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WJW reported that VanHoose is blind.  She was born with cytomeglovirus that prevented her optic nerve from forming.  She was not expected to live past her first birthday.  She is now 18.

She has sung "The Star Spangled Banner" before other events including a Cleveland Cavaliers game in April and the NBA Conference Finals in May.  WJW reported that the Cavs won both games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET.

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Hawks forward Jalen Johnson — pictured practicing during training camp in September — is coming off back-to-back triple-doubles. He had 21 points, 18 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists Friday in a loss to the Nuggets and 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in Saturday's win over the Wizards. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez