them, Lauren Hill always smiling and talking about her fate like I discuss making eggs…
Lauren Hill you did make a difference in your too short 19 years and may your spirit carry through Mount St. Joseph time immemorial.
