Boston College Athletics
Lacrosse Visits Franciscan Children's Hospital
December 10, 2007 | Lacrosse
Dec. 10, 2007
Chestnut Hill, Mass. - The Boston College lacrosse team visited Franciscan Children's Hospital in Brighton, Mass., on Friday to decorate Christmas cookies with the children. The Eagles, who just won the IWLCA's Community Awareness Award, helped lay frosting on sugar cookies and worked on some dance moves as the morning went on.
The women of the BC lacrosse team travel to the hospital twice a year as a team to decorate Christmas and Easter cookies, but many of the players make the trip on their own or in small groups throughout the year to visit with patients.
"Doing these activities and hanging out with these kids really shows you the realities of the world," senior Catharine Saylor said. "You see how much you have and you can give so much more. You really appreciate the little things, like making a cookie with a lot of icing and sprinkles."
Mo Maloney, Boston College's former baseball coach, organizes the trips to visit hospitals like Franciscan and Boston Children's for all student-athletes. Senior Courtney Zwirko values her experiences with the children and appreciates her return trips.
"I like coming a lot because you become familiar with the children," Zwirko said. "You see the same kids and they recognize you. You become comfortable with them and they with you. You build relationships with them."
Saylor is grateful for Maloney's trips and inspired by his helpful actions.
"You see someone like Mo, who has dedicated his life to helping others," Saylor said. "This is not just work, it drives him. To see that, you can't really help but want to do the same thing."
The players started the morning by helping youngsters decorate pre-made holiday cookies with frosting and sprinkles. As the older children poured in, they took to the gym floor to learn some new moves. The players formed a circle and kept smiles on children's faces by attempting to learn new dances and cheering the children on as they strutted their stuff.
Athletics Director Gene DeFilippo, who also made the trip with the players, is pleased with BC athletes' contribution to the community.
"We are all so proud of the community outreach our student-athletes continue to do," DeFilippo said. "This Christmas cookie decorating with the children at the hospital is a wonderful experience for all of us. The women on the lacrosse team are very special people and we couldn't be more proud of them."
Head Coach Bowen Holden stresses the importance of community outreach to her players because of its humbling nature and ability to keep wins and loses in perspective.
"This is one of the best days during the year," Holden said. "Not only does it bring joy to the children, but they bring smiles to our faces. It reminds us what's important. When we lose a game or struggle on the lacrosse field, we have to remember to keep it in perspective. This makes us realize how much we have and how it's possible to lose it in an instant."
