A Michigan State basketball star has struck up a friendship with an extraordinary eight-year-old cancer patient after meeting her in the hospital two years ago.
As reported by ABC News, Lacey Holsworth says Adreian Payne has been her best friend during her fight against the disease. “They’re kind of like friends, brother or sister…They’re very comfortable around each other and play games and or color,” said Lacey’s father Matt Holsworth. “They have a bond that’s special.”
Lacey has neruoblastoma, a cancer that develops in immature nerve cells throughout the body. Since chemotherapy has left her without hair, she wears a long blonde wig to games to cheer on her favorite player.
Lacey has even taken to calling Payne her big brother.
MSU fans have reached out to help Lacey and after on of the team’s fans, Jeff Martin, saw a story about the pair in the Detroit Free Press he started an online fundraising page to help the family.
With 69 days left in the campaign, Martin has raised nearly $66k of the goal of $75.
The campaign writes in part:
On December 28, 2011 Lacey Holsworth of St. Johns, MI. was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer originating in the nerves. Lacey had two tumors, one in her abdomen roughly the size of a football and one on that wrapped around her spine. These tumors would paralyze Lacey a couple days later. Without treatment Lacey’s parents were told that she would only have about two weeks to live. After the first few rounds chemotherapy the tumor around her spine had miraculously dissolved into soft tissue.
About a month later the Michigan State Basketball team came to the hospital for a visit and spent time with Lacey. When she was asked whom she would like to stay she pointed to Adreian Payne, because of his big smile. Over the last three seasons the bond between Lacey and Adreian has captivated the hearts of basketball fans alike. Lacey was able to fight through her treatment so she could be there with Adreian as he was honored on senior night and later to cut down the nets following MSU’s Big Ten Tournament Championship. To say the least Lacey’s story has been incredibly inspirational for those who have followed it.
You can watch a clip from ABC News, below.
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