Lauren Holiday, former USWNT player, diagnosed with brain tumour
Baby with husband Jrue Holiday is due mid-October

Former U.S. soccer star Lauren Holiday has been diagnosed with a brain tumour while pregnant. Her husband, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday, is taking an indefinite leave from the team to care for his wife.
Lauren's tumour, located on the right side of her brain is benign and operable. Her and Jrue's baby is due in mid-October while her brain surgery is scheduled to take place about six weeks after delivery. According to Jrue, the birth also could be induced early.
Holiday, who retired in 2015, is widely respected in the world of women's soccer. The two-time Olympic gold medallist and 2015 FIFA World Cup champion represented America in 133 games, scoring 24 goals. The American striker was also a force to be reckoned with in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She most recently helped FC Kansas City win a championship in 2015.
The club showed their support for Holiday after the diagnosis was announced. The rest of the league joined in as well.
We miss you and we love you, <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a>! <a href="https://t.co/SWRjVuuwKZ">pic.twitter.com/SWRjVuuwKZ</a>
—@FCKansasCity
Sending best wishes to our very own <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a> and her family during this time. We love you, Cheney.
—@ussoccer_wnt
Our thoughts are with <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a>. Please keep her in yours as well. ❤️💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAONPDX?src=hash">#BAONPDX</a> <a href="https://t.co/nPXQhKjc9o">pic.twitter.com/nPXQhKjc9o</a>
—@ThornsFC
Sending positive thoughts and our prayers your way, <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a> ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/gVxlEN32gi">https://t.co/gVxlEN32gi</a>
—@WNYFlash
From all of us here at Sky Blue FC, we want to wish strength, safety and a complete recovery to <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a>. <a href="https://t.co/j3J3m8Me5p">pic.twitter.com/j3J3m8Me5p</a>
—@SkyBlueFC
Sending positive thoughts to Lauren Holiday and her family ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Oy8xlmgPBD">https://t.co/Oy8xlmgPBD</a>
—@WashSpirit
Friends and former teammates reached out with messages of support for Holiday:
Sending our heartfelt prayers to <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Jrue_Holiday11">@Jrue_Holiday11</a> and Baby Holiday. You are strong and you are loved!
—@MiaHamm
Sending thoughts and positive vibes your way in this tough moment <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Jrue_Holiday11">@Jrue_Holiday11</a>.
—@CarliLloyd
Sending love and prayers <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@LaurenHoliday12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JrueHoliday11">@JrueHoliday11</a> <a href="https://t.co/w0j6ThbYVo">https://t.co/w0j6ThbYVo</a>
—@hopesolo
Sending prayers to <a href="https://twitter.com/laurenholiday12">@laurenholiday12</a> 🙏🏼 We are all with you!
—@janinebeckie4
Despite the circumstances, Lauren Holiday is staying positive.
With files from The Associated Press
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