CLEVELAND -- On the field, defensive linemen 
The players delivered gift-filled baskets that were made by volunteers at last week’s Super Bowl. The baskets were made in commemoration of Super Bowl XLVI and delivered to 7,000 hospitalized children in each of America’s 32 NFL markets. More than 400 were delivered locally in Cleveland.
“It’s wonderful to be part of a nationwide effort,” said Jenner Tekancic, manager of community outreach for the Browns. “During the fall when the season kicks off, football is on the minds of most, so when you see a big player walk into a child’s room during the off-season, the kids just light up in amazement. You can immediately see on their faces they are happy the players stopped by.”
The outreach project is a collaborative effort of Riley Children’s Foundation, the Basket of Hope program, and former Indianapolis Colts coach, Tony Dungy. Each of the Baskets contained board games, books, puzzles, Cleveland Browns hats and other items they can use while getting treatment.
Children at the hospital are undergoing various forms of rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, with the focus of getting them back to 100 percent and able to perform at the best of their abilities.
Virmarie Quinones-Pagan, MD, one of the rehabilitation physicians, feels the Browns visit was exactly what the patients needed.
“I think it’s great for them,” Quinones-Pagan said. “It’s tough for these kids. Some of them have medical conditions or have gone through a trauma and spend months in the hospital, so having people come adds a little bit of a regular life for them when they sometimes forget what it’s like being out of the hospital.”
One patient in particular really enjoyed meeting Chomps. As soon as Chomps walked into the hospital, he was quickly greeted by one little boy who ran up to him and delivered a hug to the mascot.
“Chomps was definitely a hit,” Tekancic said. “The little boy’s reaction was genuinely priceless. He’s been walking around and showing off his pennant with the autographs from all of the players that are here. There really were some special memories created through today’s visit.”
The Browns were scheduled to visit in the early afternoon, but Schaefering arrived 45 minutes early and visited with as many patients as he could while walking around the hospital and talking with the staff about their responsibilities and the battles each child is facing.
“I love this stuff,” Schaefering said. “I’ve been blessed to have this opportunity to be somebody that people want to be like or look up to and I feel if I can give anything back and make these kids’ days, that’s easy for me. What am I sacrificing? A couple hours a day. Whatever the situation may be, it’s just time. All I have to do is work out and take care of my family and if I can come and help out, I love to.”
Schaefering and Mack both felt like visiting the hospital was a privilege.
“This is our future,” Schaefering said. “These are going to be the people that are going to take care of us and make decisions in our country. Also, they need a little help. It’s priceless, especially for me. I’ve got kids around their age and to see what they’re going through and to come in here and see the smiles on their faces, you couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Mack added, “I think it’s great these guys are still in town. Today’s game has changed a little bit. There are not as many guys that stick around in town. Whether it’s Cleveland, Buffalo, Cincinnati, most of the guys are packing their bags and leaving town, but I think it’s great that they’re sticking around Cleveland and giving back to the community.”
**Established in 1995, Basket of Hope provides gifts to children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. The baskets are delivered by volunteers who spend time meeting with the family. Basket of Hope customizes each basket with age appropriate toys, games and crafts for the child and their siblings.
