Soccer Star Lauren Holiday Has Brain Tumor Successfully Removed 1 Month After Giving Birth
— -- Former U.S. women's soccer midfielder Lauren Holiday had a successful surgery at Duke University Hospital on Thursday to remove a benign tumor from the outer layer of her brain.
Holiday, 28, gave birth to a baby girl in late September with her husband, New Orleans Pelicans guard, Jrue Holiday.
His agent told ABC News, "In September, Lauren Holiday gave birth to Jrue Tyler Holiday. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces. She is healthy and at home with her family."
Holiday's benign tumor, known as a meningioma, was located on the right side outer layer of her brain and diagnosed after she experienced terrible headaches while she was pregnant with her first child.
"Meningiomas are the are the most common benign tumor in humans," said Dr. John Boockvar, Director of the Brain Tumor Center at Lenox Hill Hospital. "Just because they're benign doesn't mean they don't cause trouble. Meningiomas can be harmful if they get too big."
The baby's original due date was set for mid-October, but according to multiple reports Holiday's doctors made the decision to induce labor early to expedite her brain surgery.
Friends, family and fans have showed their support for Holiday and wished her a speedy recovery.
Fellow U.S. teammate Ashlyn Harris tweeted a picture wearing athletic tape with Holiday's initials and jersey number with the caption, "I love you Chen." Her former UCLA soccer team tweeted, "Sending our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery..."
Jrue Holiday is currently on an indefinite leave from the NBA season to take care of his wife. The couple met in college and married in 2013.
Fellow Pelicans players and coaches alike have been supportive of Jrue Holiday's decision to help his wife through this time.
"We're always in his corner and he knows if he needs anything he can always call any of us," said teammate Anthony Davis.
Jrue Holiday posted a photo last week on Instagram of the Pelicans playing the Atlanta Hawks with the caption, "Missin the squad!!!!"
Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps said Jrue Holiday will be welcome back to the team whenever he is ready.
"When the time is right, Jrue will come back to the team," Demps said at a news conference. "When he comes back, you know, I've said it before, you know, we're going to welcome with open arms."
Doctors expect Holiday to make a full recovery. She is recovering in North Carolina with her husband and new baby daughter.
