Michigan State Basketball Players Meet Young Cancer Patient
She met Payne and really liked him. She liked him because of his big smile she said once. They developed a relationship like a brother and sister would have. Payne said Wednesday after she passed, “Words can’t express how much I already miss Lacey,” it said.
“She is my sister, and will always be a part of my life. She taught me how to fight through everything with a smile on my face even when things were going wrong. I’m a better man because of her.” Payne says that he felt that by winning his games he was helping out because it made Lacey happy to see him win.
Candi Leti, freshman says “Yes, because Lacey is his inspiration. He strived to win because of her, so it would only make sense if he did dedicate all other basketball awards and wins to her.”
Lacey fought through the treatment of the cancer so she could be with Payne when he was honored on senior night. Also, she was allowed to later cut down the nets following MSU’s Big Ten Tournament Championship. Lacey and Payne were on the Today show and Good Morning America together. People loved the story. Payne is 23 while Lacey was 8 years old. Sometimes, Payne would carry Lacey as for months the little girl could not walk.
The eight-year-old girl died late Tuesday April 9th, the family said. “She loved unconditionally and without hesitation,” her father Matt Holsworth said to the associated press. “Spreading her love and smile throughout the world. … Please don’t let her love and smile fade.” Lacey was an inspiration to all that followed her story. There will be a grant set up in Lacey’s name and it’s hoped that it will raise 250,00 in Lacey’s name by this time next year.
Lacey’s memorial was held on April 17 at the Breslin center.
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