Mekhi Martin smiles with Robert Williams, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Justin Jackson during the Celtics’ visit to Boston Children’s hospital on Tuesday. (Photo by Brian Babineau)

Mekhi Martin and his dad Kendrick were at T.D. Garden one Sunday night as the Boston Celtics hosted the Orlando Magic. They remember looking at folks sitting courtside, wondering what the experience is like, being that close to some of their favorite players.

“We were like, ‘They’re so up close and personal with them, like we [were wondering] how tall they are,'” Kendrick laughs.

Two days later, by coincidence — or perhaps divine timing — Mekhi and Kendrick got to find out in person.

Mekhi was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital on Monday night from Dana Farber Cancer Institute. When he arrived, he learned there would be a surprise in store the next morning.

“The last time we were told it was a surprise it [was] actually Jayson Tatum’s signature shoes,” Kendrick said. “So we were actually going back and forth, but we didn’t realize it [could be anything] like that again. That was like the ultimate surprise.”  

“And then we get a knock on the door and in walks Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, Derrick White and Justin Jackson.”

Surprise, Mekhi. 

We made a surprise visit yesterday to @BostonChildrens and brought some holiday cheer 💚☘️ pic.twitter.com/NbiSyTiGPC

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 21, 2022

The team visit to Boston Children’s Hospital by the Celtics has been a tradition since 2010 but came to a halt due to COVID-19. For the first time in three years, it’s back in full swing.

Eleven players alongside head coaches split into groups and visited patients room by room. Over 50 patients were seen, which was “a record number of kids.”

“This [year] in particular was a little different than years past due to continued infection control precautions that we have at the hospital and so this one was all bedside visits,” said Katie Devine, associate director of donor relations for the hospital.

One of the 11 players in attendance was Derrick White, who reflected on his time there.

“[The families] were talking to us about how much this helps them and everything, so it makes you feel good that you’re able to help them by just showing up. I mean, it’s pretty simple,” White said. “And I felt pretty changed and moved by everything that I’ve seen so it was a fun experience, and I was thankful we were able to do it and help their days out.” 

Mekhi and Kendrick chatted with the players about the questions they had while looking on at the game versus Orlando.

Tatum said he wanted to wear Mekhi’s jersey for his game versus the Pacers on Wednesday; they got into a height debate between Williams and Tatum.

“When he came in, it looks like Tatum had a couple of inches on him,” Mekhi said.

“I call them superheroes.” Kendrick (right) laughed, “You watch them on TV and you always dream of meeting them, you always dream of meeting Superman.” (Photo by Brian Babineau)

The effects from this visit linger far longer than when the players head out that day. They can provide a boost for weeks, staffers with the hospital said.

“It changed so much for the patients and families that were in the hospital yesterday,” Devine shared. “It brought joy to areas that needed it so much, it brought smiles to kids that haven’t smiled since they’ve been admitted. They heard laughter in areas that you haven’t heard laughter in weeks or months.” 

“It gives energy. It gives light. It gives off hope,” Kendrick said. “It let us know there are people that care, you know. Even if they don’t know you, they care about your situation.

“I just want to thank them. If they don’t know, they should know that they do lift families’ spirits, they lifted our spirit, they definitely lifted Mekhi’s spirit and I hope they continue to do so because it definitely helped us out a whole lot.” 

The Martins are just one of the families who have been impacted by the Celtics’ visit for over a decade, and it’s clear to see why they keep coming back.

It’s a relationship that heals and uplifts both parties and brightens the faces of players and families with the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

“What this visit did was beyond words. It goes beyond what medical care can do because it gets to who we are as humans,” Devine said. “It lifted people in a way that only joy can.”