Jayson Tatum may not be lighting up the court on Christmas Day this year - a rare break in tradition for the Boston Celtics - but that hasn’t stopped him from making an impact where it matters most. Off the hardwood, the All-NBA forward is continuing a tradition of a different kind: bringing joy and support to children facing serious medical challenges.
Recently, Tatum spent time with three Massachusetts sisters - Emmie (16), Rosie (15), and Frannie Mooty (12) - who all receive monthly blood transfusions at Boston Children’s Hospital to manage a rare blood disorder. The visit was part of his ongoing commitment to the hospital, and it wasn’t just a quick photo op. Tatum’s connection to BCH runs deep, and this meet-and-greet was another chapter in a relationship that’s been growing since his rookie year.
The encounter was followed by a special VIP experience at the Celtics' Dec. 22 home game against the Indiana Pacers. Thanks to a partnership between Amica Insurance, the Celtics, and Boston Children’s Hospital, the Mooty sisters were treated to a night they won’t soon forget - a front-row seat to the team they love and a chance to see their favorite player in action.
“Ever since he was a rookie, Jayson’s never missed a hospital visit,” said Michael Bornhorst, Vice President of Corporate Development, Leadership Giving and Special Events at BCH. “Whether visiting with the Celtics or on his own, Jayson has made personal connections with our patients and been a wonderful role model.”
That kind of consistency speaks volumes. In a league where schedules are packed and off-days are few, Tatum’s commitment to showing up - not just once, but year after year - is a testament to the kind of leader he is both on and off the court.
Amica president and CEO Ted Sharecross echoed that sentiment, saying, “We’re honored to be a part of bringing joy into the lives of children like the Mooty sisters through our partnerships with Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Like the extraordinary medical team at BCH, we’re committed to the compassionate care of those we serve.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the stats, the standings, and the highlight reels - especially this time of year. But moments like this remind us that the game has a reach far beyond the arena.
For Jayson Tatum, it’s not just about buckets and banners. It’s about being present, being human, and using his platform to lift others.
And while the Celtics may be off the Christmas Day slate this season, their star forward is still very much in the spirit - showing that sometimes, the most important assists don’t happen on the court.