KJ’s Story
When KJ’s mom, Gretta, was only three months pregnant, doctors’ advised her to consult with a specialist, where they discovered spinal fluid was leaking from KJ’s spinal cord. For thirty two grueling weeks, Gretta, and KJ’s dad, Khary, worried for their unborn son in utero. KJ was born at just 35 weeks via C-section weighing only 3 pounds, with his spinal cord exposed. Shortly thereafter, he received a Spina Bifida diagnosis. After spending just an hour with his first-time mother, Gretta, KJ was immediately transferred to a different hospital and admitted to the NICU at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (“CHOA”).
During his first two months at CHOA, KJ remained in an incubator, lying on his stomach as he grew strong enough for a critical surgery. After his first surgery, KJ was finally able to come home just in time for his first family Thanksgiving.
Though his early years have had challenges, including seizures requiring daily medication and a recent two-month hospital stay due to shunt complications, KJ’s is currently working toward greater mobility and dreams of joining a wheelchair basketball league one day.
A Slam Dunk Surprise
When Landry Fields, General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks, heard about KJ’s story, he knew immediately that he wanted to surprise KJ and his family with an incredible surprise. With the help of the spirited Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders, Landry Fields made an exciting announcement live on The Bert Show – KJ was being signed to a ONE-DAY CONTRACT with the ATLANTA HAWKS! To top it off, KJ received his very own custom Hawks jersey, bringing his parents, Gretta and Khary, to tears of joy.
But the surprises didn’t stop there! Thanks to the kind generosity of ThirdEye Creative Productions, KJ’s experience is being taken to the next level. While the Atlanta Hawks will handle everything on the court, ThirdEye Creative Productions is ensuring KJ and his family have an unforgettable experience off the court. They’ve arranged a fantastic downtown hotel stay at the Signia, along with cash for meals, souvenirs, and transportation – making this dream moment even more memorable. If you play like an athlete, you definitely need to live like one too!
On The Court:
KJ’s Atlanta Hawks VIP experience was a slam dunk! The entire family suited up in Hawks gear – KJ rocking a custom jersey gifted from the team, while his mom, dad, and sister, Khy, sported Trae Young jerseys. Moe Mitchell from The Bert Show and our friends at ThirdEye Creative Productions joined in on the basketball adventure, showering the family with the biggest hugs when they all reunited.
From the moment they arrived at State Farm Arena, they were treated like basketball royalty, entering straight through the VIP player entrance and heading directly to the Hawks’ locker room.
Inside, the Hawks had a surprise waiting, KJ’s very own customized locker complete with a shiny new nameplate reading “KJ Davis” and the number “1”.
KJ and his family then went on a VIP arena tour, where every Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena employee they passed congratulated KJ on his new contract. During the tour, they grabbed some grub to fill their bellies before heading courtside to watch warm-ups.
Next came an unforgettable courtside experience. KJ and his family mingled with Hawks coaches and players, snapping photos and collecting autographs from stars like Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Dominick Barlow. KJ even got to give fist bumps to the team as they prepped for the game!
Just when they thought the night couldn’t get any better, Atlanta legend and Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins surprised them with a special meet-and-greet.
KJ was in awe, glued to the action on the court. Adding to the fun, KJ’s dad even joined in on warm-ups, going all in by planking right on the court!
The excitement didn’t stop there! The Atlanta Hawks held an official press conference, signing KJ to a one-day contract! General Manager Landry Fields proudly introduced KJ to the media, alongside mascot legend Harry the Hawk!
After the press conference, KJ and his family were escorted to their VIP seats in the Delta Club with unbeatable courtside views and all-inclusive food and drinks. During the game, KJ received a special shoutout on the jumbotron, officially welcoming him as the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks for the day. This Atlanta Hawks VIP experience was truly nothing but net!
A special thanks to Jon Babul, Garin Narain, the entire Atlanta Hawks team and ThirdEye Creative Productions for going above and beyond for KJ and his family, both on and off the court! Experiencing an Atlanta Hawks game as an official player for the day was more than just a night of excitement – it was a celebration of KJ’s perseverance, passion, and unstoppable spirit.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the amazingly talented Sarah Esther Photography for capturing such beautiful moments that KJ’s family will cherish forever!
