“We Miss You”: Lakers Legend Robert Horry Honors Deceased First-Born on 30th Birthday

She was just 17 when she passed away in 2011. NBA legend Robert Horry’s daughter Ashlyn Horry struggled with a rare disease. She was born with 1p36 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder resulting in intellectual disabilities, seizures, and respiratory issues from the deletion of genetic material on chromosome 1. So on the occasion of her birthday, he couldn’t help but get emotional.

The 7x NBA champion penned down a heartrending tribute to his firstborn on what would have been her 30th birthday. Remembering the light of his life and her fighter soul, Horry wrote, “4/2/94 today you would be 30. We miss you every single day. Your smile, the deep belly laughs, the hugs and the butterfly kisses you only shared with me..are a few things we miss. What we really miss is the Love you gave us each and every day you were with us.”

Along with the heartrending message, the Los Angeles Lakers legend shared a few heartwarming photos of his daughter in a carousel Instagram post. He looked back at some of her best moments.

Ashlyn had passed away in June 2011 at Texas Children’s Hospital. Before she was diagnosed with the condition, very little was known about it. In fact, until a few years before her death, the diagnosis didn’t even have an official name. Even today, there is no specific treatment or cure.

Her life wasn’t easy at all. Ashlyn spent a lot of time in the hospital. She spent the first six months of her life under strict medical observations and hospitals because of complications. She had a tracheotomy for about three years and went through multiple surgeries. Further, she fought severe respiratory issues, seizures, delayed motor skills, and severe physical and cognitive disabilities. It pained Horry and his wife to see that their daughter couldn’t have a life like other children.

“She’s happy all the time… She doesn’t know any different. That’s great, and it’s a peace for me. This is all she knows. She’s happy, and I want to keep it that way,” Horry’s wife said back then. However, Ashlyn’s struggles inspired something much bigger!

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Robert Horry established a foundation in memory of his daughter Ashlyn Horry

While Ashlyn fought against her disease, her father battled on the court winning 7 championship titles throughout his 16 years in the NBA. The journey wasn’t easy for Horry and his family, but the champion has always counted his blessings. The retired NBA player mentioned that he was fortunate that the medical expenses were covered by the league.

Sitting at the hospital, he watched other parents make tough decisions. He witnessed other parents struggle with whether to give up their parental rights so that the state could cover the expenses. Horry did everything in his power to battle the situation.

After his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs, Horry retired in 2008 and dedicated most of his time to helping others who are in the same situation. Later, Horry and his family founded the Ashlyn Horry Foundation with a single aim. It was to provide economic relief and support medical research for young individuals diagnosed with disabilities.

The Foundation’s vision is simple: “We envision a world where children with medically diagnosed disabilities are enjoying the same quality of life as children without disabilities. This includes a life filled with love, joy, laughter and opportunities to contribute positively to society. Our vision is to enhance existing resources for disabled youth through economic relief, widespread awareness and medical research.”

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