“How James Harden’s visit to Michigan State shooting victim highlights the power of athletes as agents of change”

James Harden, the star guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, made a heartwarming gesture during a playoff victory against the Celtics by offering his game shoes and dedicating the win to his FaceTime friend, John Hao, a paralyzed Michigan State shooting survivor. The Philadelphia 76ers won in an overtime victory, with Harden scoring a total of 42 points and then waving over John Hao to give him his signed shoes. This gesture was made all the more meaningful because of the long-distance bond that Hao had already developed with Harden after the athlete had donated sneakers, money, and encouraging replaces to the victim after the shooting.

Hao was paralyzed following a shooting on the East Lansing campus that took place in February 2023, killing three students and injuring five others. Harden had learned that John Hao was a fan of his, following which he called the student to offer support. This phone call was followed by Harden’s promise that Hao could attend one of his games once he had recovered. Hao was invited by Harden to attend a 76ers game once he was available to travel, and he attended Game 4 of the playoffs with his parents, wearing Harden’s No. 1 Sixers jersey.

This support from Harden has meant a lot to John Hao, whose spirits were raised by the athlete’s encouragement. During his conversation with The Associated Press, Hao said that “he [Harden] taught me to keep strong…When I got injured, he read the news about that, he just came to give us all the support we need. I’m so appreciative of that.” This story is a testament to the tremendous impact that an athlete can have with their activism, both on and off the court.

In a world where athletes command a great deal of social power, both through their positions of influence and the platforms they have, it’s inspiring to see an athlete using their power for social good. It’s worth noting that these simple yet impactful gestures from athletes like Harden go a long way in bringing a ray of hope to those who are suffering. This story is not just about an athlete and a shooting victim but also highlights the need to be mentally strong in the face of extreme adversity.

In closing, Harden’s amazing gesture and bond with John Hao serve as a shining example of how a great athlete and change agent truly utilize their platform to create positive change. The power of athlete activism is not just about bringing attention to issues. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives, no matter how small or big. This story teaches us that even a small gesture of encouragement can go a long way, and it’s up to each one of us to find ways to spread love and support to those around us who are facing difficult times.

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