Kimberly Hiddleston began her tribute by arranging three basketballs in her front yard, a simple yet powerful reminder of her son Stone, who was a devoted fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder and dreamed of playing professional basketball. Stone passed away at the age of 31 in 2025, just three days after the Thunder's championship parade.
A Memorial Takes Root
The memorial quickly grew beyond her property, spreading to 5,000 basketballs placed throughout the neighborhood. With the help of the nonprofit Cleats for Kids, 250 of those balls were donated to Tulsa Public Schools, a partnership highlighted by Emily Stone, the organization’s statewide manager.
Nathan Hale senior Kedaar Cole, who credits basketball with steering him away from trouble, has joined the movement, underscoring how the sport can provide purpose and direction for young people in need.
Funding the Future
Stone’s Thunder Balls, the foundation founded by Hiddleston, has raised $30,000 in just two weeks and plans to purchase 20,000 basketballs for the start of the playoffs — a date that also marks Stone’s birthday — aiming to expand the initiative nationwide.
Hiddleston says the outpouring of support has been instrumental in raising awareness, and she hopes the project will prevent other families from experiencing similar loss while keeping Stone’s name alive in the community.