“Every hit was a homerun!” smiled one student, describing the joy of helping with Buddy Ball Softball, a program sponsored by the Memorial Pediatric Rehabilitation Department for physically handicapped and special needs children. “It was fun seeing the kids having the time of their lives.”
One sunny Friday afternoon this fall, Coach Sonny Lady and thirty-three Savannah Christian Middle School students rushed to the Paulson Softball Complex after school to serve as “buddies” to the special needs children during this special event organized by Coach Lady’s wife Cindy, Advanced Pediatric Physical Therapist at Memorial. As children hit the ball off a tee, SCPS students either pushed their wheelchair or escorted the children around the bases.
“For them, hitting the ball two yards was like us winning the lottery,” said Timmy McCarthy, delighted by their enthusiasm.
“Yes,” agreed Rachel Reynolds, adding that she especially enjoyed spending time with one particular child “because he was like a normal kid, but he was in a wheelchair and he had no problem with it.”
The special needs children not only made an impression on the students, however; they also favorably impressed the Buddy Ball organizers. Soon after the event, Mr. Yancey received a letter from Sherry Mitchell, Pediatric Senior Physical Therapist at Memorial, who wrote:
"So many times our patients are merely spectators, watching their brothers and sisters from the sidelines. On Friday, they were the superstars. You should be very proud of the way the students conducted themselves. They were tremendously accepting, open, and compassionate. Our patients immediately bonded with them and I am sure trusted the students to help them. Wheelchairs, crutches, braces – it didn't seem to matter. The students treated every child with respect and encouragement. Mr. Lady gave it his all as the pitcher. He worked hard to give each child an experience to remember. It was a pure joy to watch."
Memorial’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Department hopes to sponsor more Buddy Ball events, perhaps even forming a league, so that special needs children can more regularly experience some of the joys common to many young people.
According to Ms. Mitchell, “All the family members were so touched by Savannah Christian's kindness. Their children for one afternoon were just like any other kid – playing ball with their buddies.”
The experience was memorable for our students as well, who eagerly anticipate participating in future events. Eighth grader Jessica Tucker put it very simply, “It feels good to help people.”
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