Nerlens Noel, who is too young to legally enjoy a mint julep, was at the Kentucky Derby yesterday. The soon-to-be lottery pick had a special guest with him — Kelly Melton, a 7-year-old with leukemia currently fighting at University of Kentucky’s Children’s Hospital. Red carpet photographers definitely earned their keep by getting both of them in the same shot.

Kelly was crucial in getting the party to Churchill Downs on time by serving as a human alarm clock.

Pretty heartwarming stuff right there.

[Photo via Getty Images]

Kelly just went to wake Nerlens Noel up! saying “come on get ready!” twitter.com/Kickinit4Kelly…

— Kickin it 4 Kelly (@Kickinit4Kelly) May 4, 2013