ABILENE – Abilene Christian's men's basketball team recently broke away from its busy schedule last week to visit the patients at Hendrick Children's Hospital. The hospital is located just a few blocks from campus and provides care for children of all ages from babies with respiratory infections to teenagers with broken bones.
Led by second-year head coach
Joe Golding, the team was introduced to several children, all of who were offered words of support and encouragement as they battle to overcome their various afflictions.
“We talk to our team all the time about working to win championships on and off the floor,” said Golding. “Today we won a championship with what we're able to do for these kids at the children's hospital. I was really proud and impressed by our young men and how they really embraced this opportunity to give back and elevate young people who are faced with some tough challenges.”
ACU senior center
Steven Werner connected with one young child, who was very shy in front of the group and unwilling to open up.
“It was a great experience getting to meet each of the children and seeing the smiles on their faces as the team walked in,” he said. “I hope they'll always remember that moment, and my prayers go out to each and every one of them as they get well.”
“Visiting the hospital and spending time with kids that were sick really makes you appreciate life and everything about it,” added senior guard/forward
Desmond Woodberry. “Those kids can make you change your view of life and make you appreciate much more how good we really have it.”
