MOBILE – After a week of bone-rattling football practices, players from the Under Armour Senior Bowl were happy to take a break and visit with young patients at USA Children's & Women's Hospital who were battling their own illnesses and injuries.

Players went room-to-room visiting patients in the hospital's pediatric unit, neonatal intensive care unit, USS Hope cancer and sickle cell treatment center, and therapy services.

"Once again, Senior Bowl players have generously taken time from their hectic schedules to bring some happiness to our patients and their families," said Dr. Becky DeVillier, USA Children's & Women's Hospital administrator. "Our hospital treasures our partnership with the Senior Bowl organization, which has shown a year-round commitment to our patients."

	Virginia Tech’s Ed Wang coaxed a big smile from Brittany Gurley during the players visit to the hospital’s USS Hope.

The Senior Bowl organization has gifted more than $536,000 to the hospital. In addition to the annual players' visits, Senior Bowl support has been used to purchase Starbright World, a private, interactive computer network that allows the hospital's children to interact with children hospitalized at other leading pediatric care centers across the United States.

Senior Bowl funds have also purchased computers for children receiving treatment in the USS Hope, along with special golf carts that transport patients and families throughout the USA Children's & Women's Hospital campus, and extensive renovations to the hospital's lobby.

For more information on USA Children's & Women's Hospital, visit www.southalabama.edu/usacwh. For more information on the Senior Bowl, visit www.seniorbowl.com.