The Michigan State Spartans take on the Virginia Cavaliers tonight in the NCAA Tournament, as the teams via for a spot in the Elite 8.
But no matter the outcome, MSU senior Adreian Payne is already a winner.
The power forward befriended a young cancer patient named Lacey Holsworth two years ago when the team visit a local children’s hospital in Lansing – and now their story has gone viral.
Lacey, 8, suffers from neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nerves, and she regained the ability to walk just as Payne was honored on Senior Night a few weeks ago.
She also helped the star cut down the nets when Michigan State won the Big 10 Tournament this month and has become a mainstay by Payne’s side wherever he goes.
Learn more about this touching story now… and go State!
Among other recent, emotional celebrity interactions with kids suffering from this disease:
- Jimmy Kimmel got choked up when honoring a young cancer patient on hair.
- Taylor Swift posed for photos with many patients at a New York City hospital.