UMES WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FINDS NEW REASON TO BE THANKFUL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON DAVE WHIGHAM 12/19/11 Hawks open trip to Tampa with visit to Shriners Hospital for Children TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore women's basketball team has continued the run of UMES athletic programs that have participated in goodwill efforts this holiday season. Despite a late night departure, early morning flight to Tampa, Fla., and some minor jet lag, the squad found it within themselves to volunteer and their efforts were rewarded with an early Christmas present. Their participation in the event marks that almost 75 UMES student-athletes have now been involved in volunteer efforts this December. Upon their arrival in Tampa, the women skipped out on a weather forecast of sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures to focus on something much different than a beach setting. Instead, the group hopped on a bus with its destination set for The Shriners Hospital for Children. The student-athletes shared an experience that will surely leave a lasting impression on their hearts - one that provided them with an opportunity at realizing how fortunate they really are. "It was a very informative experience for our young ladies to see the type of commitment it takes to provide service for children in desperate need," said head coach Fred Batchelor. "I think it helps us all to appreciate the blessing we are given. It encourages us to give to others, particularly to children." The visit to the Shriners Hospital for Children began with a video tutorial that outlined all of the main components of the 179,000 square-foot hospital. The hospital serves as one of 22 Shriners Children Hospitals across the nation, 19 of which are orthopedic like the Tampa based one. The facilities were opened by the Shriners organization, which started it to better mankind and because they wanted to "allow kids to feel like kids". They have helped 835,000 children since the organization began in 1922. The group was guided by Frank Goldston, a man who had a heart almost as big as his hat. Goldston was a tour guide and long term member of the Shriner organization and wore a tall hat that emphasized the connection. The women saw many fantastic things while on the tour with Goldston. They saw how the hospital was built and viewed the different techniques used in creating prosthetic legs and arms. The Hawks had a chance to see the underwater murals that were painted throughout the hospital, for which Goldston emphasized its reasoning being, "the children feel more comfortable with these drawings present". The women saw a handful of needy children during the two-hour visit. The Hawks were able to see the patients in several different atmospheres. The activities of the children ranged throughout, as some were busy playing the Wii, while others were walking the halls with their families. The conclusion of the tour brought the women to the front walkway of the facility, where they were presented with perhaps the most inspirational part of the visit. This is where they found out what distinguishes this hospital from the rest. The children do not have to pay for anything. Yes, their entire bill is free. There was a wall covered with gold, silver and bronze plaques, all of which emphasized different amounts of money pledged. It was here where one could see the names of the donors that gave money amounts up to eight million dollars. The amounts that some had pledged were breathtaking and everyone realized how the children's hospital bills were now funded. This experience alone warmed the hearts of everyone in attendance. The generous donations by so many allowed these children to be taken care of properly. It was their generosity that has given these children opportunities to live in the same world as everyone else. "The entire thing made me feel very fortunate to be healthy," said senior guard Amber Cook. "It was hard watching the kids go through the times like they are experiencing now. It's amazing that they don't take money from the families and how all of the money is taken in through fundraisers." The entire opportunity proved to be a very intriguing event for the women. Although the team dropped their decision to the University of South Florida the following day, they still have plenty of reasons to come home and be gracious and thankful this holiday season.