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NBA Star's Carts Bring Joy to Hospital Kids
23 Oct
Summary
- Smart Carts provide games and connectivity for children in hospitals.
- Smart's initiative was inspired by the loss of his older brother.
- The program supplies devices for entertainment and virtual connections.
NBA guard Marcus Smart's childhood experience of losing his older brother, Todd Westbrook, to leukemia in January 2004 profoundly shaped his philanthropic endeavors. Witnessing the impact of cancer on young patients, Smart initiated the "Smart Carts" program through his YounGameChanger Foundation. These mobile units deliver tablets and gaming consoles to children's hospitals, offering entertainment and a vital connection to the outside world.
The Smart Carts serve as a distraction from medical treatments, allowing children to engage in gaming and educational activities. Furthermore, the initiative facilitates video calls, enabling families separated by distance to maintain crucial bonds. This program, supported by partnerships with companies like Lenovo and Walmart, has supplied numerous carts to hospitals, with ongoing efforts to expand its reach.
Beyond the Smart Carts, Smart's foundation actively supports education, mentoring, and STEAM programs for underserved youth. His commitment to bone marrow donor awareness also reflects his personal family history with cancer. Smart's work offers companionship and practical support, aiming to bring moments of normalcy to children facing challenging health battles.
