Play Ball! Kids at Mercy Children’s Hospital Celebrate Cardinals’ Home Opener

Hospitalized kids and their parents celebrated the Cardinals’ Home Opener with a party at Mercy Children’s Hospital. All the kids received Cardinals hats and t-shirts and enjoyed pre-game festivities throughout the afternoon leading up to game time. Ballpark-style food such as hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream brought the stadium atmosphere to hospitalized kids and their parents.

The kids and families watched the game as a group in the Child Life Activity Room on a new flat-panel TV. The TV was donated by Philip and Laura LeFevre who joined in on the fun with their almost 1-year-old boy, Philip.

Philip was receiving care from Dr. Anand Palagiri, pediatric urologist, when at 3 months old a tumor was found on his left adrenal gland during a routine ultrasound. He was admitted immediately and had surgery to remove the tumor.

While in the hospital for a week, there was lots of stress for the family but Philip and Laura were impressed with the care their baby received and how nice everyone was to them.

“Everyone we encounter has been spectacular,” Laura said. “We just wanted to give back.”

Philip is doing great now and the LeFevres plan to stay connected to Mercy.