The Washington Wizards won a dramatic double-overtime game last night but it was the team’s star, John Wall, and his emotional response to having lost a young friend that will be the lasting memory from the evening.
6-year-old Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson was diagnosed in October 2013 with a form of cancer known as Burkitt’s lymphoma. Her relationship with Wall began in March after he heard about her desire to meet Nicki Minaj. Wall helped make Miyah’s dream come true and along the way struck up a personal friendship.
Wall had received the devastating news before the game last night and he stated that he was determined to win the game for his friend. In a post-game interview Wall was unable to keep the tears back as he did his best to try to explain how painful the loss was for her family and for him.
Wall later said:
“Just knowing how hard she fought for it, and her last game she was supposed to be able to come to was the Lakers game, but she got even more sick and couldn’t make it. So it was tough for me. I know it was tough for her family. … This game was really meant for her, so it would have been even tougher to lose it, and I think God has a plan, and I just went into a mode where I didn’t want to lose this game.”
After the game Wall tweeted a heartfelt message about Miyah:
“If you were blessed to meet and get to know Miyah you know how special of a little girl she was. I’m saddened by the news but I know that she’s in a better place. Keep her family in your prayers. I’ll definitely miss my buddy. Rest In Peace Miyah.”
Nicki Minaj also tweeted out her grief and condolences to the family after hearing of the news, “I can’t believe this little angel is gone. When I met her she was recovering. Sending love to her mother and family and John. This is heartbreaking. She was so full of life. #RIPMiyah.”
