Lonzo Ball, the star guard for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, recently visited with Alex Reinhardt’s family. Alex, a 20-year-old from Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, was the donor of the tissue used in the now-famous Lonzo knee cartilage transplant. This emotional encounter took place near the Bulls’ bench before a game, highlighting the deep connections formed through organ and tissue donation.
Ball underwent a meniscus and cartilage transplant on his left knee in March 2023. The surgery came after numerous failed attempts to recover from an injury he received in the 2021-22 NBA season. Even with all of the above, he’s fought his way back to appear in 35 games this year and counting. Because right now, though, he is on the shelf with a right wrist sprain.
The Reinhardt family had no idea that Ball wanted to meet them until they got a call from the donor network saying he wanted to invite them. They were so appreciative for the chance to meet someone who was helped by Alex’s gift.
Angie Reinhardt, Alex’s mom, remembered her son as a kid who “just wanted to do everything quick.” She painted a beautiful picture of her son’s love of skiing and tubing. His creativity and joyful spirit came across in everything he did, even at a young age.
“To be able to keep helping people after his death really feels like a blessing to all of us.” – Angie Reinhardt
The symbolic importance of this gathering was not lost on the Reinhardt clan. Angie stated, “It’s been extremely emotional. So much happiness comes with it, too. All of the people that are donor recipients of Alex’s, we’re just blessed. We’ve had mothers from some people that have said things. Now we get to meet Lonzo. It’s just a blessing to be able to watch people do well with their knees or anything because of Alex. Of course, we wish he was here.”
This beautiful gathering was a testimony to Alex’s legacy. Perhaps even more important than its fame, it helped to raise awareness about the deep and lasting difference organ and tissue donation can make in the lives of people and families. Sharing in the Reinhardt family’s grief is the knowledge that Alex’s legacy endures. Even in death, after his tragic passing in late February 2023, he is still saving lives.
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