Walt McGrory, who played basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2017 to 2021, sadly passed away on Saturday
Former Wisconsin Badgers basketball player Walt McGrory died on Saturday after a battle with bone cancer. He was just 24 years old at the time of his passing.
Facing The Fight Of His Young Life
Walt McGrory played for the Badgers from 2017-2021 and was actually in the process of transferring to South Dakota when he got the news of his cancer. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma later that year.
Osteosarcoma is defined as a type of bone cancer that affects the osteoblast cells that form bone. It’s the most common form of bone cancer, and it most often occurs in children and adolescents. If the disease is localized, the long-term survival rate can be 70-75%. However, if it has already spread to the lungs or other bones at diagnosis, the long-term survival rate is only about 30%.
After being diagnosed, Walt McGrory realized he was in the battle of his life. All the while, he found support through the Wisconsin Athletic Department, Badger fans, close friends, family, and followers – who stood by him to the end.
Telling The World About His Battle
McGrory didn’t shy away from his prognosis, even documenting his battle with cancer through his Instagram page.
One particular reply following his passing was shared on social media, and it seemed to fittingly describe the former Wisconsin hoopster.
“Walt has always known there is something greater out there,” the post read. “Something with the full power to shape the world.”
“His journey with osteosarcoma was not easy, but it helped him find that ultimate power source. He never gave up on his belief that he and others just like him could heal themselves. His mission has not changed.”
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