Fresno State Athletics
Dogs Engage In Community Outreach
12/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 17, 2010
BOISE, IDAHO - As we are reaching the peak of the holiday season and each celebrates in their own ways; many reflect on what they are most grateful for and remind themselves of blessings in their lives during this time of year.
For a handful of the Fresno State football team, cheerleaders and Time Out, that time of reflection came Friday afternoon at St. Luke's Medical Center and the Veteran's hospital of Boise, where members of the Bulldog team, with red hats and stuffed Bulldogs in hand, shared their words of encouragement, company and swag with patients.
"We were just trying to bring courage to them," said quarterback Derek Carr, who visited children on the pediatric floor at St. Luke's. "I know for me my faith is really strong and I want to encourage them in that way and be positive with them. We walked in there and this little guy said he used to play quarterback and he kind of caught me off guard because I am so blessed to even be walking around here. It is such a humbling experience and I told him to just keep working hard and you'll be fine. It really has to be the most rewarding event of the week. This kid really touched my heart and showed me how blessed I am just to be walking around, let alone throwing a football. I have not done many things at the hospital but I have done other things in Fresno and Bakersfield, but coming here was really life changing for me and to hear him say that to me."
Members of the spirit squad and dance team also came along to both hospitals to help create a colorful, fun atmosphere for Veteran's and even the littlest patients of all at St. Luke's. Metallic pom-poms, Bulldog red jerseys and gifts for patients led to moments they will never forget
"I think it's great," said sophomore spirit squad member Megan Souza. "Coming here we didn't know we were doing this. Coming out and helping the kids is a very rewarding experience. Some of these people don't even know who we are but coming here and being able to give them things, especially during the holidays, it's just something special for them that they don't get everyday."
There was a considerably large red wave that moved through the halls of both hospitals that turned heads of many and brought smiles to faces as they arrived. Players spent up to 30 minutes of time with patients and even had the opportunity to play with one child in a playroom setting.
"It was really fun and just reminded me when I was little," said freshman tight end Riley Barnes. "My brother was in the hospital for awhile for four surgeries on his knee, so I know the situation that they are in and so it is nice to do this."
And patients of all ages welcomed the Bulldogs with open arms, eager to have a photo with a cheerleader or pose with a football player. As for those who participated, the experience was nothing short of rewarding by getting to know someone a little better, if even for a short period of time, and a reminder that there is much in life to be grateful for.
"It is just an eye opener," said senior wide receiver Devon Wylie. "It makes you realize perceptions you have are maybe in the wrong spot. People are going through harder things then we are and it just makes you really grateful. We just hung out and talked with them and played and it was just going in there and doing everything we can to make them feel better about their situation."
"We Are Your Team!" -- Fans are encouraged to check www.gobulldogs.com for information regarding the uDrove Humanitarian Bowl, including ticket, travel and hotel accommodations.
