James Harden Assists a Michigan State University Student Paralyzed in a Campus Shooting

On February 13, a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, killing three students and critically injuring five more.

A student who was critically injured when a gunman opened fire on Michigan State University’s campus was surprised by his favorite basketball player.

John Hao, paralyzed from the chest down in the shooting, was one of five students critically injure in the attack on February 13.

In a GoFundMe campaign set up on his behalf, his roommate Argent Qian explained. That after being shot in the back during the shooting, “the bullet sever John’s spinal cord (t7-t8) and critically injure his lungs.”

When Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden learn that he is Hao’s favorite basketball player due. What his roommate wrote in the campaign description, he reached out to assist Hao.

“Be strong; everything will work out. You’re alright. “You’ll be fine, I promise you,” Harden is heard telling Hao during a Facetime call share by the two in a video obtained by ESPN.

“I love when you’re smiling, too,” Harden, 33, said during the call. I love it when you smile, okay? Agree with you. I know it isn’t easy, but you must maintain your physical strength. You have to think positively and keep pushing and fighting.

When asked about his phone call with Hao after Thursday’s game. He told ESPN that he wanted to help because there are things “bigger than basketball.”

“I feel like I’m here to encourage and rub off this energy that I have and give him hope,” he continued.

“And that is why I have this platform. Hopefully, he will recover and bounce back sooner rather than later, but I gave him my phone number so that he can call me if he ever needs anything, and I will check up on him.”