Caitlin Clark, a rookie with the Indiana Fever, stated that Bailey Lux is always happy.
Clark’s assertion was validated by the 14-year-old’s expression as he rested during the Aces’ practice on Monday at T-Mobile Arena.
When Aces rookie guard Kate Martin stopped by to say hi, Lux lit up. Lux’s big smile was evident even through the phone she was holding up to record the Aces raucously participating in their traditional half-court shot contest, booing at shots that went in and out.
I appreciate your follow-through! The coach of the Aces, Becky Hammon, teased Lux, saying, “They’re not always this serious.” Naturally, Lux grinned back.
Several Aces Soon, players would come up to Lux at her courtside booth to sign a beautiful official WNBA basketball and inquire about her arduous trip to Las Vegas from Iowa’s Carroll County. Lux got to T-Mobile Arena just in time to see her two favorite former Iowa Hawkeyes players play as the Aces take on the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night for their second meeting of the season.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), a rare and dangerous form of cancer, was first discovered in Lux’s right arm. Recent difficulties with her condition warranted an early travel to Las Vegas.
Lux would not have been able to make the trip to a large airport. It would have been difficult for her to maneuver a wheelchair around a crowded commercial aircraft. Make-A-Wish allayed Lux’s worries by setting up a private jet for her, her father Kraig Lux, and her three older siblings. Bailey is scheduled to travel to Iowa on Thursday, and Kraig thinks that one of the Aces players was involved in the lodging.
Kraig stated, “Kate (Martin) had been reaching out.” “I believe she was most likely involved in the back end of things. She had messaged me on Friday, expressing her desire to take us to the game by air. Although I’m not sure how much she was dealing with, I am aware that it was challenging to do this so soon, but this is encouraging.
It was discovered in September 2022 that Bailey had cancer. Shortly later, during a hospital visit, the lifelong Iowa sports fan met Clark and Martin, with whom they had maintained contact with Bailey and her family. 19 people follow Bailey on her personal Instagram account. There are two of them: Clark and Martin.
I get to inform folks, “Oh, yes, I do speak with Kate.” I think we’re very good friends,” Bailey remarked on Monday. They talk about everything from basketball to her health.
“Just like any other child”
Martin and Clark have been there for Bailey’s battle’s highs and lows. In January, Renee Lux, her mother, passed away from ovarian cancer. Bailey would ring the bell a month later and feel momentarily free of cancer before it returned and spread to her lungs.
Bailey was first introduced to her best friends and former teammates from Iowa when they showed up at the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City during her first round of radiation treatment in 2022, just after the team had made it to the Sweet 16. One of Clark’s earliest memories of Bailey is playing Mario Kart with her.
Clark remarked on Monday, “She was just playing Wii, no different from any other kid.” “I’ve obviously known her for a long time, and I’m simply attempting to offer my utmost assistance. I am aware that she is eagerly anticipating this. She wanted to attend this game and see Kate and me, like that’s what she wanted. That, in my opinion, puts life and basketball into perspective.
Bailey never passes up the chance to see Martin or Clark play. “That game is on every time they play,” her 21-year-old sister Brianna Lux stated.
She has also attended a good number of Carver-Hawkeye Arena games. According to Bailey, it seems quite similar to Las Vegas and can accommodate 15,400 people. The Aces will play their first game of the season on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena, which can hold 18,000 basketball fans.
Martin declared, “There’s not a bad seat in the house here.” “Sitting in the top seat at Carver literally felt like you were a mile away.”
Martin and Clark are certain to sense Bailey’s presence Tuesday, no matter where she sits.
