Ahead of their recent game with the Detroit Tigers, Taylor Cole, Luis Rengifo and Matt Thaiss of the Angels visited with patients and families at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
The players, armed with Angels hats and plush Angels rally monkeys, made their way around the hospital surprising patients in the playrooms and at their bedsides. Players spent time with patients and families doing arts and crafts in the playrooms, autographing hats and taking pictures at bedsides.
“These kids are so inspiring,” said Angels pitcher Taylor Cole. “I can’t imagine how tough it is on the patients and their families being in the hospital. All the kids we met today have these amazing attitudes and personalities that light up the room, it’s really something special.”
Child life specialists helped coordinate and plan the visit, making sure the players were able to see as many patients and families as possible.
“The kids really loved meeting the players,” said Rita Goshert, manager, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Even if they aren’t baseball fans, it’s really a special day for them. I’m sure the patients will start following the Angels after today and looking out for their new buddies Taylor, Luis and Matt.”
The Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s coordinates special events to help make the hospital experience more positive for children of all ages. Child life specialists help patients and families cope with hospitalization in every area of the hospital from General Pediatrics to the Emergency Department.
MemorialCare is the Official Healthcare Partner of Angels Baseball, helping make this patient visit and future visits possible.
