Tessa and Kevin Taylor have a mantra for their family of four — build memories, not things.
When asked to participate in a new patient engagement endeavor at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt five years ago, they didn’t think twice.
On Oct. 3, 2019, just two weeks after receiving a new heart, Sophie, then 7 years old, appeared on Fangvision at Bridgestone Arena during a Nashville Predators home game. She was the first Champ of the Game.
“We recognize Sophie as the fighter she is,” said her mother, Tessa. “We are able to share our blessing with other people. She’s a walking, talking, living miracle, and it’s nice that she gets the recognition for it.
“I hope that all the children who were highlighted can be an inspiration for others to keep going. It’s a wonderful way to put some of the issues that children are experiencing on people’s radars … put a spotlight on transplants, cancer, congenital abnormalities. Some of the biggest heroes are in the smallest bodies.”
Nearly 20,000 fans, arena employees and players agreed.
The roar of applause and congratulatory expressions during the segment was deafening. It’s a response that has continued since then for the nearly 200 patients from Monroe Carell that have served as the Champ of the Game representative.
“It is always so touching and sweet,” said Deborah Reynolds, a fan for 26 years. “We all look for it and stand up and cheer. It might sound odd to say that we look forward to these segments, but it’s uplifting. It’s really nice when they are well enough to come to the games, and they are acknowledged. It’s nice to know they are doing better.
“I’ve been a fan since day one. Everyone on my row, we all love it and think it’s just precious,” added Reynolds.
This year marks the fifth year of the 30-second clip shown on Fangvision.
What started as a simple proposal to create a moment during each home game for a hospitalized patient to root for the home team and share the excitement from fans and players in the arena has become a welcomed tradition.
“The second the music starts — it’s Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion” — it’s just unbelievable. People know. It’s just an incredible experience,” said Chelsea Poe, assistant director of Sports and Sponsorships at Vanderbilt Health.
“For our families to see their child, who has gone through so much with various health issues, have this moment is very uplifting. So many of them talk about how special it is.”
The impact of the segment has led to additional patient interactions including the Champ of the Game Alumni Night, when former champs come to the arena to experience the crowd’s appreciation in person.
“When the camera pans to them … oh my goodness,” said Poe with a long exhale.
Champ of the Game takes a real team effort, said Poe. From child life specialists and other Monroe Carell employees identifying potential patients to the marketing engagement team working on the technology side to the medical staff assisting when necessary.
It’s an effort by a host of people from various areas of the hospital to bring a little bit of normalcy to patients.
“When hospitalization can often feel burdensome or challenging, I love that Champ of the Game is a fun opportunity for the patient to feel special during their hospitalization,” said Bekah Gannon, senior program manager at Monroe Carell. “It’s something cool for them to do and take away from their hospital experience.”
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the official health care provider of the Predators — throughout a 15-year relationship, players have participated in hospital visits and hosted a myriad of events for patients.
Champ of the Game has impacted players as well.
“We’re in the middle of the game, but you see the video board, and it doesn’t matter if you’re down or up. Whatever the game score is, it’s put aside for a second, and you’re just so happy to see those kids being so happy,” said Roman Josi, Predators captain. “And it really is a motivational boost that puts everything into perspective.”
On Oct. 17, the Taylor family, including younger brother, 6-year-old Draven, was in the arena to celebrate the fifth year of Champ of the Game.
“Sophie can’t really play sports,” said Tessa Taylor. “When her brother is on the field, she is his biggest cheerleader, and when she is in the spotlight, he is her biggest fan.
“That’s kind of what Champ of the Game does too. It allows patients to be a part of the excitement and in turn, be cheered on as the superheroes/champs they are.”
