On Tuesday, October 17, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe (Chido) Awuzie visited Kettering Health Cancer Center to spend time with patients receiving chemotherapy.
“The cancer center was abuzz with gratitude and appreciation for Chido’s visit,” said Sharlet Briggs, president at Kettering Health Main Campus, in a LinkedIn post. “His presence undoubtedly brought smiles and moments of respite to those facing the battle against cancer.”
According to Sharlet, Chido went above and beyond, spending nearly two hours chatting and offering words of encouragement to those battling cancer and the staff caring for them. “He didn’t just offer his condolences; he listened to their story, providing comfort and support during their difficult time,” she said.
Kim Wheeler is one of the many employees whose day was impacted by Chido’s visit. She’s an oncology RN at KH Cancer Center Infusion Center. “It’s very special when people want to come here and spread love and joy,” she said. “Chido reaching out and freely sharing his time with the patients and staff of the cancer center is truly appreciated.”
Chido offered his time, companionship, and Killer Brownies.
Isaac Mannier was another oncology RN working at the Infusion Center that day. He was already a Bengals and Chido fan, but he shared that seeing Chido’s character lived out exceeded his expectations.
“The biggest thing that Awuzie’s visit meant was that he would take time out of his off week to drive up here and spend several hours with patients and staff,” said Isaac. “People just want to feel like other people care. Awuzie let us know he cares.”
Chido didn’t just meet with patients and staff. He also connected with nine-year-old diehard Bengals fan Flynn Foster. Flynn recently lost his father, Tyler, to cancer.
Flynn’s mom, Erin, took to Facebook to share her appreciation. “Thank you, Chido and Kettering Health! Flynn and I will never forget this day. On the way home, he told me he was going to make it into the NFL and do these things for people too.”
The visit was not only impactful for the patients and staff, Chido himself was moved by the day.
Needless to say, his visit had a lasting effect. But oncology RN Melissa Wells saw this in real time two days later while caring for a patient who was there for Chido’s visit. “This individual was still elated with the experience,” she said. “These individuals are going through so much, and it was awesome to see Chido make a great difference in their day.”
Thank you, Chido, for taking the time to bring a little joy to those in our cancer center.
See more photos from his visit below.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”400″ gal_title=”Bengals Chidobe Awuzie Visit to KH Cancer Center”]