Today, Lily and I took a trip to The James research hospital to visit patients, and it was a truly humbling experience. Walking through the halls, we were surrounded by people in the fight of their lives, and the unwavering dedication of doctors and nurses keeping them as comfortable as possible. All of this is driven by the hope of a cancer-free world, a powerful reminder of what really matters.
The simple conversations we had with the patients and their family members was in true pickleball spirit. Most had heard of our sport, a few had watched online and all very grateful for the APP gifts of a paddle and balls. Lots of Buckeye fans - I had to remind most of the Illinois football win in 2006 in true Big10 spirit.
I’m incredibly grateful to the APP for setting up this hospital visit. A massive shoutout to The James Foundation for their relentless dedication to fighting cancer and for being a one-stop shop for patients and families facing the hardest battle of their lives. Their work is inspiring and essential.
As the Hope statue in the entrance shared a quote by Alfred Tibor, “As a survivor of great many hardships in my life, I never lost faith and I never gave up hope that tomorrow would bring a better, brighter, and more beautiful future for all.” That quote resonated with me during this visit, as I saw the courage and strength in every patient and healthcare worker.
It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in the pickleball bubble—training, competing, and letting it consume my thoughts. But today offered a necessary shift in perspective. I’m beyond grateful for the health of our family and the chance to share these moments with my daughter, reminding me of how fortunate we are.
On a side note, Lily was missing her sidekick today. It’s rare for her and JR to be apart for even a few hours, let alone days. So, having this time alone with her was special. It gave me the chance to show her more of “my job” and enjoy some quality time together.
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