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.”
