ANDERSON, S.C. - The Anderson University softball team recently took time out if its hectic schedule between classes and time on the diamond to visit Shriners Hospitals for Children in nearby Greenville, S.C.
"Visiting the kids at Shriners really made us take a step back and count our blessings," said senior shortstop Abby Child. "We could not help but to be inspired by their smiles and positivity. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so glad to have been a part of it."
Players and coaches, along with Director of Athletics, Nancy Simpson traveled to the hospital and spent time visiting and talking with the children after presenting autographed softballs and passing out Anderson University T-shirts.
"Being a student-athlete, sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in it and forget how lucky we are to be able to do what we do," added senior catcher Laura Jansky. "We get to receive a wonderful education while playing the sport that we love at a high level. Being able to visit the children at Shriners Hospital was an experience that transcends words."
Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Greenville is a 50-bed pediatric orthopaedic hospital with a philosophy of care "of treating the whole child and not only their physical ailments. All staff members are committed to providing quality, family-centered health care for patients and their families." The state-of-the-art hospital is kid-friendly and designed to put patients and families at ease, with patients up to the age of 18 who are referred by a primary care physician.
"Seeing the children, who may love sports and may want to play
them, and knowing that most likely they will never know the feeling
of being on a team, made me feel truly blessed," concluded Jansky.
"Blessed to be able to step out on the field and play the sport
that I love and to be able to be healthy while doing it. Being able
to visit those children reminded me of how important it is to wear
the title of student-athlete with pride and dignity."
