New York Knicks Superstar Carmelo Anthony Gives Cancer-Stricken Teenager a New Kia
The Lara family could not have asked for a better Christmas surprise
On Christmas Day, teenager Jarell Lara had an amazing time at Madison Square Garden. That night, the Knicks were set to face off against the Celtics. But in the basement of the Garden, before the game, a surprise was waiting for Jarell.
Knicks superstar forward Carmelo Anthony – along with his Carmelo Anthony Foundation, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and Kia – presented Jarell and his family with a brand new Kia vehicle. From the video that was posted, it looks like ‘Melo managed to snag the Lara family a gray 2017 Kia Sorento.
Jarell, who suffers from a rare form of cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis, previously completed 18 months of chemotherapy and is an avid fan of the Knicks. His parents have had to work incredibly hard and switch jobs in order to care for their son and cover medical expenses. This holiday gift was just what the Lara family needed to lift their spirits.
Carmelo Anthony surprises the Lara family with their new Kia
“I thought someone was punking me,” Jarell told MSGNetworks.com after he saw the vehicle sitting on the loading dock ramp in the basement of the MSG. “It hasn’t sunk in. It’s a blessing from God. There are so many people [that] Carmelo Anthony can help, and he chose to help me. It’s the greatest Christmas you could ask for.”
Anthony and other Knicks players had recently taken the Lara family, along with others in need, on a shopping spree for the holidays. Jarell had already met Carmelo through the Make-A-Wish foundation about a year ago and has always been fond of the philanthropic player.
Jarell checks out his brand new ride
“This is bigger than sports, this is bigger than basketball,” Anthony said moments after presenting the new vehicle. “Two wonderful foundations coming together, making a family happy, making a dream come true. Giving them a day of happiness. The family, as you can see, the mom is still crying. It’s a bit of a surprise. They had no idea it was coming, but I’m happy that I was able to kind of make this happen.”
Check out the heartwarming occasion in the video below.
Source: ESPN
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