Michigan State basketball star Adreian Payne has developed a touching friendship with an 8-year-old suffering from cancer.

Unlikely Friends

Adreian Payne and Lacey Holsworth met 2 years ago during a team trip to spread some cheer at a local children’s hospital.

It was their that Lacey and Adreian made what is sure to be a lifelong connection.

Adreian was inspired and enchanted by 8-year-old Lacey’s courage, strength and optimism in the face of battling a potentially deadly form of nerve cancer.

The pair have become the best of friends with her calling him “bBother” and “Superhero” and him nicknaming her “Princess”.

The unlikely friends text, talk on the phone and hangout together often. Adreian has been quoted saying “…She’s just an incredible fighter. And if I can bring her a little bit of happiness to help her forget everything for a little while, then that’s what I want to do.”.