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Miami HEAT Players Spread Joy, Holiday Cheer at Baptist Children's Hospital (VIDEO)

A holiday hospital stay was made a lot brighter for several children when Miami HEAT players visited them at Baptist Children’s Hospital.

Video by Steve Pipho

With armfuls of presents, Miami HEAT forwards Justise Winslow and James Johnson, point guard Tyler Johnson and shooting guard Dion Waiters surprised nearly two dozen sick children hospitalized for various ailments.

The players were joined by team mascot “Burnie,” dancers and representatives from FedEx who helped transport the gifts to the hospital.

“We’re here giving out gifts, but it’s really about them,” Justise Winslow said. “We’re trying to bring a smile to their face and brighten their day.”

The players shook hands, gave hugs and posed for pictures with patients and their families during the visit that spanned three areas of the children’s hospital. Basketballs, video games and Miami HEAT themed bicycles were among the presents with which they surprised the children. They also gave the young patients team memorabilia, such as t-shirts, bags and posters.

“It was definitely a morale booster, bringing in some Christmas spirit,” said 16-year old patient Brennan Honey. “It sidetracked me and maybe some of the kids from it being a downer to be in the hospital.”

The Baptist Health News Team was there to capture the surprise Miami HEAT visit. Watch the video now to see the smiles brought to the children’s faces.

Healthcare that Cares

With internationally renowned centers of excellence, 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Baptist Health is an anchor institution of the South Florida communities we serve.

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