More than a game: Meet Adi Jane, Kentucky football's 8-year-old warrior

Some moments in sports transcend the final score. They remind us of the power of community and the courage of the human spirit, that life is more than a game. After celebrating the brave Molly from Kentucky Children’s Hospital in week one, the "Lift Them Up" program is once again putting a spotlight on a true fighter. This week, as the Cats prepare to face Ole Miss, Big Blue Nation has the privilege of cheering for 8-year-old Adi Jane.

A shocking diagnosis, an unbreakable spirit

Adi Jane is a vibrant little girl who loves animals and the color purple. But last October, her world was turned upside down. After experiencing a seizure, her family rushed her to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where an MRI revealed the devastating news: a tumor in her brain.

"Adi Jane was just sitting there and she said 'Adi, you have a little dot in your head and it has to be removed,'" her mother, Jessica Pike, recalled. The weight of that moment was immense, but Adi’s immediate questions showed a wisdom and bravery far beyond her years.

"Her first thing was, 'Do I have cancer?'" Pike said. "And the next thing Adi Jane said was, 'Am I going to lose my hair?'"

In the face of a rare and aggressive cancer, her biggest fear was losing her hair. Just eight days after her diagnosis, Adi underwent surgery to remove the tumor. She continues to receive world-class care at the DanceBlue Clinic under the watchful eye of pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Randaline Barnett, a figure her mother describes as "so loving" and a constant source of comfort.

A day to be a star

Through the "Lift Them Up" program, Adi Jane’s incredible strength is being celebrated. The program was created in 2018 to give young patients at Kentucky Children's Hospital and their families an uplifting and unforgettable experience.

This week, Adi is the star. She’ll get to hang out with the team, see the locker room, break the huddle at practice, and—in what is sure to be the most emotional moment of the day—lead the Kentucky Wildcats down the Cat Walk into Kroger Field.

So, when you’re in your seats on Saturday, remember the little girl in purple leading the charge. Regardless of how the game is going—and recent history says it will be a nail-biter—take a moment to stand and cheer for a warrior who has faced a tougher battle than anyone on the field. Cheer for Adi Jane.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. John 3:16. #UpTheAlbion