July 22, 2008
 
Marshall Players Visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
 
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
 
Memphis, TN (HNN) – Marshall University’s Cody Slate and C.J. Spillman were among 22 Conference USA football players who visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis on Monday.
 
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is one of the world's premier centers for research and treatment of catastrophic diseases in children, primarily pediatric cancers. Its mission is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, no child is denied treatment at St. Jude based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
 
Slate and Spillman, both preseason All-Conference USA selections, got a first hand look at the amazing work being done at the facility. The players visited with patients and their families and had the opportunity to speak to a St. Jude scientist.
 
“Its an amazing place to take care of children and their families at no cost when they are facing such a difficult time,” Spillman said. “I was impressed with the way they make the place so child-friendly and how everything is geared to keeping the children’s spirits so high.”
 
About 4,900 patients are seen at St. Jude yearly and has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.
 
“It was not what I expected,” Slate said. “It was not like any hospital I have ever been to. So many children were playing video games, riding tricycles in the halls…the entire environment was phenomenal. The work the doctors and researchers do at St. Jude is incredible and so are the kids.”
 
Both Marshall players took the time to sign autographs and take pictures with children at St. Jude before moving on to Memphis International Airport for the return trip to Huntington. Slate and Spillman have been in Memphis attending Conference USA’s Football Media Blitz activities.
 
VISIT PHOTO GALLERY: http://conferenceusa.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/08-football-media-blitz.html
 
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