MADERA, Calif. – This week, the halls of Valley Children’s Hospital echoed with the sounds of high-fives, laughter, and the occasional spirited cheer of “Go ’Dogs!”
Seventeen freshman football players from Fresno State visited patients at the hospital on Wednesday as part of the university’s summer bridge program, which helps student-athletes transition from high school to college.
As they made their way through the hospital, the players exchanged high-fives and fist bumps with patients and hospital staff, spreading encouragement and Bulldog pride.
“It just provides a lot of perspective for me to understand that everyone is going through something, and if they can power through what they’re going through, I can power through what I’m going through,” said Bulldogs defensive back Tyger Canales.
Inside George’s Clubhouse, players joined patients in friendly matches of table hockey and video games. Just down the hall, they drew and colored with kids inside the Child Life Playroom.
Groups of players also visited children who couldn’t leave their rooms, posing for photos with patients and families and signing autographs.
In a memorable role reversal, the athletes collected autographs, too. Kids flipped the script and proudly scribbled their names on posters for the players.
One memorable moment came when players visited a young patient named Lucas. His older brother, who plays football and was excited to learn that the Bulldogs were visiting Lucas, got to FaceTime with the players from home.
For the team, the entire visit was a lesson in perspective.
“They’re the real warriors, they’re the real celebrities, because they’re fighting for and dealing with a lot more than us, so that’s something I can play for,” said Canales.
For the kids, it was a day they won’t soon forget.
The Bulldogs’ season kicks off on August 23 in Kansas. To learn more about the ongoing partnership between Valley Children’s and Fresno State, click here.
