Robert Horry's Daughter Has Died

Today has brought an incredibly sad development to Lakerdom. Ashlyn Horry, the 17-year-old daughter of Robert Horry, has died. Ashlyn suffered her entire life from a severe genetic disorder called 1p36 Deletion Syndrome.

A little background, courtesy of Dr. Wikipedia:

1p36 Deletion Syndrome is a congenital genetic disorder caused by the deletion of the most distal band of the short arm of chromosome 1. Chromosome 1 is the largest human chromosome and represents about 8 percent of the total DNA in human cells. The "p" stands for the short or "petite" arm of the chromosome. "36" stands for the location of the deletion on the chromosome.

According to this interview with Rob, Ashlyn in her short life had to deal with "an exorbitant number of tests, numerous surgeries, and several near death experiences." The effects of the syndrome can be brutal and include developmental delays, vision problems, growth abnormalities and hearing loss. There's no cure or specific treatment. Rob created the Ashlyn Horry Foundation to help others afflicted with the condition.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Rob and his family. Purple and gold forever.