If you want to hear one of the most heart-felt national anthems ever, you have to see this!

Sixteen-year old Marlana VanHoose sang the national anthem for the UK vs Ole Miss women’s basketball game and it was a performance to remember. Marlana’s voice is powerful and rings out as she sings the words of the Star Spangled Banner.

The young lady was born blind with Cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus or CMV is a common virus that can affect anyone according to Mayo Clinic. Although many people with the virus may not show any symptoms, once affected it stays in your body for life.

Babies with congenital CMV who are sick at birth tend to be very sick. Signs and symptoms include, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), purple skin splotches or a rash, or both, low birth weight, enlarged spleen, enlarged and poorly functioning liver, pneumonia and seizures.

CMV is related to the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex, and mononucleosis. Although this virus will remain in Marlana for life, it has not stopped her ability to showcase her extraordinary talent. She was never expected to live past the age of one, and at two she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. With such significant challenges, she perseveres.

Marlana has sung all over the United States at various events and churches. Her will and love for God supports her through it all. Marlana is a member of the Artist Music Guild where she was the 2012 recipient for New Artist of the Year and Young Artist of the Year.

Before tipoff, UK women’s head coach Matthew Mitchell told Marlana, her rendition of the anthem was extremely moving. She is living proof that hurdles do not equate defeat.

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