Remembering Lauren Hill

“Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma” — it is a term that most of the world had never heard until a courageous young woman brought this highly aggressive cancer to the forefront. Lauren Hill was a high school senior, getting ready to start college in the fall. She was most excited about playing women’s college basketball at Mount St. Joseph, but then Lauren received terrible news: the diagnosis of brain cancer, to be more specific, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Also known as DIPG, this difficult to treat childhood brain cancer began to rob Lauren of her ability to see, walk, and use her arms. But it did not rob Lauren of her love for basketball and her hope in Christ.

In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Lauren Hill said, “I said to God I’ll do anything to be a voice for this cancer and all the kids that can’t speak for their symptoms. I prayed I’d be the voice and that I’d do anything that gave me an opportunity to raise awareness and raise research money.” Through her appearance at basketball games and her nonprofit foundation, Lauren did just that, proving to be faithful to her prayer by raising more than $1.5 million for cancer research. She was even able to play on her college basketball team — yes, even as she battled an inoperable brain tumor.

But on April 10, 2015, at the tender age of 19, Lauren passed away to be with the Lord and I am sure she heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.” And so I ask you to join me in praying for her friends and family, as they remember Lauren. In memory of this remarkable young woman, we’re airing a radio program that highlights her story and you can listen to it by clicking here. 

Thank you, Lauren, for having served the many children with DIPG and having never let go of hope in Jesus. Perhaps when we meet in heaven, we can shoot some hoops together.