Hem/Onc News
Nate Thurmond
Nate Thurmond
Baskeball great, Nate Thurmond, visits Rainbow
On October 8, 2007, Malcolm Hills, a pediatric oncology patient at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, received a special visit from Mr. Nate Thurmond. 

Malcolm & Nate ThurmondNate Thurmond, one of the all time great professional basketball players of our time, was greeted at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital by Melissa Najda RN, Sante Ghetti, Dr. Chad Jacobsen, and Dr. John Letterio, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology.

Malcolm, a huge basketball fan, was more than excited to meet the NBA legend.  They traded basketball stories and Malcolm even received an autographed basketball from “Nate the Great” himself.  

Mr. Thurmond would later say the visit, “was as enjoyable for him as it was for Malcolm.”  It was truly a memorable experience for Malcolm and a thrill for all! 

After playing center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls, Nate returned to Cleveland during the 1975-1976 season to play with the Cavaliers.  In what Clevelanders undoubtedly remember as the “Miracle of Richfield”, the Cavaliers won the central division title and reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  Cleveland and Golden State’s franchises retired Nate Thurmond’s number and he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.

If you’re ever in San Francisco, be sure to stop by “Big Nate’s Barbecue”, Nate Thurmond’s restaurant.  Not only will you not go home hungry, but you’ll be sure to see Malcolm’s picture there amongst all the other NBA greats.