Las Vegas, Nev. — Las Vegas is a city that is best known for its competitive vibe. Winners often thrive from good fortune, while businesses capitalize on losers’ contributions.
Just two miles away from the glitz and glamor of the world-famous Vegas Strip, several ASU and Boise State football players made sure everybody was a winner on Tuesday morning.
As part of the week’s festivities for the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas members of both teams visited Sunrise Children Hospital.
Seniors cornerback Omar Bolden, linebacker Brandon Magee and wide receiver T.J. Simpson represented the Sun Devils, while sophomore offensive lineman Jake Broyles, junior linebacker Tommy Smith and sophomore defensive end Kharyee Marshall appeared for the Broncos.
“There’s always a time for fun, but then there’s also a time to come help the community around,” Simpson said. “You just got to know when to turn it off, turn it on. Last night was fun, but now we have to focus and help out these kids and (promote) positive energy."
“Positive energy” was a common theme stressed by the three Sun Devils to each hospital room they spoke in. The players visited four children and gave all of them a Mickey Mouse toy, autographed posters and a bracelet that read, “Positive Living.”
“It’s an excellent feeling,” Stacy Acquista, director of marketing and media relations for Sunrise Children's Hospital, said. “We love positive energy. These kids, when they’re feeling sick, they need positive reinforcement. For me personally, it’s so rewarding to see something so positive, and even reminds all of us to be healthy and have all of our loved one be healthy.”
The first child the trio visited was a young boy named Philipe.
While the child was quiet and reserved, Bolden and his teammates were determined to make a connection with him. When Philipe revealed he wanted “Iron Man” for Christmas, the 2010 All-Pac-10 First Team cornerback promised he would text Santa Claus to fulfill his wish. Magee showed the team poster to Philipe and told him that he, Simpson and Bolden were “amigos.”
The next room the athletes appeared in housed an older boy named Justin. The players learned that he enjoys playing quarterback in football and point guard in basketball. Along with the gifts, the Sun Devils provided him with a simple, inspirational message.
“We’re really big on positive energy,” Bolden said to Justin after giving him the “Positive Living” band. “Regardless of your situation, you can always make the best out of anything. Whenever something goes bad, you can always look down at your armband and know to stay positive. It will get you through. It’s a simple reminder.”
The message fit well for the representatives also, as Bolden, Simpson and Magee all missed the 2011 regular season due to injury.
“It’s nice to know that people still care and take time out of their day to visit (us),” Justin’s mother, Heather, said.
Because they spent an extended amount of time in each room they visited, the players did not visit as many rooms as expected and fell behind their schedule for the rest of the day. Nevertheless, Simpson, Bolden and Magee all said their visit was a touching experience, and were open to exchanging their contact information with their new friends.
“(It was) once again, a life changer,” Magee said, who was also a part of the Sun Devils’ visit to Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Oct. 18. “Every time I visit hospitals, it’s just an awakening. Put life in perspective and look at how you’re caring for yourself and how happy are you every day. Even when stuff goes bad, it’s not as bad as other people have it, and they’re still happy.”
Tuesday was also Bolden’s 23rd birthday, and when Justin was informed of the occasion, he shouted out strongly as Bolden was already in the hallway to greet his next patient.
“Happy Birthday!”
Bolden hurried back in Justin’s room with wide eyes and an even bigger smile.
“Thanks man, appreciate it. 23 like (Michael)Jordan. Hopefully it’s a good year.”
Reach the reporter at jnacion@asu.edu
