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 Miami, FL – Patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center celebrated the Miami HEAT’s quest for another NBA Championship during a watch party on June 19.
The kids and their families watched a replay of Game 6 against the San Antonio Spurs – a game that resulted in a nail-biting overtime victory for the HEAT.
The Miami HEAT donated shirts, caps, bracelets, pencils and yearbooks for the kids to enjoy. But the best treat was when HEAT forward James Jones stopped in for a surprise visit.
“It was so cool to meet No. 22, James Jones,” said Holtz patient and HEAT fan, Francisco Diaz.
Jones said he was happy to take a break from practice to come visit the young fans.
“It’s still a game and this is life,” he said. “I enjoy interacting with kids and families because without them, my profession wouldn’t exist. And more important, I’m a citizen of Miami and we’re one big community. It means a lot to the kids for us to be here and it means a lot to the families – that’s what this is about.”
Jones posed for photos with the kids and their families and signed dozens of autographs.
The event gave the patients an opportunity to leave their rooms and take part in a fun activity. They made HEAT signs and colored pictures with the team’s logo.
“Our patients were able to forget that they were in the hospital and have fun and socialize,” said Jenny Justice, a Holtz child life specialist. “This was a good stress reliever for them and their families.”
Donning a HEAT shirt and hat, 12-year-old Raymond Jimenez said he enjoyed watching the game and meeting one of the players.
It was a nice break for his mother, Elsie Jimenez, too.
“There are no words to describe how thankful I am,” she said. “What the hospital is doing for these kids is phenomenal. They’ll never forget this day.”
And as for Game 7, Thursday night, the patients said they definitely wouldn’t miss it.
“Win or lose, the HEAT are still champions,” Raymond said. “But I know they’re going to win.”
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