Patriots Rookies Make Volunteering Debut At Boston Children’s Hospital

Every year, the Patriots rookie class goes to Boston Children’s Hospital to spend the day with the kids. This year’s squad had a lunch at Fenway Johnnie’s, and then headed to the hospital.

Damien Harris, Yodny Cajuste, Hjalte Froholdt and Byron Cowart posed for a photo, and one of the patients, Adam, called Damien “Shorty.”

“I was walking around with a bunch of O-linemen and D-linemen, so they’re all like 6’3″ or above. From now on call me Shorty,” Damien said.

“That might be the highlight of the day,” Hjalte added.

The rookies prepared decorations for the luau themed party, and made banners and stuff. The kids had a really good time.

“I genuinely had a good time coloring today,” N’Keal Harry said.

“I just want to put it on the record that my coloring was a lot better than N’Keal’s,” Joejuan Williams added.

N’Keal, Joejuan, Chase Winovich and Jarrett Stidham visited patients waiting for a transplant. There were also kids who had received theirs. There were 11-month babies and older kids.

“These kids are some fighters,” Joejuan said. “It definitely humbles me, and it definitely makes me be grateful for the things that I have and what I’ve been through because there’s always somebody that’s going through a little bit worse than you. Just coming here and seeing them smile and trying to make their day, that was definitely the best experience.”

“Sometimes we take things for granted and we don’t really see a big picture how fortunate we are,” Damien said. “Doing things like this and seeing what other people go through and being able to provide them with some joy, whether it’s two minutes or whatever, it’s a great opportunity for us.”

Patriots players could feel the happiness among the kids and their families. They also got the chance to build a strong bond.

“I think the coolest thing is, obviously, we were all here together, but I think all of us, especially us four since we were a group, we go through a lot of different struggles, whether it’s in the middle of the season or a workout or whatever it may be,” Jarrett said. “Some of these kids are fighting for their lives, so it just gives you a whole new perspective. I think doing it together, we’ll be able to reflect on this later on and really look back at it and see how big of an impact it had on us.”

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