Nelens Noel Kentucky Derby: Kentucky Star Escorts 7-Year-Old Leukemia Patient To Kentucky Derby

Kentucky freshman star and probable NBA first round draft pick Nerlens Noel endeared himself  to the masses over the weekend by accompanying 7-year-old leukemia patient, Kelly Melton, to the Kentucky Derby.

Noel, still currently rehabbing from a torn ACL injury he suffered just before the end of the season, took time from his busy rehab schedule to take in all the festivities with his new buddy Melton. He got to know young Melton during his frequent visits to Kentucky Children’s Hospital and extended his invitation after Kelly was recently released from yet another hospital stay.

“He struggles with leukemia and he’s been in the hospital for a while, Noel told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “He just got out the other day so I invited him here to come experience this with me. It’s my first and it’s his first so it’s a great opportunity for us to come out here and enjoy it.”

Noel is one of several Kentucky athletes who have gotten to know the youngster over the course of the last seven months, as he has struggled with intense chemotherapy treatments. New Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops has also made frequent visits, recently inviting Melton to the Wildcats' spring game and awarding him the game ball in the locker room afterward.

"I really admire that kid," said Noel said. "He's a very strong kid. Through everything he has been through, that's something I really look up to. He’s really got a great personality… I love that kid like he's my little brother."

 

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