Huskers football players share spirit of Thanksgiving at St. Elizabeth Hospital
Posted By: Alden German
agerman@klkntv.com
Several members of the huskers football team paid a special visit to current – and future – Huskers fans to share what they’re thankful for.
As thanksgiving nears, many across the country will spend it around the table with family, feasting and telling stories, but some are not able to make it to the table and instead have to spend the holiday in the hospital.
That may dampen the spirits of some patients at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, but members of the Huskers football team aim to change that.
“We are actually able to see what happens outside of the stadium and we’re able to give back to the community that’s given back to us so much,” said senior defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun. “It’s really a huge motivation for me because I know that if they can overcome their challenges here I know I can overcome the challenges on the field.”
40 players made a special trip to the NICU to see some of the newest – and smallest – members of the family—that is, the Cornhusker family.
Meet Thorin. Born November 3rd, little Thorin was born nearly three months and faces a long stay in the NICU.
Wednesday’s visit from Huskers players is a much–welcomed distraction for his mother.
“I think it’s really nice. i think it’s good for them to see other sides of children,” said Lacey Stevens, mother of Thorin. “They were all very kind and had nice things to say wished us happy thanksgiving and him well.”
It’s not just newborns the huskers visited.
11-year-old River Maranville is battling leukemia and is in the early stages of chemo. For him, seeing the players is something he’ll never forget.
“Pretty cool looking at all those big strong dudes. Usually you see them on TV running around, and i had this huge smile on my face this whole time,” said river. “i mean, going through this hard time, I don’t always have that smile on my face,” said River.
He himself feels strong against a bitter opponent.
The visit to Saint Elizabeth’s has been a Huskers tradition for around 10 years. Seeing the players so careful and gentle around the newborns is a stark contrast to their rough and aggressive behavior on the gridiron.
