NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans native and award-winning artist, Jon Batiste, visited Children's Hospital Thursday afternoon to promote Be The Match.
Be The Match is a nonprofit that connects patients in need of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants to selfless donors.
Every year, 12,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with life-threatening blood cancers and diseases, according to Be The Match.
For Batiste, it's personal. His wife, Suleika Jaouad, was diagnosed with leukemia and needed two bone marrow transplants.
Their journey is shared in the documentary "American Symphony" which is streaming now on Netflix. The film has already captured an Emmy and is Oscar nominated.
New Orleans Film Society members were invited to a premiere of the film at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday evening.
But before the premiere, Batiste made a special visit to Children's Hospital. The musician played keyboard and melodica with the patients.
Including, 6-year-old Emmett from Marrero. Emmett came to Children's in August after receiving abnormal bloodwork.
“The diagnosis, which is acute myeloid leukemia," Emmett's mom, Joycelyn Richards, said, “He needs a bone marrow transplant.”
Emmett has been waiting on his match for months.
“It would be a blessing to have more people," Richards said.
Richards said Batiste's visit meant a lot to the family.
“He’s in our shoes. He knows what we’re going through, and it’s beautiful to see him put smiles on all the kids faces," Richards said.
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