Harlem Globetrotters surprise boy with rare disease, make his day
Mar 21, 2018, 7:00 AM
Ethan is 10-years-old and has undergone over 30 surgeries due to a rare disease.
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 20, 2018
The Harlem Globetrotters heard his story and gave Ethan a surprise visit for his birthday (via @Globies) pic.twitter.com/iHBaT0W7Ip
The Harlem Globetrotters are known for their high-flying routines and their can’t-miss baskets, but they took it a step further, surprising 10-year-old Ethan, who suffers from a rare disease, while he was at school.
Zeus McClurkin showed up to the Prescott, Wis. school like he was ready to play a game against the Generals, but instead led an assembly for the school before pointing out Ethan, who had recently just celebrated his birthday, in the crowd and had him join him at midcourt.
The Globetrotters first heard of Ethan and his story from someone in the Wildwood, NJ. area, where Ethan was sworn in as an honorary officer.
The 10-year-old has gone through more than 30 surgeries for a condition called ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia, a disease that affects his eyesight and limbs.
That didn’t stop Ethan from jumping right in though.
Not only was he presented with a new Globetrotters “Big Easy” jersey, a basketball and tickets to an upcoming game for his special day, but he also got to show off his skills, spinning a basketball on his finger like the Globetrotters do — with a little help from McClurkin.
But that wasn’t all.
Ethan — who can be heard laughing throughout the video — also dished out assists left and right for McClurkin to slam home and to top it off was even given his very own police officer’s uniform to make his crime-fighting duties more official.
“Dear officer Ethan, on behalf of the Wildwood Police Department and Lunch with Lynch Foundation, we would like to present you with a very special gift. On July 14, 2017, you were sworn in as Wildwood K-9 police officer,” a letter to Ethan from the police department read.
“We’re very proud to have you as a member of our department and you’re a true example of all the characteristics, traits and qualities that it takes to be a police officer and most importantly show compassion and respect to others.”
The special moment came to a close with Ethan, and his infectious smile, and members from his school taking pictures with McClurkin.
