Lauren Hill Dead: Basketball Player Dies After Brain Cancer Battle

Such sad news. Inspirational college basketball player Lauren Hill died on April 10 after a two-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer. She was just 19.

This news is so heartbreaking — Lauren Hill has died at just 19 years old. The college basketball player, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in October 2013, but refused to give up on her dream to play college ball, lost her battle with cancer on April 10.

Lauren Hill Dead: Loses Battle With Brain Cancer At 19

Last fall, Lauren was given just months to live after doctors found that the tumor in her brain had spread. But she wasn’t ready to give up her dream of playing college basketball — she had been accepted to play for Division III school Mount St. Joseph in Cincinatti.

In November, she finally got her wish. The NCAA switched schedules around so Lauren could play with Mount St. Joseph before she got too sick, and she was able to take the court with her team. Nearly 10,000 people attended the game in support of the dedicated and inspirational athlete.

Despite her struggle, Lauren used her difficult situation to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer with a foundation called Layup4Lauren. Following her death, it was revealed that she’d raised $1.4 million.

Absolutely incredible.

Lauren Hill: Dying College Basketball Player’s Courageous Words After Winning Game

“I never thought I would play on a college court, put my feet on the floor and feel the vibration of the crowd,” Lauren said after the game in November. “This game has been amazing and everything that happened today was amazing. This is a really good day.”

“To put my foot down on the floor and hear the roar of the crowd — I just love it so much,” she added. “I love basketball.”

Lauren will certainly be remembered as an inspiration to many and we are so sad to hear the news of her passing. Our hearts go out to her family during this difficult time.

–Alyssa Norwin