Sometimes something as simple as a kind word, a smile or a note can do wonders. These simple acts can lift spirits and become lasting memories.

On Thursday afternoon, five Charlotte Bobcats players dropped by Presbyterian Hospital armed with words of encouragement, smiles and get well cards. Their goal was to brighten the day of the patients at the hospital.

The visit was the culminating event of the team’s “Get Well Soon” activities. With the Bobcats roster having been ravaged by injuries, the team wanted to not only thank its fans for their support but to also give back to others who are struggling with illness and injuries of their own.

To get the ball rolling, fans were encouraged to bring blank get well cards to Wednesday’s game against Atlanta. Injured Bobcats players, Emeka Okafor, Gerald Wallace, Keith Bogans and Sean May along with Kevin Burleson then took these cards with them as they headed to the hospital.

Once at the hospital, Wallace, May and Burleson headed to the Hemby Children’s Hospital while Okafor and Bogans visited the oncology ward.

The arrival of the players seemed to bring a little extra energy to the Hemby Children’s Hospital as the children anxiously poked their heads from doorways and eagerly anticipated the players’ stop in their room.

As the players went from room to room, they signed the get well cards and delivered them to the children, stopping to talk as well as to take photographs.

“Anytime you’re in the hospital and you’re not feeling well, you’re spirits are down,” said May. “Our main goal is to try to come in and raise those spirits and just try to bring some joy to their faces.”

The goal was accomplished with resounding success as grins stretched from ear to ear.

“This was great -- just the excitement in the unit,” said Pat Campbell, Presbyterian Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer. “You could sense it just walking on the unit. To see kids earlier today, kind of down in the dumps about their illness and then, this afternoon to see smiles on their faces, to see them running out in the hall and to their door to get prepared for the players to come, it’s just incredible.”

One patient whose day was a little brighter because of the visit was Stephanie Moore. In the hospital since Sunday, she couldn’t contain her excitement as the players dropped by her room. In addition to autographs, she also received a hug from each of the players.

“That was awesome,” she said. “That was very cool to get their autographs. I gave them all a hug too. That definitely made my day and I think that it was very nice of them to come in and give all of us cards.”

There were many more stories just like Stephanie’s as the players traversed the halls of the unit.

“To have professional basketball here in Charlotte and have them come and spend their time at the Hemby Children’s Hospital says so much about the individual players,” said Campbell. “You could just tell that they had a sincere interest in the kids and making a difference in their life today.”

“Any chance you get to help kids is a great experience,” said Burleson who was making his second visit to the hospital. “If we can come in and get just one smile that’s a great accomplishment for us.”

Burleson not only got smiles but a kiss blown his way.

“He was crying because he saw Rufus,” Burleson explained about one of the littlest patients. “I tried to blow a kiss to him. My brother has a kid and that’s what I do with him all the time. I got a kiss back so that was great.”

Seeing kids in these circumstances also helped the players forget their own struggles and give thanks for what they have been given.

“It makes you more humble,” said May. “It makes you appreciate what you have.”