University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Make Visit to Children's Hospital
December 27, 2007 | Football
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Tampa, Fla. - Bowl games are more than facing a tough opponent on the gridiron. In some cases, the toughest fight is overcoming childhood injuries or diseases. On Thursday morning, 10 senior student-athletes of the University of Tennessee football team had a chance to visit the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa and spend some time with patients and their parents.
Associate Director of Student-Athlete Welfare Judy Jackson accompanied players Erik Ainge, Brad Cottam, Michael Frogg, Eric Young, Steven Jones, Chris Brown, JT Mapu, Xavier Mitchell, Jarod Parrish and Antonio Gaines on the sojourn.
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa is a premier 164-bed hospital committed to providing everything needed for the health and well-being of children. St. Joseph's is best described as an innovative, family-centered hospital known for its high-tech medical care in a child-friendly environment. Bright, warm primary colors welcome children from the minute they walk through the hospital's front door into the spacious, cheerful lobby.
Senior Child Life Specialist Leah Frohnerath met with the group and escorted them on their one-hour tour. She stated that visits like this are cherished and uplifting to the patients, parents and staff.
"It's a friendly face and someone that is not coming to do a procedure," said Frohnerath. "A gift with a signature is something awesome for these kids. It's a nice break in what can be a stressful time."
In addition, a distinguished 200-member medical staff makes possible the hospital's international reputation for excellence. With more than 80 pediatric physician specialists representing 25 medical and surgical disciplines, the hospital is a valuable community resource for children and their families.
An excellent team of nurses, rehabilitation therapists and other health care professionals also offer an exceptional level of skill and dedicated service to children and their families.
The student-athletes split into two groups had the opportunity to go to different wards of the hospital to spend some time with patients that are bed-stricken. They gave out autographed caps, two styles of T-shirts, pennants, posters and orange and white shakers.
"It's fun to watch the kids smile," said Cottam. "It's nice to cheer them up with the tough times they are going through being here. It means a lot to guys on this trip to give them a moment of happiness in their day."
Earlier in the morning, the remainder of the Volunteers football players participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast at the Hyatt Regency, joining in fellowship with members of the Wisconsin squad and local community leaders.
Coach Phillip Fulmer stressed that both Tennessee and Wisconsin players enjoy their bowl experiences because those are the memories that will stick with the players for years to come.
