Long Beach Kid Patients Meet NFL Tony Gonzalez!

The Atlanta Falcons' Pro Bowl tight end delivers special “buddies”
to Miller Children’s Hospital patients and shares what the visit means to him personally.

Click here to view story and see photos.

Taiya (11 years old) is pictured with her mom. When her treatment is over, she looks forward to showing her classmates in Zimbabwe her shadow buddy so that they can understand her central line.

Nadia (5 years old), loves dolls and anything Hello Kitty. The first day I met her she did not want to talk to me at all. The following day I brought her a Shadow Buddy and a play doctor bag. All of a sudden I met a whole new Nadia! :) She had such a big laugh and pure joy being the doctor, giving injections to her dad and "sister" (name for nurses in South Africa).

These children both had a difficult time coping with their hospitalization, but began amazing transformations after I introduced medical play with the shadow buddies. The 7 year old girl from the burns unit has been discharged since taking the photo but returns to Red Cross on Wednesdays for clinic visits and dressing changes. She ALWAYS brings her Shadow Buddy "Strawberry" and "Dolly" with her. I am thankful everyday that we've been fortunate enough to have Shadow Buddies at Red Cross! :) You have blessed so many children there!

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(Pictured: Denise Olson, Dr. Jeremy Fry, Matt Cassel, Kaylyn Olson, Ryan Landreth and Michael Landreth)

TWO VERY SPECIAL WINNERS OF AN ESSAY CONTEST RECEIVE PRIVATE THROWING LESSONS FROM QB MATT CASSEL

On Thursday, July 26, 2012, Kansas City Chiefs Matt Cassel gave two area teenagers a morning practice they will never forget.  Winners of an essay contest through Fry Orthodontics, Ryan Landreth and Kaylyn Olson took to the practice field.  After warming up and doing their stretches, they both learned how to call plays and run routes like the professionals do.  Quick learners, Cassel made passes back and forth to the area teenagers giving them a morning they will never forget.

It’s all about giving back the community and Cassel has been doing this since coming to Kansas City.  Working with the Shadow Buddies Foundation, Cassel donates his time and supports the efforts of the Foundation.

For more information on Fry Orthodontics, click here.

Matt Cassel and Shadow Buddies Visits the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Missouri!!!

On Tuesday, June 26th, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Matt Cassel and Shadow Buddies founders Marty Postlethwait and her son Miles Postlethwait, visited the children who participated in the "Know Your Buddy Book" program at the Boys and Girls Club in Springfield, Missouri. Sixty children participated in the program learning about children who are diagnosed with different medical challenges. The "Know Your Buddy Book" is a great example of teaching children the difference between visible and invisible differences. The Shadow Buddies Foundation is grateful to have this program sponsored by Southern Bank who also made a thousand dollar donation the day of our event. The afternoon concluded with a lunch with community leaders at Twin Oaks Country Club. A big "Thank You!" to Jackie Bonner for all of her hard work in helping us to spread "Miles of Smiles" around the world!!!