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Hours before they will do battle on the gridiron in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl, ����ֱ�� State’s football players and other students paused to spend time with kids facing tough battles of their own.

 

Football players joined cheerleaders and dance team members to visit Children's Medical Center Plano where they spent the morning raising the spirits of patients in the oncology ward and others facing illnesses or surgeries.

 

“Experience was great,” said William Kuduk, sophomore offensive tackle. “Felt like the most fulfilling thing I did this whole week.”

 

Flash also joined the group in going room to room to bring cheer to many kids who are struggling to find it. 

 

“Fulfilling is a great word to take from it. It was great to see all of the children,” said Alyssa Landis, junior cheerleader. “It was great to see a smile on their faces for the holiday season, which is something very important for all of us. Awesome to be here today to help lighten their day.”

 

Each year, the staff at Children’s Medical Cen

ter Plano serves more than 184,000 patient visits and 50,000 emergency room visits while performing 17,700 surgeries (nearly 50 per day).

 

Many kids immediately perked up at the energy of ����ֱ�� State’s students in their respective uniforms. They were glad to enjoy a few minutes of excitement with a group of blue and gold strangers, visitors who found their own joy that will last long after the game has ended.

 

“It really puts into perspective where I’m at and how blessed I am to be where I am in my life,” Kuduk said.