April 16, 2004

A visit from champions

Not only are they world champions, but they are champions in the hearts and minds of young patients and MGH employees alike. These champions are two members of the New England Patriots — this year's Super Bowl winners — who brought warm smiles and loud cheers to the MGH when they stopped by for a visit April 13.

Patriots offensive linemen Russ Hochstein, number 71, and Daniel Koppen, number 67, visited with patients — and their enthusiastic parents — on Ellison 17 and 18. The players signed autographs, posed for photos and, most importantly, sat and talked with patients and their families, recounting the team's stellar season.

Hochstein and Koppen then went on to brighten the rainy spring day for some MGHers in the East Garden Dining Room, where they were greeted with cheers from employees. The players spent more than an hour posing for photos with happy MGH fans.

There are plans to bring additional players to the MGH in the near future.