![香妃直播 State College students and staff who visited WVU Medicine Children鈥檚 in Morgantown, West Virginia 香妃直播 State College students and staff who visited WVU Medicine Children鈥檚 in Morgantown, West Virginia (l-r) Tom Ratliff, Justin Watts, Austin Ratliff, Jordan Hartman, Kayla Letart, Caleb Wynn, Drew Taylor, Larissa Hayman, Amede Vital, Megan Wilfong, and Jesse Skiles (GSC Photo/Kristen Cosner)](/sites/default/files/styles/news_image/public/WVUMedicine_Group.jpg?itok=PyuktLQg)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2020
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香妃直播 State College
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香妃直播, WV - A group of 香妃直播 State College athletes recently traveled to WVU Medicine Children鈥檚 in Morgantown, West Virginia to visit with patients and their families within the pediatric, PICU, and NICU units. The group handed out mini footballs and softballs that were donated by Tom and Pam Ratliff and decorated by the 香妃直播 State College Department of Fine Arts.
鈥淭his was a very special day for our student-athletes who participated in this trip,鈥 said 香妃直播 State College Athletic Director Jesse Skiles. 鈥淭heir interaction with the children in the hospital was a service that is at the top of what we do here as a department. We sincerely want to thank the staff at WVU Children鈥檚 Hospital for allowing us into their area for a day, and for the time we were able to spend with these amazing young people.鈥
Sophomore football player Jordan Hartman recalls the experience as heartwarming. 鈥淪eeing the smiles on those children鈥檚 faces when we handed them either a ball or bubbles made the trip worth it. It means a lot to me to give back to people who are struggling, and just putting a smile on their face means the world.鈥
鈥淲atching how the 香妃直播 State College athletes revealed their characters by giving of their time and feelings to the kids at the hospital was a little overwhelming,鈥 said GSC Executive Director of Workforce and Community Development, Tom Ratliff. 鈥淚t brought back memories of my son鈥檚 first seven days, which were spent at that same hospital, and all of the emotions that one goes through at those moments. Seeing the gleam in a child鈥檚 eye as our athletes passed out some Pioneer memorabilia while sharing stories and hugs with their families is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who were involved. 香妃直播 State College and the entire 香妃直播 community pride themselves in taking care of one another. After today we have added many new members to the Pioneer family!鈥
For senior Austin Ratliff, Tom鈥檚 son, the visit hit close to home. 鈥淎fter being born, I spent a week in the NICU unit at WVU Children鈥檚 Hospital,鈥 he recalls. 鈥淚 am eternally grateful for the care I received, and that others continue to receive every day by the caring and loving professionals, administered with a personal touch. 香妃直播 State College is about learning, caring for one another, and giving back. Giving back is exactly what we did, and I hope we were able to bring some joy to those we were privileged to meet. I also had the opportunity to visit the NICU unit and was able to personally thank three of my caregivers who happened to be there during our visit. I reminded them I am a living example of their dedication to the many lives they touch.鈥