NICU babies rock Cavs gear to support Cleveland in playoffs

By Ben Barry

Tiny patients in a neonatal intensive care unit have donned Cleveland Cavaliers outfits as the team came away victorious in a recent NBA playoffs game.

The premature and sick babies — who are in the Cleveland Clinic Children's NICU — got into the spirit on one of sports' biggest nights of the year.

Among the familiar personalities, baby Giovanni is giving Cavs player Jarrett Allen a run for best hair.

Sullivan and Callahan are proudly rocking headbands in twin style, and the beard is strong with Benjamin and his twin sister, Margot, dressed as Moondog.

The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors was pivotal for the Cavaliers, who came away victorious, winning the biggest game of the season yet 125-120.

Cleveland Clinic Children's NICU nurse manager Julie Gamary said: "We're proud to bring a little Cleveland spirit into the NICU.

"Seeing our babies dressed in Cavs-inspired hats and headbands gives families a joyful moment and a shared connection to something the community is cheering for."

For families like Jen and Jesse Shafts, that spark of spirit carried special meaning.

After their son Giovanni spent 17 days in the hospital, Jesse marked the discharge day in the NICU, wearing his Cavs sweatshirt, grateful that their next chapter would be spent at home together.

"We're so thankful for everyone who took care of our baby in the NICU," said Jen Shafts.

"We're Cavs fans, so seeing our baby dressed in team gear was one of those little moments that made us smile."