Walter McGrory, a former high school basketball sensation and Wisconsin Badgers player, succumbed to his battle against bone cancer at the age of 24, as confirmed by his GoFundMe page. After a valiant two-year struggle with the disease, McGrory passed away this past weekend.
Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his final year at the University of Wisconsin, McGrory underwent a series of treatments, including a leg amputation and an attempt to remove multiple tumors from his lung. Despite the removal of 20 tumors, another 30 to 40 remained, as per McGrory's own words on his fundraising page. The disease he courageously faced ultimately proved relentless despite his unwavering optimism and efforts to seek experimental treatments that his insurance would not cover due to a lack of substantial patient data.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Walt McGrory. The courage and fight that Walt demonstrated throughout his two-year battle with cancer was an inspiration to us all," said Greg Gard, Head Coach for the Badgers. McGrory, whose resilience shone through even the darkest times, appeared in 37 games for the Badgers and was part of the team that clinched a share of the Big Ten regular-season title in the 2019–20 season.
Before his collegiate success, McGrory left a lasting mark at Edina High School, breaking the all-time boys' basketball career scoring record with 2,216 points and leading as team captain during his junior and senior years. Facing the disease that was intent on taking everything from him, McGrory raised over $136,000 through his GoFundMe campaign, falling short of the $250,000 goal but not of the community's support. "There have been lonely days and dark nights of the soul. But I have never been more optimistic than now. There is a cure out there," McGrory once stated, according to CBS News.
While undergoing a partial amputation of his left leg, McGrory's fighting spirit never wavered. "Whether the odds are in my favor or not, one thing is for certain: a broken spirit doesn’t stand a chance," he told attendees at a University of Minnesota Foundation's fundraiser event in May, as reported by FOX 9. His high school coach, Pat Dorsey, recalled McGrory's resilience amidst the pain, noting that he always kept a smile on.
Walter McGrory's story, marked by courage and an unyielding will to fight, continues to resonate with those who knew him and those who were touched by his determination in the face of adversity. His legacy, defined by his tenacity and optimism, leaves an indelible impact on the community and serves as an inspiration long after his passing.
