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Baylor Visits Children's Medical Center
Baylor Head Coach Art Briles, along with his coaching staff and entire football team, visited Children’s Health/Children’s Medical Center Dallas, to spread some laughter.
“This is a big thrill for us,” said Briles. “Our kids are very giving and very sharing and we know that today these children are going to bring smiles to our faces as we do to theirs.”
Children under the hospital’s care sat at tables inside the Butterfly Atrium as they welcomed the team in joining them in arts and crafts including paper football fields, make your own pennants, paint-a-bear and more. Several student-athletes also joined patients inside the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Seacrest Studios, to be interviewed and have some fun.
“Doing something like this is a joy,” said running back Silas Nacita. “With so much attention on us, it’s really great to come here and see these kids and send them a message that they are cared for.”
Wide receiver Jay Lee was thankful to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the opportunity the team had to do something off the field and visit with the children. The Allen, Texas native enjoyed his time as he walked around the atrium, spreading joy and cheer, signing autographs and taking pictures with the children.
“It’s great to be around these kids and give them a shout of joy,” said Lee. “We are very fortunate to do what we do and be a blessing to these kids. To come from our practice and do something like this, that is bigger than us, and be with these kids. That means a lot.”
Quarterback Bryce Petty went straight to Seacrest Studios. There he was able to talk about Christmas gifts, Baylor football and spread inspirational words with Coach Briles and several of his teammates. His goal for the day was to be a good light to the kids and show them to never stop believing.
“The opportunity and ability to do this is huge,” said Petty. “Being here gives you a whole new perspective of your life and how blessed you are. In life, like football, there are a lot of challenges, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and today I hope to bring these kids a little light and brighten up their day. I want them to know that this isn’t all there is. There is something more and you have to believe that there is, in order for them to know they can make it.”
Each child who took part in today’s event received a gift bag from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. The goodies inside were a 79th Cotton Bowl Classic t-shirt, commemorative poster, and a stuffed Goodyear blimp. Dr Pepper/Snapple provided snacks that included cookies in the shape of the Baylor and Children’s Health logos and beverages. President and CEO Chris Durovich, several Children’s Health staff members, along with representatives of Goodyear were also in attendance to help spread cheer.
