Lauren Hill Named To First Team Of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

If anyone has turned on ESPN or the news over the last few months, he or she has seen the inspirational story of Lauren Hill, a great high school basketball player who dreamed of playing ball in college. Unfortunately, during her senior year of high school, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor — called DIPG, the tumor causes pressure on the nerves that control muscles: still, she did not let this discourage her dream and soon played basketball for NCAA Division III’s Mount Saint Joseph.

The 19-year-old freshman played in four games this past season, scoring on five layups: but soon, because of her worsening condition, she had to take an honorary coaching position with the team — she has since been in and out of the hospital undergoing treatment. However, her brief stint on the court is a fantastic story that has brought tremendous attention to cancer research: she has raised over $1.3 million.

As a result, conference commissioner Chris Ragsdale has awarded her with first team honors: “This award is being presented to Lauren in recognition of her courage and outstanding leadership. Lauren has been a tremendous inspiration and role model for all student-athletes across the country. She has shown through her leadership and dedication how one individual can truly make a difference.”

And soon following this announcement, Upper Deck — the company behind sports trading cards — has unveiled a plan to further cancer awareness: they are going to make a Lauren Hill rookie card, with all of the proceeds going towards The Cure Starts Now Foundation. You can currently purchase a trading card for $10 or have one signed by Lauren for $50.

According to the DIPG, the cancer has a ten percent survival rate and no cure. Fortunately, she has lived way past the doctor’s expectations and lets just hope her awareness campaign can change those bleak facts.