In celebration of pediatric cancer awareness month in September, AEG’s LA Galaxy teamed up with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to host a virtual robot visit that let patients meet some of their favorite players from the team. The event was in conjunction with the Major League Soccer’s “Kick Childhood Cancer” Campaign that is aimed at raising awareness of pediatric cancers and fundraising for childhood cancer research.
Under current COVID-19 guidelines, the team was prohibited from visiting the children in-person at the hospital. However, through Zoom on the hospital's robot, the kids had a chance to meet with their favorite players, including Chase Gasper, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez and Jorge Villafaña. As an additional surprise, through the "MLS WORKS" initiative, the LA Galaxy distributed 125 pairs of custom designed PJ pants to patients. The limited-edition design was a special collaboration between LA Galaxy’s design team and one of the children at CHLA.
“The longtime partnership we’ve had with CHLA has always been special to the LA Galaxy,” shared Gabriel Osollo, Manager of Community Relations, and Foundation at the LA Galaxy. “The ability to come in and lift the spirits of kids and their families at the hospital is meaningful for everyone on the team. We are so honored to have that opportunity.”
In tandem with the league’s month-long recognition for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the LA Galaxy also hosted outpatients from CHLA for Pediatric Cancer Night on September 4, 2022, who had a chance to watch the LA Galaxy face off against Sporting Kansas City at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
