Patients at Kaiser Permanente meet basketball star DeMarcus Cousins

Young patients at Kaiser Permanente’s Women and Children’s Center in Roseville received holiday gifts from a surprise visitor Saturday – Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.

The star player visited children on the pediatric floor of the center, located on the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center campus, and shot a few hoops on a toy basketball rim in the playroom.

“These kids are going through a hard time right now,” Cousins said. “Just being able to show my face and possibly put a smile on their face can only help.”

Cousins, the leading scorer for the Kings, signed photos of himself, and also autographed banners and mini basketballs, delivering them room to room. He also paused to sign the smooth head of a 15-year-old boy undergoing chemotherapy.

 “A lot of the kids have been here hospitalized for many days, so this really lifts their spirits,” said Chris Palkowski, MD, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente Roseville. “And to see a leading NBA basketball player is going to make their day.”

Kaiser Permanente, the leading health-care organization in Greater Sacramento, is the medical provider for the Kings players.