On March 26, Harlem Globetrotter Orlando “El Gato” Melendez visited with children at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Children in the early intervention, pediatric feeding and severe behavior programs met with Melendez, the first and only Puerto Rican-born player to ever play for the Harlem Globetrotters.
See a photo album of El Gato’s visit
Melendez met with children as part of the Globetrotters Smile Patrol, its hospital community outreach program designed to brighten the day and lift the spirits of very special fans unable to attend a Globetrotters game.
Melendez also handed out autographed basketballs to the children.
Meledez told MMI staff that he has two daughters, one of whom is on the spectrum. He said he was glad for the invitation to come to MMI.
“It was inspiring to see El Gato with the children,” said Melonie Welsh, director of community engagement for MMI. “It is easy to see how much he enjoyed interacting with them. We were very happy to host EL Gato, and we appreciate he and the Harlem Globetrotters making this such a special day for our MMI families.”