I am not sure how many of you have followed this amazing story of a young girl who is 8. 2 years ago Michigan State's basketball team visited a hospital and Adrien Payne seemed to formed a bond with this young girl who is/was battling cancer. Over the years he spent a lot of time with her and her family it was like he adopted her and the family adopted him. She went to as many games as possible and even made it to Adrien's senior night where she was the only one to walk out with him on the floor. It was a breathtaking moment and just showed how much he really cared about her and her family. She was there to help Michigan State cut down the nets and just a couple days ago was at the dunk contest with Adrien cheering him on and even kissed the ball before he dunked it.
Just goes to show that athletes can have a huge impact on other people's lives and the people suffering can teach others to not be so selfish and be thankful for what they have. I'm sure there are a lot of empty hearts and a bunch of tears in the Michigan area. So when you go home tonight if you have kids/dogs/fish/beer/Jack D make sure they know you love them.
end of sob story.. LETSS GOOOOOO
Comments
New Father speaking: This just breaks my heart.
I can only too easily imagine myself in that scenario. For Adrien to involve himself in that situation demonstrates a maturity and sense of empathy that is too easily sneered at by far too many people today.
He gives you a little hope for humanity.
Great heart warming story . Everyone needs to be reminded every now and then that there is more to life than winning on the field .
This is tragic. I've been following this story since I first heard about it a few years ago. AP is fantastic person and princess lacey changed each of the MSU players in a special way.
A real tragedy.
Thanks for posting that.
My wife and I have been helping her brother's family deal with their son Nick's battle with brain cancer over the past 2-1/2 years. Its been really tough. Nick's heroes are Duck Dynasty and the Gator Boys and they all came out of their way to see him. Those times with them at some South Florida events really boosted Nick's spirits. These are the things that humble us and provide hope for humanity. We need these stories from time-to-time front and center as a reminder of what matters most.
Couldn't agree more, its nice to see stuff like this unfold. I also followed the story at an early stage and to see it sadly finish especially at such a young age. At least she got to see AP play his senior year out and participate in the dunk contest just 3 short days ago.
Saturday night at 11:23, Nick Pollock, 17 years young, went to be with God and Jesus. His battle against the PNET brain tumor for 2-1/2 years went through the conventional chemo and radiation therapies as well as several alternative therapies. This type of brain tumor is extremely aggressive. There were 6 other PNET brain tumors in children reported at the same time he was originally diagnosed. Those 6 kids had all passed away over a year ago.
Nick never, NEVER, complained about his getting this tumor and his battle. He shared with my son once that he only wanted to be able to go to high school with his friends. A simple request really. He never got that chance.
Be grateful for what you have and the family you have. Go give them a big hug. You may never know when the last one you have with them occurs. Go do what you love. You never know when will be the last time you get to do it.
Like!
This is something that makes college sports so great. The relationship many programs and individual players have with their fans and supporters. This story also shows the true character of this young man.
I can't imagine what this little girl's family is going through right now, and what they will go through for the rest of their lives. If AP was somehow able to help them leading up to her passing, he gets my vote for any award that will fit.
R. I. P. Princess.
I saw it on ESPN this morning and was in shock. I watched the dunk contest and seeing her and AP embrace each other was just such a joy to watch. Prayers to everyone involved, just such a tragedy. RIP Princess.
such a good story, I love to hear things like this it really does warm my heart. My condolences go out to her family and her. She certainly left the impact that some people leave in a lifetime in her short time here RIP princess
Prayers to the family...cancer is such a tragic disease, hopefully they can find peace in knowing she lived her life, albeit too short, to the fullest. May we all be reminded of two things: 1) live in the now. None of us are guaranteed to wake up tomorrow. Sometimes we find ourselves getting caught up in "the next big thing", whether it's graduation, marriage, children, or wanting your child to get "out of diapers". Just remember, it won't be long before that little child is going to be going to prom, and we'll all wish we could go back to those days. Which brings point two. 2) love like you want to be loved. Whether you look at the ball player as an example, or the young girl, they both loved without reservation, knowing what was likely going to happen. Don't hesitate to let down your guard in life, loving others is how we're built; it's how God inatrinsicly made each of us. We're not going to look back on our lives and wish we'd sold one more house, or worked longer hours at the office. What we'll cherish are the memories, the relationships, the moments with our family. It's your "legacy" Hokies...make it count.
Amen! Good post Zoom! This just tears me up! I was such an AP fan after following this story and also prayed that Lacey would beat this dreaded disesase! So hard to deal with when they are so young. I only wish we could beat this and many other diseases! Lots of progress, but still a long way to go! RIP Lacey!
awesome awesome tribute to this amazing young girl. i'm sure there was a lot of tears that night. even a couple coming down right now and I don't even know her.
Silent Dunk