University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's (UH Rainbow) patients, families and caregivers were back at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for the second annual UH Rainbow Day, presented by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's, at Browns Training Camp.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry rocked custom patient-designed Air Force 1's, and Browns staff had on custom UH Rainbow x Browns apparel.
"Exciting day for the organization," Stefanski said. "University Hospitals is an amazing partner with us and the things that they're doing in the community is incredible. So, we have some patients out here from pediatrics that are going to get to watch practice and meet our players. But it's a special relationship. I'm fortunate, as you can see, my sweet kicks I got on here designed by Jordyn Cunningham, who I just met over here. She's a patient, and she designed some sneakers for me for today. So, I'm very much obliged. But really cool day for the organization."
One of the patients in attendance was Zac, 11, from Brunswick. Zac went to the hospital with what he thought was a sinus infection and was later diagnosed with GPA, or granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Per a study by Wiley Online Library, GPA is only found in 1.8 out of one million children.
Zac's mother, Mandy, shared that Zac was supposed to get a transfusion during Monday's practice, but their UH doctors and Browns liaison communicated and rearranged their schedule so Zac could witness his favorite player, TE David Njoku, practice.
"I just heard the right things about Rainbow," Mandy said.
UH Rainbow is nationally ranked in Northern Ohio for all 11 children's specialties, including the top ranking for four of those 11 specialties. UH Rainbow Babies & Children's and UH MacDonald Women's hospitals President Marissa Kiefer experienced her first Browns Rainbow Day on Monday.
"As someone who's new to Cleveland, it's incredibly special to be part of an organization with this kind of partnership and see the smiles on the kids' faces — to bring a little joy to these families," Kiefer said. "Our partnership with the Browns is outstanding. From a care standpoint, we are able to care for athletes from Pee Wee to Pro, but it also allows us to give back to the community and be a meaningful part of our patient families' lives. Events like this offer a chance to step outside the hospital and doctor's visits and just have some fun."
Kyren, 11, from Euclid, was also in attendance with his family. Kyren was diagnosed with hypoplastic heart syndrome, and is now nonverbal due to a stroke, although that does not stop Kyren from loving the Browns. His favorite players are DE Alex Wright and QB Shedeur Sanders.
In addition to Kyren, Jordyn, and Zac, other UH Rainbow patients and families were the charm of training camp. Following practice, UH Rainbow patients and other Browns supporters were able to meet their favorite players in person and get their autographs.
Autographed helmets, complete with Rainbow patients designed stickers, along with patient-designed sneakers, were all auctioned online throughout the event. For further information and opportunity to bid, donation, visit one.bidpal.net/rainbowbrowns.
University Hospitals is in its 12th season as the official healthcare provider for the Browns, which includes all Cleveland fans at home games, open training camp practices and any events held at Huntington Bank Field.
