Reign Forward Scores for Kids
May 20, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
ONTARIO, Calif. - The Ontario Reign, back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL's 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, are proud to announce that forward Kyle Kraemer has personally donated $300 to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
Kraemer had pledged $10 for each goal he scored during the 2012-13 regular season. The St. Louis, Missouri native potted a career-high 30 goals over the course of 71 games during the regular season, bringing the grand total to $300. The decision to donate to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital was prompted by a visit to the facility earlier in the season.
To mark the donation, Kraemer and several members of the Reign front office staff had a chance to meet and play with Surf Verboom, one of the children who had received treatment at Loma Linda, on Friday.
Surf had been diagnosed at age three with stage IV kidney cancer following the discovery of a Wilms' tumor that necessitated the removal of his right kidney, along with two runs of chemotherapy and radiation treatment from January through July of 2011 at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
Now two years in remission, Surf is a healthy and energetic five-year old with a tremendous love of hockey. Kraemer presented Surf with a signed stick along with a few souvenir pucks.
Surf's mother, Chaili, was beside herself, recalling her son's battle with cancer while seeing him interact with Kraemer.
"He kept his spirits up for me," she said. "I'm stronger because of it." The experience left Kraemer in high spirits as well.
"It was awesome," Kraemer said. "It's great to see a kid smiling, and this chance to brighten up someone's day really put a smile on Surf's face."
At Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, patients are given the highest level of care from more than one hundred pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and sub-specialists. Treatment ranges from healing broken bones to life-threatening illnesses. The hospital boasts one of the largest and most advanced neonatal centers in the world. The 22,000 square foot center includes a special area just for infants who have undergone transplants and premature babies requiring special attention and care.
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