Mavs’ Luka Doncic sends letters, Jordans and pizza to Children’s Health patients in Dallas and Plano

Before the Mavericks announced their 2021-22 NBA season on Thursday night in Atlanta, Luka Doncic had one last job off the field in Dallas.

This week, Doncic surprised patients admitted to Children’s Health in Dallas and Plano with special gifts to cheer them up. To protect the health and safety of the patients cared for at Children’s Health, Doncic arranged for members of the Children’s Health team to deliver a bag of surprises to 80 patients on Tuesday.

“I really wish I had been there to meet and talk to the kids, but hopefully this surprise put a smile on their faces and encourage them to stay strong,” Doncic said in a press release.

“I just want all the kids and parents to know I’m thinking of them!”

Heartwarming idea from @luka7doncic.

Luka surprised 80 patients at Children’s Health today with a pair of Jordans, a Jordan drawstring bag, hoodie and socks, a letter and autographed photo & pizza with pepperoni designed in 77s.

Sweet photos (via Children’s Health) of some of the reactions. pic.twitter.com/8NgaKmKSJZ

— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) October 20, 2021

Each patient admitted to the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health received a pair of Jordan sneakers, a Jordan drawstring bag, hoodie, and socks, as well as a letter from Luka and an autographed photo.

Each delivery also included crayons and a “Luka & Bobi” coloring book, depicting the animated relationship between Doncic and downtown Dallas Boban Marjanovic.

In addition, individual pizzas — with the number 77 written in pepperoni — were given to each patient and his family. (Pizzas were custom-made to meet each child’s preferences and dietary specifications.) Pizzas were also provided to nurses and other staff who worked on the floors and assisted with deliveries.

“Luka’s generous donation to Children’s Health for the patients in our Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has been fantastic,” said Brent Christopher, president of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

“These patients on both our Dallas and Plano campuses are fighting hard against their illnesses and often require long hospital stays. That means you’re missing out on many of the child’s everyday joys. Receiving these items from Luka brought a big smile to the faces of our patients.”

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