Panthers Rookies Visit Levine Children’s Hospital in Halloween Tradition

Carolina Panthers rookies visited Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital last week, in Charlotte. As part of a family tradition, they wore Halloween costumes to surprise patients and their families.

More than 100 patients and their relatives met the players in the children's hospital, according to Queen City News. Sweet treats were available for those spending the holiday in the hospital.

Receiver Tetairoa McMillan, linebacker Nic Scourton, running back Trevor Etienne, safety Lathan Ransom, defensive tackle Cam Jackson, tight end Mitchell Evans, receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., and kicker Ryan Fitzgerald took part. Co-owner Nicole Tepper and President Kristi Coleman joined them during hospital rounds.

The athletes wore superhero costumes and other character costumes while meeting with children. Photos showed players interacting with patients in different areas of the medical facility.

The visit marks one of several team efforts across professional sports to bring Halloween cheer to hospitalized children this week. Teams in Boston, Atlanta, and New England held similar events at their local hospitals.

Boston Bruins players visited Mass General Brigham for Children on Wednesday, Oct. 22, dressed as Batman, Superman and other heroes. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye attended a Halloween party at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday for pediatric cancer patients, wearing a Dragonite costume.

"It's very special, just from the sense of, you know, being here in the community, being an impact to a lot of people in the world, especially the kids man," said Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones, according to WHDH. "You know we do a lot for the kids and we love to put smiles on their faces."

Atlanta Falcons players spent an afternoon on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Scottish Rite Hospital. They decorated mini helmets and colored pictures with kids who will spend the holiday in treatment.

Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins said these visits provide perspective. "I think any time you get to be out in the community and give back is great," said Hollins to WHDH. "Especially with fans that are really struggling through something, to get a little perspective in life."

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman told reporters he marks the hospital visit on his calendar each year. "It's just such a humbling feeling being able to come here," said Swayman to WBZ NewsRadio. "This is an incredible hospital, the staff, and obviously the people in here are just world class humans."

Lili Ridout works as a child life specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital. She helps children cope with hospital stays and medical diagnoses. In her opinion, player visits create lasting memories during hard times.

"The hospital can be a very scary place for children, but getting to see their favorite athletes dressed up as superheroes and costumes, it can just bring a really happy moment in times of stress and hardship," said Ridout, according to the NHL.

The Patriots event on Tuesday brought together more than 40 children from Boston and Providence hospitals. Families took part in Halloween-themed activities and posed for photos with players, cheerleaders, and mascots.

Cassie Baker and Andrew Stein photographed the Panthers visit for the team. The photos show interactions between players and young patients throughout different floors of the Charlotte facility.