University of North Carolina Athletics
Softball Team Visits With Patients At UNC Hospitals
September 6, 2016 | Softball
CHAPEL HILL – On Wednesday, Aug. 31, 15 members of the Carolina softball team, along with coaches Chelsey Barclay and Mary Jo Firnbach, took a trip to UNC Hospitals to visit with local patients. The team split into two groups, with Firnbach accompanying the freshman class to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation's Robbie Page Play Atrium at N.C. Children's Hospital, while the returning players joined Barclay at the NC Cancer Hospital. We checked in with several Tar Heels to see what they had to say about their experiences.
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the UNC Cancer Center. I met some very courageous men and women who generously shared their personal stories. They expressed such joy in having visitors. Sometimes it's the little things in life that mean so much in someone else's life.
The thing that resonated the most to me was when one patient told me, "everything has an ending." It gave me a greater understanding that nothing should be taken for granted. We are not entitled to anything and should live each day to its fullest potential. I left there with a greater perspective of what matters in life. It was truly a pleasure to spend a day with these inspirational men and women.
-Katelyn Shifflett, Junior, Infield
Visiting the cancer center here at UNC, we saw all the patients going through so much, but at the same time keeping a positive outlook on life. These patients kept a smile on their faces while telling us each of their stories. No matter how bad things get or have gotten for them, they always are happy to wake up and have another day to get stronger and better. Hearing each of their stories, it made me realize that no matter how bad of a day I have or when something is not going my way, I need to take a step back and look at the positive in life.
One of the ladies we met had a huge impact on me. She is a four-year breast cancer survivor, but from all the medication she was taking for the breast cancer, she now has been diagnosed with another type of cancer. She was so happy that we stopped by. Even though she had her family there, she really enjoyed seeing some new faces.
Many of these people told us that we made their day. What they didn't know is that they changed all of our lives that day. My grandmother passed away before I was born from lung cancer. I was able to relate to many of these people. Even though I didn't get to meet or know my grandmother, hearing stories from my dad about how she was positive, loving, strong, but most of all she was a fighter. I'm so happy I got go through this experience and can't wait to go back soon.
-Katie Bailiff, Sophomore, Catcher
The softball team had the amazing opportunity to visit the hospital and spend time with those who were sick and simply needed a friend. Half of the team visited cancer patients while the other half, including me, played with kids in the Pediatric Play Atrium.
The Pediatric Play Atrium is a place where young kids can go play and have fun instead of staying in their hospital beds. Games, toys, and crafts are laid out everywhere for these kids to play with. Meep, the young boy I had the opportunity to connect with, specifically liked the boomerang air hockey game. I'm almost positive he had us play that game because he knew he would beat me every time, which he did. Every time he scored, which in this case was a lot, his face lit up and he laughed at my lack of coordination. Seeing how happy he was and being able to connect with Meep and the other children made this experience even more rewarding.
Giving back to the community is a fun way to get to know your community, and allocating your time to those who need it is highly rewarding. It's important to give back because no matter how tough we think our life is, someone else is facing something even harder. It's essential to show our love and care towards them to alleviate the pain they're going through.
For two hours, the softball team was able to be a friend to a child who needed one, and we hope in that time we made a difference in their lives. I definitely look forward to doing this again in hopes of reaching out to even more kids.
-Kristina Burkhardt, Freshman, Outfield
Having the opportunity to go to the UNC hospital and interact with children was definitely the highlight of my week. Often, we get caught up in the many distractions of the world and on-campus life and do not take the time to reflect upon how incredibly blessed we are. As I entered the hospital, it was a humbling experience seeing kids ranging in age from toddler to teenager, who were suffering from some incredibly serious illnesses. Spending time with these precious children helped me to realize how much I take for granted. Suddenly all the little things going on in my life that I thought were so important were put in perspective in comparison to what was happening in these kids' lives.
During our visit, I was in the Pediatric Play Atrium with primarily younger children. My teammates and I painted toy trains with the children and interacted with many others as they passed in and out of the playroom. Early in the visit, I connected with an adorable fifth-grade boy who was enthusiastic, happy, and never stopped smiling, despite his illness. His attitude was humbling to me. He was so tough and strong, and not once did he complain about his illness during our time together; he simply enjoyed himself as we played air hockey, basketball, soccer, and boomerang (a game that he REALLY enjoyed beating me in!). It was as if he truly believed that the life he was leading in the hospital was just as it should be and just as it is for all fifth graders. He made me realize that I need to appreciate the moment I am in and quit worrying so much about all of the things that have to be done next week, next month, next semester, etc. This little boy was making the most of every moment and every day, and I think we can all learn from his example.
I love going to the hospital to play with the kids, because it allows me to spend time with people who are going through a very difficult time and to perhaps make their day just a little brighter. I especially enjoy doing this with my teammates, because it allows me to witness a side of them that I don't often get to see. It is great for me to spend time with my teammates not only when we are running sprints or taking batting practice, but also when we are simply sitting down on the floor playing with a child who is going through a really challenging time.
I am also so incredibly proud to be part of the Tar Heel community that has such a focus on community involvement. During summer school, the athletes were given the opportunity to all work together on a local Habitat house, which was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Now, in the first week of school, my teammates and I have had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the children in the Pediatric Play Atrium. I love having the opportunity to give back to the community of Chapel Hill because of this town's incredible support of all UNC students and student-athletes. The afternoon was super special for me and my teammates, and I am already looking forward to going back!
-Campbell Hutcherson, Freshman, Infield
