Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has captured hearts across the nation with a deeply emotional act of generosity. The 24-year-old All-Star guard has donated $5 million to fund the construction of a new pediatric wing at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in honor of his late childhood mentor, Coach Daniel “Coach D” Rivers, who passed away last year from cancer.
Haliburton, a native of Oshkosh, credits Coach D for shaping his early life both on and off the court. The new facility, to be named the Coach D Healing Hearts Wing, will offer specialized care for children battling life-threatening illnesses, with a focus on mental health support, family-centered care, and state-of-the-art pediatric technology.
“He believed in me before anyone else did,” Haliburton said through tears during the press announcement. “This is my way of making sure his love for this community lives on forever.”
The gift is the largest personal donation ever received by the hospital. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, and the wing will feature artwork, jerseys, and messages from Haliburton and Coach D’s former players and students.
Hospital officials, Pacers teammates, and community members praised the gesture as both touching and transformative. Rick Carlisle, Haliburton’s coach in Indiana, called the act “a legacy moment for Tyrese, one that goes far beyond basketball.”
With this heartfelt gift, Haliburton proves once again that his leadership extends well beyond the hardwood — and that even in loss, love can build something powerful and lasting.
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