She became a star, but not because of her skills on a basketball court — Lauren Hill worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
A player for The Mount St. Joseph University's women's basketball team, Hill died Friday at age 19 following a battle with brain cancer. She spent the last months of her life putting awareness of the brutal effects of her illness in the spotlight while pushing for donations to the LayupForLauren challenge.
For that she raised more than $1.4 million for cancer research through jersey sales and donations — attending many events even as her health eroded, according to WCPO in Cincinnati.
During that time, her story spread across the internet, spurring thousands of famous athletes to join her cause.