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Lauren Hill captured the hearts of the people of Cincinnati and countless more around the country.
Her drive, spirit and commitment to play college basketball for Mount St. Joseph's helped her as she battled an inoperable brain tumor due to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a form of cancer that affects the nervous system.
Lauren was diagnosed on November 20, 2013 and given a maximum of two years to live. DIPG is one of the most resistant forms of cancer to chemotherapy treatments and primarily affects children.
Lauren's battle was an inspiration to us all, especially in moments like the one on November 2, 2014 when she got to live out her dream and play in a college basketball game at Xavier University's Cintas Center. Lauren was cheered on by a crowd that sold out the game in 10 minutes and a television audience. Lauren scored a basket in Mount St. Joseph's 66-55 victory over Hiram College.
Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer at the age of 19 on Friday.
Lauren's commitments weren't only to basketball, she also worked hard to increase awareness of DIPG and help others with the deadly form of cancer. Her 19 years of life are an inspiration to us all.
You can donate to Lauren's cause, Club 22 here to help find a cure for DIPG.
And, be sure to check out Local 12's tribute video to Lauren.