St. Louis BattleHawks ‘give back, touch hearts’ during visits to children’s hospitals
The XFL’s East Division leading St. Louis BattleHawks began preparations earlier this week for its game Sunday against the DC Defenders in Washington.
On Tuesday, though, several BattleHawks players spent their off day lifting the spirits of sick kids.
As part of its partnership with SSM Health and its CommUNITY HuSTLe Days, BattleHawks players, coach and team personnel visited patients and their families at three St. Louis children’s hospitals.
Players handed out team memorabilia, signed autographs and chatted with children at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu said the visit was both rewarding and eye-opening. Named the XFL’s Player of the Week after leading the BattleHawks to a 23-16 win over Seattle on Saturday, Ta’amu even got a tour of a ward by one of his smallest and favorite young fans.
“Her wanting to hold my hand and show me around the hospital ... it was a wonderful experience to be able to spend some time with the kids,” Ta’amu said before practice on Wednesday.
“Being there kind of opened our eyes a little bit. Being out in the community meant a lot to all of us. It’s great to give back. It touched our hearts and hopefully made their day a little brighter and happier.”
The CommUNITY HuSTLe Days are part of the Partnership between SSM Health and the BattleHawks during the 2020 season. The program is designed to engage and serve the St. Louis area through volunteer programs and activities with players, coaches and staff from both organizations.
Among the activities scheduled were hospital visits, blood drives, military appreciation events and youth flag football games.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 10:55 AM.
