As the Michigan State community slowly recovers from the on-campus shooting that killed three people and wounded five others on Feb. 13, one of the victims who suffered severe injuries received a warm message from one of his favorite athletes: James Harden.
When the 76ers star learned that 20-year-old John Hao—who suffered injuries that have left him paralyzed from the chest down—was a fan of his, he made sure to send Hao a gift package that included new shoes. He also took the time to video call Hao in the hospital, offering words of support and encouraging him to stay strong.
“Everything will work itself out. Just be strong,” Harden told Hao over the phone. “You’re all right. You’ll be all right. I promise you are.”
An emotional Hao appeared moved by the gesture, with Harden saying he was happy to see Hao smiling. Harden also told ESPN’s Malika Andrews that he gave Hao his phone number and planned to reach out again in the future, and that he hoped Hao would be able to come to a 76ers game sometime after his release from the hospital.
