ORLANDO – The UCF football team, in conjunction with the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month leading up to and during the September 7 game vs. Sam Houston State.
After a successful UCF spring game which featured pediatric patients from the hospital creating their own UCF helmet logos for the game, the two organizations will now showcase these brave patients once again during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as they continue in the fight for their lives. The football team will again don specially designed logos on each side of their helmets, which will be revealed later this month.
“Being able to give back to our community is part of who we are as a program here at UCF,” UCF head coach Gus Malzahn said. “I’m proud to see our players represent UCF and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer to help raise awareness for such a great cause.”
"At Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we are deeply committed to advancing pediatric healthcare in our community. The new Orlando Health Children's Pavilion represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide world-class care to children and families in Central Florida,” said Orlando Health Senior Vice President and President of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Justin Williams. “This transformative project would not be possible without the generous contributions from our donors, whose support is helping us build a brighter, healthier future for our young patients. We are also profoundly grateful to the UCF football program for their dedication and efforts in bringing attention to this vital initiative. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and their families."
"We are taking a monumental step forward in children’s healthcare by opening a uniquely designed facility, set to welcome patients in 2026,” said Orlando Health Foundation Senior Vice President Mark A. Jones. “The Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion represents our unwavering commitment to transforming patient care for children across Central Florida and beyond. We will not be achieving this milestone alone and invite our community and supporters to join us. Your generosity and support are crucial to bringing this vision to life. This venture ensures we provide the highest quality, collaborative care in a nurturing environment for our youngest patients and their families."
For more than 14 years, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been named a “Best Children’s Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report. In 2023-24, the hospital was ranked in four specialties: Endocrinology & Diabetes, Neonatology, Orthopedics and Pulmonology.
Children’s health and well-being are at the heart of what they do every day. For more than 30 years, families have been able to find an environment where healing and hope are inspired by the fearless spirits of the kids they treat. The hospital features the most advanced technology, Central Florida’s only pediatric Level One Trauma Center and Emergency Department, and compassionate doctors, nurses and staff who have the children’s health as their top priority.