Patients got a special treat last week when the Houston Texans cheerleaders paid them a visit and hosted their third annual mini Jr. cheerleading camp at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Equipped with fluffy pom-poms, T-shirts and hats, the cheerleaders spent an hour working with the patients on a dance routine, playing games, signing autographs and posing for photos. Excitement filled the room as the patients showed spirit for their hometown NFL team.
“It was such a wonderful surprise to be able to come today,” 11-year-old Gabriela Palacios said with a smile. “It’s a nice break from my daily routine here at the hospital.”
Following the camp, the cheerleaders visited neurology and neurosurgery patients at the bedside, bringing along pom-poms and autographed posters. For cheerleader Morgan O., the August 15 visit was something she had been wanting to do for a while. Being new to the squad last year, Morgan was not able to come to the camp. She was excited to learn she would have the opportunity this year.
“It is such an honor to be here today,” Morgan said. “I feel privileged to be part of these children’s lives even if it is for a short amount of time.”
Lesly Romero said the event meant a lot to her and her 3-year-old daughter, Briana Lopez, who has been an inpatient at Texas Children’s for almost two months.
“She hasn’t had the opportunity to get out and just have fun in a while,” Romero said. “So, this is just great.”
Click here to watch a video about the cheerleading event.
The goal of the partnership between Texas Children’s and the Houston Texans is to inspire children to lead healthier, more active lives through camps, programs and events all year long. Texas Children’s works alongside the Texans through community engagement and education programs to give Houston-area kids the tools necessary to make healthy choices throughout their lives. Last week’s mini Jr. cheerleading camp is just one of many of the exciting events we’ll take part in throughout the year. Click here to learn about some of the other ones.
