Reading Hospital’s youngest patients recently received a surprise visit from retired NFL quarterback Chad Henne and his wife, Brittany. The Berks County couple partnered with Reading Hospital Foundation to cheer on patients and staff in the hospital’s Pediatric Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“When I played at the University of Michigan and for the Kansas City Chiefs we often visited kids in the hospital,” Henne said. “The experience of brightening a child’s day is something that stays with you and it’s something I wanted to do here at home.”
During their visit, the Hennes toured the units, met with the children and their families, and talked sports with young fans. They also allowed patients and staff try on Henne’s 2020 and 2023 Super Bowl Rings from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
“To see the joy on the children’s faces was really remarkable,” said Olubunmi Ojikutu, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics at Reading Hospital. “It’s not every day you get to try on a Super Bowl ring. That is something the kids will remember forever.”
Henne also took time to offer advice to patients, including an aspiring athlete who plays football for the Governor Mifflin Mustangs – a longtime rival of Henne’s Wilson Bulldogs. Henne shared that he played multiple positions before ultimately landing at quarterback. He told him that the sport takes dedication and hard work, but it is worth it as long as you are having fun. Henne, who is now on the Wilson football coaching staff, and the young player promised to look for each other on the sidelines next season.
“We appreciate Chad and Brittany visiting our patients and recognizing the hard work and dedication of our incredible team members,” Katherine Thornton, President of Reading Hospital Foundation, said.
