Aflac All-American Matthew Purke spends one-on-one time with a cancer patient at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles


LOS ANGELES, Ca. (August 6, 2008) – The smiles were priceless and the impact is one that will be felt for a lifetime. That was the general assessment of Wednesday's visit to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. With Honorary Chairman Ozzie Smith on hand, the Aflac All-Americans visited with pediatric cancer patients drawing pictures and playing games. But perhaps the most popular area was the green expanse that served as a baseball playing field where the players played ball with the patients. Stations were set up throughout the hospital's garden area with various activities including players to autograph posters, group photos with the patients. Players handed out Aflac All-American baseball ducks.

"It was great to see these kids smiling," said Kyrell Hudson (Evergreen HS) of Vancouver, Wa. "I've never been around kids with cancer before. I just feel blessed, thanking the Lord. I know we trip over the little things – I went 0-for-3 yesterday – and these kids are struggling for their lives every day. It makes you think about that. That sentiment was echoed by fellow All-American, Austin Maddox (Eagle's View Academy) of Jacksonville, Fla. "Not that this all hasn't been worthwhile before," Maddox said. "But being here makes it all that much more worthwhile. It was great being with the kids. It makes you really appreciate being born healthy." Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, along with City of Hope will benefit from Saturday's game as proceeds will go to ThinkCure, the official charity of the Dodgers, which supports critical cancer research at those hospitals. Since 2005, the game has generated nearly $525,000 for charity.

The hospital visit was just part of a busy day for the All-Americans. It began with their first full practice at Dedeaux Field at the University of Southern California. Following the practice was the visit to the hospital. After the visit, they boarded their buses for Jillian's for dinner and bowling. The day was topped off with a baseball seminar at the hotel.

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