No matter what sport you play or what level you compete at, bringing a smile to a child’s face is simply unforgettable – especially when that child is in the hospital. Each year, millions of children are hospitalized in the US and in Canada, with studies showing that these children experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than those non-hospitalized.
It’s for these reasons that we started our Hospital Heroes program and why it’s one of the most popular ways for athletes to get involved, give back and feel connected to the communities they live in, or play in!
Throughout the year many of our AFH Athletes participate in hospital visits nationwide, bringing joy to children who need it the most. In our Hospital Heroes spring roundup, we’re highlighting a few of those athlete visits below!
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (OLOL) is a favorite place for AFH University student-athletes at LSU and Southern to visit. From signing autographs and having the opportunity to visit patients in rooms to hosting virtual trivia in the activities room and more, student-athletes always have the best time visiting with their friends at OLOL.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
Earlier this year LSU baseball made a visit to OLOL where they visited with patients, handed out and autographed baseballs and ended their trip by hosting trivia in the activities room. A special shoutout to LSU baseball players Griffin Herring, Brady Neal, Chase Shores and Jared Jones who took time out of their busy spring season prep to spread smiles!
Southern University
Every week different student-athletes from various Southern University teams spend their time at OLOL Children’s Hospital. Through these frequent visits, the student-athletes are able to create meaningful connections that the patients can look forward to each week! From room visits and hosting trivia in the activities room to handing out school swag and more, the student-athletes at Southern are making sure to leave a lasting impact in their community.
During their latest visit, members of the Southern soccer and Southern golf team visited OLOL Children’s Hospital to help host trivia in the activities room and share a few smiles with patients who were able to leave their rooms.
Rady Children’s Hospital
Located in San Diego, California, Rady’s Children’s Hospital is another place where AFH Athletes visit both virtually and in person. At the end of March patients at Rady’s Children’s Hospital had a surprise visit from brothers and San Diego natives Cameron Thomas of the Arizona Cardinals and Zach Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams.
The Thomas brothers spent the day surprising patients in their rooms where they handed out autographed mini footballs, spent time talking with the patients and their families, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
We are so grateful for each of our AFH Athletes who are helping to create moments that matter for children in hospitals nationwide. If you are an athlete who would like to be involved with our Hospital Heroes program, please connect with us here.
