Bulldogs Bring the Heart: A Year of Connection Between Valley Children’s and Fresno State

In 2025, Valley Children’s and Fresno State’s partnership continued to transform ordinary hospital days into moments of joy, inspiration and shared humanity. Through a series of athlete visits spanning football, men’s basketball and women’s volleyball, the collaboration showcased how connection can uplift patients, families and student-athletes alike.

Each visit carried its own energy and purpose, yet all reflected a common goal: reminding children receiving care that they are supported by a community that sees them, celebrates them and stands beside them.

That spirit was on full display last summer when members of the women’s volleyball team visited Valley Children’s, trading the court for patient rooms, play spaces and bedside conversations. For the athletes, the visit was about meeting kids where they were and creating moments of normalcy during difficult days.

“We got to go around and distract some of the kids for a little bit. Bring them some laughs. Play with them and do what they wanted to do,” said one of the players.

For others, the experience left a lasting impression beyond the smiles. “Being able to connect with the community and it really put the opportunities we’ve had growing up in perspective to see the challenges the kids here face every single day,” her teammate added. “It’s really inspiring.”

That sense of perspective was also felt when over a dozen freshman football players visited as part of the university’s summer bridge program, which helps student-athletes transition from high school to college.

Players moved floor to floor to laughter, high-fives and occasional “Go ’Dogs!” cheer as they greeted patients and staff, played games in George’s Clubhouse and created art in the Child Life Playroom. For children who couldn’t leave their rooms, the athletes brought the visit to them, posing for photos, signing autographs and sharing moments that felt anything but clinical.

The visit even flipped the script, as young patients proudly autographed posters for the players. One particularly meaningful moment came when a patient named Lucas was able to FaceTime his older brother, a football player himself who was excited that the Bulldogs were visiting.

For defensive back Tyger Canales, the visit provided clarity that extended beyond football. “It just provides a lot of perspective for me to understand that everyone is going through something, and if they can power through what they’re going through, I can power through what I’m going through,” he said. “They’re the real warriors, they’re the real celebrities, because they’re fighting for and dealing with a lot more than us, so that’s something I can play for.”

During the winter holiday season, Fresno State’s men’s basketball team arrived with wagons full of joy in the form of stuffed animals collected during the team’s annual “teddy bear toss” game. Players and coaches rolled through the halls, inviting children to choose their favorite plush companion.

“I really think it’s special for our players to see these young kids and the struggles they go through, and help put a smile on their face,” Head Coach Vance Walberg said. “I think it means an awful lot.”

Freshman center Wilson Jacques said the impact was immediate. “It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “Doing a little thing like this and giving them smiles, it’s really unbelievable.”

Together, these moments defined the Valley Children’s – Fresno State partnership in 2025 as not just a series of visits but a shared commitment to compassion, community and the knowledge that even small gestures can create lasting joy.