Dereck Lively II shared a special message to his late mother, Kathy Drysdale, who died earlier this month from Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 21, 2024

Kathy Drysdale’s Journey

Kathy Drysdale was more than just a mother to Dereck; she was his biggest inspiration. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014, Kathy faced the disease head-on. She underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, all while supporting her son’s dreams on and off the basketball court. Kathy’s resilience and love left an indelible mark on Dereck’s life.

Dereck Lively II, a rising star in the NBA, owes much of his success to his mother. Kathy, a former star basketball player at Penn State, played a pivotal role in modernizing Dereck’s game as a big man. Her insights, encouragement, and unwavering belief in his abilities fueled his determination. The bond between mother and son extended beyond the court; they were best friends and superheroes for each other.

On April 12th, Dereck posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing his heartbreak at saying goodbye to the most important person in his world. He described Kathy as his biggest cheerleader and his rock. Dereck has several tattoos dedicated to his mom, and recently, he got one with both his parents’ birth and death dates. His father had passed away when Dereck was just 7 years old.

As Dereck steps onto the NBA court, he carries the weight of grief and loss. His mother’s absence is palpable, but he knows she’s watching over him. Before his first-ever NBA game, he posted, “Love you, Mom. I know you can’t be here to watch, but I know you’re watching.” Kathy’s spirit lives on through her son’s passion for the game and his unwavering determination.

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