Halftime Heroes: How Duke Basketball Gives Courage a Court at Cameron Indoor
In the high-stakes world of Duke basketball, filled with buzzer-beaters and national rankings, there’s a quieter story unfolding behind the scenes—one that speaks to the soul of the program.
At the heart of Cameron Indoor Stadium, during lulls in game play, something remarkable happens: spotlighted in midcourt, wearing the jersey of a Blue Devil for just a moment, is a “kid captain.” These are brave young patients from Duke Children’s Hospital—kids facing leukemia, brain tumors, blindness, and other serious medical battles
They don’t get the final buzzer. They get something more: the whole stadium cheering for them.
A Moment of Sunshine in Silent Battles
During a timeout at a recent Duke-UNC game, 10-year-old Samantha DiMartino—who has bravely fought an inoperable brain tumor—stepped onto the court. The silence gave way to a swell of cheers that filled Cameron night after night
Another night, Harper Harrell—a survivor marking the end of 800+ days of chemotherapy—rung the victory bell while fans stayed on their feet, chanting her name and offering hope louder than any scoreboard could
Richard “Row” Giguere, blind from rare genetic disorder, followed his own timeout walk—each step greeted with applause until the court echoed with love from all sides
Not Just a Ceremony — A Life-Changing Gesture
For these kids and their families, being a Duke “kid captain” isn’t just ceremonial—it’s transformative. You can see it in their smiles, their courage, their strength when the crowd roars back for them, not just for a basketball game.
Marcelle Scheyer, creator of the Kid Captain program and wife of Coach Jon Scheyer, explained its purpose: “The players may be inspiring to these kids… but they’re just as inspiring to us and our team”
For moments like these, the sheer joy, relief, and community support become part of the psychology of the team—and the healing of these young warriors.
Athletes Healed by Witnessing True Courage
It’s not only the kid captains who benefit. Duke’s players speak candidly about how these children, facing real battles, give perspective, humility, and emotional fortitude to the team’s mindset.
“As a kid sits at center court, fully seen by Cameron crazies, It’s impossible not to feel the gravity—and beauty—of the moment,” said one player after the experience .
A Story Beyond Scores and Stats
In a program that prides itself on banners and NBA prospects, this story reminds us of a deeper purpose:
The roar of 10,000 fans can mean more to one courageous child than three-pointer after three-pointer.
Cameron Indoor Stadium becomes more than a court—it becomes a beacon of love, unity, and healing.
And what may go unnoticed in national news becomes a powerful local legacy.
Why This Story Speaks—and Inspires
This is the side of Duke basketball that leagues and networks don’t always show. It’s not measured in points but in courage, not in wins but in healing.
That’s why this is the untold story people will love—a reminder that greatness isn’t just in championships. It’s in generosity, compassion, and the courage to shine for others, even in quiet moments.
