Former Stony Brook Children’s Patient and SBU Alum Raises Money for and Visits Pediatric Patients at Stony Brook
Spirits were lifted and smiles were everywhere as Stony Brook University alum and pro football hopeful Jordan Gowins visited pediatric patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
Gowins spent time with children in the playroom and visited patients in their rooms in the Pediatric, Hematology/Oncology and Pediatric Intensive Care units. He also presented a $3,000 check to the hospital. The donation was the result of a fundraising challenge that he established during his NFL Pro Day at Stony Brook University when he bench-pressed 225 lbs. for 30 reps.
When 8-year-old Kaleb heard that Gowins was coming to Stony Brook Children’s, he was so excited that he didn’t fall asleep until 2 am the night before. Kaleb, who received a pair of autographed gloves from Gowins, said of his visit, “It was very cool and very nice of him.”
This was not the first time that Gowins was at Stony Brook. When he was 10 years old, he spent about a month in the hospital’s intensive care unit as a result of a pool accident that nearly cost him his life. He banged his head, lost consciousness and was under water for 4 1⁄2 minutes. Stony Brook doctors helped save Gowins’ life. He then had to relearn how to walk and talk again.
“This is my biggest accomplishment so far — to be able to give back to the place that helped me and gave me a second opportunity,” said Gowins. “It means a lot to be able to come here and make kids smile and forget about what they’re going through.”
Liz Larosa, Child Life Specialist, agreed. “He was a patient here, so there’s a connection that he can make with the kids who are here. He can walk into a room and say, ‘Hey, you know I’ve been here. I’ve been through this. How has it been for you?’”
An added bonus for Gowins was reuniting with staff members at Stony Brook who treated him as a child. “I didn't expect to see some of the nurses who knew me then — that was something special. It really took me back when I saw those familiar faces." More smiles all around.