Charlotte boy, 'Lion King' actor battling disease returns to hospital to perform with cast

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A special performance lifted the spirits of patients at Novant's Hemby Children’s Hospital.

The cast of "The Lion King" sang and brought patients special treats on Monday.

[LINK: Info about the Sickle Cell Walk]

Channel 9’s Blaine Tolison spoke with a cast member who used to be a patient at Hemby Children's Hospital about the message of hope he delivered.

The stage at the children's hospital is much smaller than what the cast of "The Lion King" is used to, but they impacted the lives of children trying to get better in a big way.

The talented cast on tour in Charlotte took a break from the bright lights and brightened spirits.

[IMAGES: Lion King cast visits children's hospital]

Cast members shared The Lion King's iconic opening theme for kids and parents in need of a good pick me up.

The cast includes Charlotte native Ramon Reed, who plays Simba on Broadway's Lion King in New York, but requested to sing in front of a home crowd this week.

Reed spoke with Channel 9 over a week ago about overcoming sickle cell to pursue his passion for performing.

"That spotlight outshines his disability, his sickness, his challenges," said Reed’s father, Rueben Moore.

Ramon and his mom spent time at Hemby Children’s Hospital, but instead of getting treatment, Ramon gave hope.

"If I can do it, you all can do it and maybe do it better," said Reed.

Reed's doctor watched the performance with joy.

"When you're sick and you have a disease like sickle cell that can come anytime, to see someone performing and performing at the top level. It's just inspirational," said Dr. Paulette Bryant.

All the children at the hospital also received Lion King gift bags from the cast members.

"The Lion King" will be in Charlotte until Sunday.

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