By Kristen Entwistle
In stark contrast to the last post on hope in the Brittany Maynard story, here is one that brought tears to my eyes.
Lauren Hill is a college freshman who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer known as DIPG. Last year, as a high school senior, she was given two years to live. After a newer MRI this year, she was told to get her affairs in order – that she was going to die before the end of the year.
Lauren’s dream was to play in a college basketball game. But the season opener for Mount St. Joseph University, where she signed to play, was not until November 15, and it was away. Her coach, the other team, and the NCAA made an exception for the teams to play at MSJ on November 3rd. The 10,000 seat stadium was sold out in just hours. And they all came to see one girl.
Watch the video here. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to need a kleenex or two.
Amazing, isn’t it, that one woman ends her life so that she doesn’t suffer anymore, while another lives her life because she knows she doesn’t have much left. In other stories I have read and watched, Lauren’s parents talk about their daughter as a ‘gift from God’ and that for the 19 years they have had her, they have been grateful. If God is going to take her home now, they say, then He will. And we will be grateful for the time we’ve had.
Interesting, isn’t it, that both the family of Brittany and the family of Lauren are or will be experiencing loss. But one has lived life every day as it comes, while another has stolen the days she had left. One has put her faith in what is greater, while one has put her hope in a painless medicinal-assisted suicide.
Wonderful, isn’t it, to see the community that has rallied around Lauren and her family. Incredible to see the way that Lauren is pouring out her love and her life on those around her. ‘I’m not scared of leaving,’ she says, ‘you know, not being here. Because, like, I won’t be here. But the people I worry about are the people that I’m leaving behind.’ Her brother and sister look up to her, knowing that they will miss her, but that she has made a huge impact on their lives. (See another video http://www.godfruits.com/7659/she-was-told-she-wont-live-past-december-so-her-school-does-the-unforgettable.php?ref=8)
Never give up is Lauren’s motto. A story of hope in the midst of the hardship and suffering. One that happened just a day after Brittany’s life ended. A stark contrast to each other, and a message of hope and never giving up.