UPDATE: In a heartfelt tribute, Molly Finn, a senior guard for Lincoln-Way West, celebrated her father, Bill Finn, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease, with a tattoo on October 22. Joined by her mother, Jenn, and aunt, Allison, the trio commemorated their loved ones at a tattoo parlor in Mokena, Illinois.
The tattoos feature Bill Finn’s signature, symbolizing his enduring presence in their lives despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis. “We wanted to do something sentimental and memorable,” Molly stated. “I thought it was super cool to have my dad’s handwriting on me forever.”
Bill Finn, a Hall of Fame basketball coach at Moraine Valley, learned he has Alzheimer’s during a family vacation in August. Despite the diagnosis, he remains actively involved as an assistant coach for the Lincoln-Way West Warriors. “I’m feeling good and things are fine,” said Bill, 67. “There is no cure, but I will keep coaching.”
“It came out of nowhere. They came into the house with their sleeves rolled up. We’re not a tattoo family, but it was pretty cool,” Bill shared, expressing surprise at their gesture.
The family is navigating the emotional impact of Alzheimer’s, which has led to moments of forgetfulness for Bill. Molly noted, “He can remember every player’s name that he has coached, but sometimes he asks a question and two minutes later asks the same question.” This highlights the day-to-day challenges they face together.
Molly, who is committed to playing Division I softball at Valparaiso, emphasized the importance of quality time with her father. “We will write out stuff so he remembers. I want to spend as much quality time as I can with him now,” she said. The girls’ basketball season kicks off on Monday, and Bill is eager to watch Molly compete.
Lincoln-Way West’s head coach, Ryan White, acknowledged the emotional weight on the Finn family. “Molly is very mature. They are a basketball family, so I feel like basketball is going to bring them together,” he stated. “They are looking forward to the season, and I hope it will be a positive thing for all of them.”
As the season approaches, the Finn family’s bond strengthens through basketball, a sport that has always united them. Molly’s tribute tattoo serves as a reminder of their shared love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Bill remains optimistic, saying, “It is what it is. They did a little tribute to myself.” Molly added with a smile, “He thinks it’s funny. He said because the tattoo is there, I’ll shoot better.”
This emotional story not only showcases the strength of a family facing adversity but also highlights the powerful connections that sports can foster in difficult times. As the Finn family steps into the new basketball season, their shared commitment to one another remains stronger than ever.
