Patients, players and coaches worked together to decorate the Rams’ practice shirts
Patients in our Children’s Tower and outpatient infusion center got to spend time with some very special, and very tall, visitors a few weeks ago. The VCU Rams men’s basketball team and coaches took a break from their practice drills to share some of their artistic skills.
The Rams worked with our patients to decorate shooting shirts that the team wore during warmups before last Friday’s big win against the Dayton Flyers. The “art party,” organized by the Rams and VCU Health Arts in Healthcare, was impactful for everyone involved.
The healing effects of art, and special visitors, in the hospital
“Bringing the arts into the hospital environment aids our patients in healing through creation, distraction, building confidence and offering support in more clinical ways like decreasing the need for pain medications and lowering blood pressure,” said Alexis Shockley, Arts in Healthcare manager. “The looks on the children’s faces when the players came into the room were exceptional. They were inspired to sit up in their bed and participate in something despite what they were going through. It really showcased the impact the players can have on younger generations.”
The Rams’ coaching staff said that was the goal.
“Our program was excited and grateful to collaborate with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU on this special project,” said Brendan Phelps, VCU Men’s Basketball chief of staff. “When Coach Martelli arrived in Richmond he made it a top priority that his program be genuinely invested in having a positive influence within the local community. Visiting CHoR was our first community service event as a team back in the summer and it remains a top priority for us to be involved with due to our players’ strong desire to impact young people. We are thankful for the continued opportunities to work with CHoR and look forward to future visits.”
Fans at Friday’s game got their own CHoR/VCU basketball t-shirt, and our NICU nurses and a special patient were recognized on the court.
CHoR will always cheer for our home team – Go Rams!