At Virginia Tech’s practice facility, a group of young patients from Carilion Children’s Hospital gathered around a table of paint and blank T‑shirts, ready to create something special with the help of Hokies football players.
A Canvas of Connection
The activity let the children design shirts that would later be worn at the upcoming home games, turning a routine hospital visit into a preview of game day excitement.
Dr. Andrew Herman, who oversees the children’s care, observed that the project shifted the youngsters’ attention from their illnesses to the simple pleasure of painting, bringing a noticeable lift to their spirits.
Tyson Flowers, a safety on the team, spoke about his own love for football and his devotion to the Philadelphia Eagles, noting that Blake Otey reminded him of his younger self and shared that bond over the game.
Defensive tackle Kemari Copeland described the children as “superheroes,” emphasizing the gratitude he felt for the chance to meet them and see their enthusiasm firsthand.
Sidney Moss, whose son Kevin also attended, expressed how meaningful it was for families to share the experience together, highlighting the sense of community that the event fostered.
Each child left with a hand‑painted T‑shirt to wear at the season opener against VMI on September 5, a small but powerful reminder that the Hokies’ impact extends beyond the field.
The collaboration not only brightened the hospital ward but also reinforced the idea that sport can be a conduit for hope, reminding everyone involved that belief in oneself can turn a simple game into a shared celebration.