University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's (UH Rainbow) patients and their families had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, part of the first-ever UH Rainbow Day at Browns training camp. The event was a great opportunity for UH Rainbow patients and caregivers to step away from the clinical setting for a much-deserved fun day.
One of the patients in attendance was William Gerardo Clark III, 'Trey', 12, who has been a patient of UH Rainbow since just hours after he was born. Trey has spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and bilateral hip dysplasia, among other medical complications. He has endured numerous surgeries and countless tests and procedures. Since he was 6 weeks old Trey has been getting stretching casts called ponseti casting, to help stretch out, reposition, and correct his club feet. It just so happened Trey was sporting Browns-themed orange casts for training camp!
Trey loves sports, especially football, and his favorite players are Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett. Following practice, Myles and several other Browns players visited with Trey and his family, signing autographs and posing for photos. "Trey's smile and excitement at the end of the day was worth more than money could buy," said Trey's mom Teresa. "It was a dream come true, an afternoon he will never forget."
Brynlee, 4, attended training camp with her parents. Brynlee was diagnosed with leukemia last summer. She has endured intensive treatments over the past year, but recently received some good news: she is now in maintenance therapy! She is getting ready to start preschool and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Brynlee's favorite Browns player is guard Michael Dunn. The two formed a special bond after meeting at a Halloween party last fall.
In addition to Trey and Brynlee, several other UH Rainbow patients and their families were special guests of the Cleveland Browns. The kids participated in the High-Five Tunnel and enjoyed watching practice from the VIP suite. The memorable afternoon concluded with an autograph signing session and photos.
Recently, the Cleveland Browns announced the launch of "Jr. Browns Backers," the official kids club of the Browns presented by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's in association with Cardinal Credit Union.
"An integral part of our partnership with the Cleveland Browns is a shared dedication to caring for Browns fans of all ages," says Patti DePompei, President of UH Rainbow and MacDonald Women's hospitals. "Expanding one of the largest fan clubs in the NFL to include the youngest fans allows us to connect with them in a fun and impactful way."
The brand-new kids club is open to youth ages four to 12 and includes special members-only events, access to an online activity center and a quarterly newsletter emailed directly to parents or guardians.
Since 2014, UH has worked with the Browns to provide a comprehensive, innovative and scientific-based approach to caring for Browns players, staff members and their families while also emphasizing engagement in the Northeast Ohio community.
As the Official Health Care Partner of the Browns, UH medical staff offers care to Browns fans during all home games and events at Cleveland Browns Stadium and open training camp practices at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Throughout the year, UH also promotes its Healthy Fan initiative to encourage everyone to schedule regular check-ups and improve their overall well-being.
