Harlem Globetrotters Spread Smiles across Lafayette General Medical Center

Harlem Globetrotters Smile Patrol visited patients in the pediatric and oncology units at Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) today, March 25.

Known as the as the Goodwill Ambassadors, the Globetrotters visit hundreds of hospitals throughout the year to bring smiles to patients faces. Buckets Blake #15 performed tricks, posed for photos and even taught a few patients how to spin a basketball on their finger. The one of a kind experience brought smiles to 11 patients and their family members at LGMC, many of which said it made their day.

“Someone of the Globetrotters stature brings an extreme boost in moral to the patients,” says Dr. Mihail Borissov. “Some of these are our most severe patients. Someone of his stature coming up here and visiting to liven their spirits means a lot, not just for the patients but for us as well. We truly appreciate it.”

This is the team’s 90th anniversary. They have started an initiative called the Great Assist, where they are pledging to spread 100 million smiles over the next 10 years with smiles, sportsmanship and service.

“When we visit hospitals we are called the smile patrol, our goal is to get as many smiles out of kids and adults as possible,” says Buckets. “I think I’m at 100 percent today! I made everyone smile. It’s a great feeling to be able to have a job where I can give back while I’m working.”

You can see the Globetrotters when they come to play in Lafayette on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Cajundome. As part of their anniversary season, they will be wearing throwback uniforms with classic sweatbands, wristbands and high socks.