FRESNO, Calif. – Valley Children’s patients and their families enjoyed a memorable Valentine’s evening at the Fresno State men’s basketball game earlier this month, where the Epilepsy Support Program received special on‑court recognition.
The outing gave patients, families and care teams a chance to connect outside the hospital. The group included children who recently underwent neurosurgery, those preparing for surgery and patients being evaluated for future intervention.
“Our goal was to create a meaningful, supportive moment for families navigating complex care,” said Madison Skillin, Epilepsy Support Program coordinator at Valley Children’s. “Seeing the joy on their faces and the sense of belonging they felt made every bit of planning worth it.”
RELATED: Bulldog Basketball Team Brings Holiday Cheer to Patients at Valley Children’s
Christopher, an epilepsy patient who attended the game, said the opportunity to take the court left a lasting impression.
“For a moment I looked at the court and thought, that could be me one day,” he said. “I thank the Epilepsy Support Program for everything they did for us. It made us the cool kids in the building.”
The collaboration with Fresno State not only celebrated patients and families, but also elevated epilepsy awareness and reinforced the sense of community central to the program’s mission.
The team defeated Air Force, 93-63.
