Badgers Make Dreams Come True at Zoo
June 27, 2018 | Football, Badgers Give Back
UW student-athletes join young patients at Henry Vilas Zoo for special night
Fortunately, that dream becomes a reality for kids from the American Family Children's Hospital on the first Friday in June of every year.
Dream Night at the Zoo brings patients and their families up close and personal with the feathery, furry, and scaly animals that inhabit the zoo.
"It's one of my favorite events all year," Crystal Padley, the Zoo organizer, said about the event. "It's a way for terminally and chronically ill kids to just get out with their families and have some really cool experiences."
"Families are always coming up to us and telling us that this is the second or third year they've come in a row. We're so glad that so many people are having as much fun at the event as we have hosting it. It's a very rewarding experience for all of us."
Martha and her five-year-old daughter Jaz are one of the many families that enjoyed Dream Night at the Zoo this year. It is their second year in a row attending and each time the event gets better and better.
"The night seemed so surreal," said Martha.
"I feel so blessed that Jaz got to enjoy herself so much and she even found a new friend in one of the Badgers. She was asking in the car if we could go back tomorrow."
Jaz bonded with senior football safety D'Cota Dixon. The two walked around the park together, exploring the animals and building a friendship.
"I love doing events like this," added Dixon (and Jaz's new buddy). "Being able to make the kids] laugh and create an enjoyable experience for all of the kids and their families is exactly what we are here to do."
It was fun for parents too. "In the end, I had a great time because Jaz had a great time," Jaz's mom Martha added. "We already can't wait to come back next year."
During the school year, UW student-athletes go room to room visiting these same patients and their families, bringing smiles and delivering keepsakes.
"It's so awesome seeing the kids from the Children's Hospital up and having fun," added junior Softball pitcher Angela Morrow.
"Being able to see them out at the zoo, interacting with the animals and laughing is really special to see. It puts a smile on both ours and their faces."
The power of Dream Night at the Zoo has spread across the globe and today, over 200 zoos around the world provide special up-close encounters to patients and their families. The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison has been participating since 2013 and the Badgers have been participating since 2016.
For more information on Badgers Give Back, visit www.uwbadgers.com/BadgersGiveBack.
Â
Main photo: D'Cota Dixon (football) and his new buddy Jaz smile as they take in the Grizzly Bear exhibit at Henry Vilas Zoo.
