Providence High Senior Loses Battle With Rare Cancer

CHARLOTTE, NC — Providence High School senior Noah Hays died Sunday, following a three year battle with the rare cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma, according to a social media site dedicated to his cancer fight.

“Our sweet Noah passed away yesterday, his body succumbing peacefully while surrounded by his family,” said a message on a Facebook page dedicated to Hays’ cancer fight. “Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces from the loss of our beautiful son, brother, family member and friend. But we know Noah is no longer suffering and up there playing one kick-ass game of lacrosse with the big guy with his orange shirt glowing proudly in the sunshine.”

Hays played on Providence High’s lacrosse team, which rallied behind its goalie when his cancer came out of remission in March 2017. The lacrosse team sponsored a campaign of wearing orange to show support and used #NoahStrong on social media.

The Charlotte Hounds, Charlotte’s major league lacrosse team, also showed support for Hays last year as he prepared for cancer treatment by signing him to a one day player contract. In addition to the contract, he was given a jersey, hung out with the team in the locker room, and participated in warm-ups on the field.

Hays told a local news crew at the time the biggest surprise for him was hearing from Hounds players that he was an inspiration for them. “It’s crazy because they’re professional athletes, and I’m just me. Just a regular kid being an inspiration for them.”

Heartbreakingly, about 15 months after his big day with the Hounds, Hays entered hospice care.

“Noah has made a decision that no man of 19 years should have had to make, but our family stands steadfastly by him,” his mother said, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help offset his medical expenses. “In light of his disease state, Noah has decided that he wants to receive hospice care. This specialized care enables him to be comfortable while being surrounded in love by his family and close friends. He is at peace with his choice.”

The GoFundMe campaign, which may be found here, has raised more than $42,000.

Funeral arrangements for Hays will be announced in the days to come, according to the family.

Photos of Noah Hayes courtesy of GoFundMe, a Patch parner.