The Story Of Princess Lacey

((HT: BTN))

Lacey Holsworth taught more to a lot of folks about handling cancer than we may ever know...

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma a few years ago, the disease finally took her from her friends and family at the age of 8. You may remember her story in association with her relationship with Michigan State basketball and, specifically, Adreian Payne.

Here was one of the looks from the Big Ten Network


Lacey was also Payne's escort for Senior Night


And even made it to the weekend in Dallas to see Payne in the Dunk Contest
((HT: ESPN))


A message was posted to her "Princess Lacey" Instagram account around 3AM today:

Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels.... The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night... Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke💞 #LoveLikeLacey

Joe Rexrode, from the Detroit Free Press, has early reaction from Lansing:

It inspired emotion from MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo, who said in a phone interview: “I’m supposed to be a guy who leads men, and now an 8-year-old has impacted my life like this. … the impact on all of us will be lasting, and that’s especially true for Adreian (Payne).”

It inspired ESPN analyst Dick Vitale to call Lacey’s father, Matt Holsworth, and tell him he’s going to donate $250,000 in her name, with fund raising starting now at dickvitaleonline.com.

“I can’t believe it,” Vitale said of Lacey’s death in a phone interview before sobbing for several seconds. “This rips my heart out, man.”

Rexrode also found out that Izzo talked to Payne around 7AM this morning and he is taking the news with "the class and dignity that she taught him."

Drew Sharp wrote another tremendous piece in the Detroit Free Press as the March tournament started that goes into their relationship as well...

Obviously, the HQ is not in the minority here, but our thoughts and prayers are to her family, supporters, and friends