Children's Patients See Stars for the Holidays

December 12, 2007

New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas and his littlest fan. Children's patients had the opportunity to meet some of Boston's biggest sports players, who took a time out to spread holiday cheer and excitement throughout the hospital. New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas came bearing gifts on November 27 in an event sponsored by Re/Max. He signed autographs and got a little inspiration to keep up the undefeated season.

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell helps a young patient get a glimpse of the 2007 World Series trophy Red Sox players Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez, Bryan Corey and Brandon Moss, and coaches John Farrell and Brad Mills, brought the 2007 World Series trophy by Children's on December 10 as part of the team's annual Holiday Caravan. The champs signed pennants and posed for Polaroids with patients in the hospital's Patient Entertainment Center.

Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis with Children's patient Steven Yankopoulous The very next day, the red-hot Boston Celtics also stopped in for a visit. New superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen were joined by Tony Allen, Glen Davis, Kendrick Perkins and Eddie House as they went room to room giving out autographed t-shirts, towering over patients for pictures and handing out "The Boston Celtics Hero Book" a children's book about learning lessons from people you admire. They also dropped off gift donations sponsored by Kia.

Marc Savard, Aaron Ward, Petteri Nokelainen and PJ Axelsson hang out with two of their fansBoston Bruins players Marc Savard, Aaron Ward, Petteri Nokelainen and PJ Axelsson unlaced their skates and braved winter weather to visit patients and families throughout Children's on December 14. They gave patients Bruins Bears for company, Bruins blankets to keep warm and foam fingers to cheer the players on during their next game.

Children's Hospital Boston is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 12 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is a 377-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care grounded in the values of excellence in patient care and sensitivity to the complex needs and diversity of children and families. Children's also is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. For more information about the hospital and its research visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.