In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the Boston Celtics community, the team issued an urgent and desperate call to action on Monday after revealing a devastating health diagnosis for one of their legendary figures. Dr. Ed Lacerte, the iconic former head athletic trainer who dedicated decades to the franchise and even played a pivotal role in the United States’ historic “Dream Team,” has been diagnosed with Leukemia.
Dr. Ed Lacerte (pictured right), the former head athletic trainer for the Celtics, has been diagnosed with Leukemia, the team announced
The Celtics organization shared the heartbreaking news via social media, explaining that medical experts have recommended a life-saving blood stem cell transplant for Lacerte. With time of the essence, the team is rallying fans worldwide to join the National Marrow Donor Program’s registry in hopes of finding a match that could save his life—and potentially countless others.
Lacerte’s storied career with the Celtics spanned an impressive 30 years, serving as Head Athletic Trainer & Physical Therapist from 1987 to 2017. During his tenure, he was the unsung hero behind the scenes, expertly managing injuries and ensuring superstars like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and Isaiah Thomas could take the court night after night, contributing to the team’s enduring success.
His impact extended far beyond Boston. Lacerte was a key member of the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s basketball team at the 1992 Olympics—the legendary “Dream Team” that redefined the sport on the global stage. Additionally, he served as the athletic trainer for three NBA All-Star Games in 1998, 2000, and 2015, cementing his reputation as a pillar of the basketball world.
To amplify awareness and drive support for Lacerte’s fight, the Celtics are turning Monday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons into a powerful statement. Players will don special shooting shirts emblazoned with the poignant message “20 seconds could save a life” on the front and “Lacerte” on the back, urging everyone to register as donors in a process that takes mere moments but could change everything.
Lacerte’s contributions have been widely recognized throughout his career. He earned the prestigious Joe O’Toole NBA Athletic Trainer of the Year award three times—in 1998, 2000, and 2015. In 2019, he became the inaugural recipient of the Ed Lacerte Service Award, honoring his unwavering dedication and support to the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA).
This isn’t just about basketball; it’s a reminder that heroes like Lacerte, who have given so much to the game, now need the community’s help in their toughest battle yet. The Celtics’ immediate campaign underscores the fragility of life and the power of collective action. Fans are encouraged to act now—sign up today and be the match that turns heartbreak into hope. More than a game, indeed.