The Bulldogs and Valley Children’s Team Up for Unforgettable Memories
Each fall, Valley Children’s proudly partners with Fresno State Athletics to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for patients and their families during every home football game. Through our long-standing “Kid Captain” program, pediatric patients are honored at every home game, placing them at the center of the action and the heart of the Bulldog community.
The excitement begins with hosted pregame tailgate festivities. Then, the Kid Captains take to the field in front of the cheering stadium, taking part in the coin toss, meeting the referees and posing for photos with the players, Fresno State Cheerleaders and Mascot TimeOut.
Throughout the season, children representing a wide range of medical conditions and specialties are honored, spotlighting both their resilience and the comprehensive care available at Valley Children’s. This past year’s season honored children care for in the following programs:
- Pediatric Plastic Surgery (cleft lip and palate)
- George’s Pass, for children with autism spectrum disorder
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Members of The Fresno Truck Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Valley Children’s
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Injury Prevention Program
These events provide a joyful, relaxed opportunity for patients, siblings, caregivers and care teams to connect outside the hospital setting, building community and creating positive memories beyond clinical care. For many families, the games mark powerful milestones, transforming months or years of medical challenges into a celebration of hope, courage and possibility.
Together, Valley Children’s and Fresno State create moments that remind our patients they are more than their diagnoses. they are champions, leaders and inspirations to the entire Central Valley community.
