Members of the UCLA Bruins football team took time out before beginning season practice to visit and bring cheer to kids at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on August 1.
Four members of the team came bearing posters and other gifts to the hospital’s hematology-oncology clinic in San Bernardino. There, they traded stories, signed autographs, played videogames, and posed for pictures with the children. The team members who visited were Phil Ruhl, fullback; Aramide Olaniyan, linebacker; TJ Millweard, quarterback; and Eli Ankou, defensive end.
“It’s great to be here and be able to meet these kids,” said Mr. Millweard. “These kids really inspire us with their strength and courage in the face of everything they’ve been through.”
The Bruins are going to be a familiar sight in the area for the next few weeks as they hold open practices at the San Bernardino Camp at California State University, San Bernardino, with support from Stater Bros. Markets. The public practices began on August 7. UCLA begins the 2013 football season at home against Nevada on August 31.
“Stater Bros. Markets is happy to welcome and support the UCLA football team to Camp San Bernardino and join them in a visit to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” said Susan Atkinson, vice president for corporate affairs at Stater Bros. Markets.