NEW ORLEANS — It was man against machine Tuesday morning outside of Children's Hospital. Specifically, the men of the NOLA Gold rugby team.
And the winner is, the hundreds of young patients at Children's Hospital because the street battle was all for a good cause.
What happens when you put a few dozen strong NOLA Gold rugby players up against an ambulance, and then throw in a good cause, like the many young patients being treated by the medical team at children's hospital? Well, you get a lot of strength.
You see, what rugby players do to restart a play after a stoppage, due to rules infringement, is called a scrum. The two teams push against each other for the ball, but Tuesday the scrum opponent was an ambulance, all to raise funds for Children's Hospital of New Orleans.
“We take care of every child regardless of their ability to pay. So, every year we're contributing $36 million in community benefit programs, or free care to families because we don't turn any child away,” explained Lou Fragoso, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
Funds help with care in the only pediatric trauma center in the city, and the only certified place in the state to bring life-saving sickle cell anemia treatments.
“Events like today only further our personal commitment to LCMC Health, to serve our community, have fun, and partner with an incredible group of guys,” said
Billy Douglass, Senior Vice-President of Physician Services and Development for LCMC Health.
The players spent the morning with the little patients, teaching them how to play rugby, to take their minds off of health care, and just to have fun, like this big sister of a little girl battling cancer.
“I think it was incredible. They are really strong. They strong, and that's it,” said the little girl.
“It's unbelievable to be able to interact with these kids, and just contribute to them,” said JP du Plessis, a NOLA Gold team member who plays center.
And he says the interaction continues with families at the games.
“I mean the day's just such an unbelievable experience. People come out as families, come out, the kids run around, and play. When the game kicks off, the match kicks off, people just enjoy the contact. It's high intensity,” said du Plessis.
NOLA Gold rugby players invite you to the Gold Mine, which is otherwise known as the Shrine on Airline, for the game this Saturday at 3 p.m. Part of the proceeds are going to go to help children at Children's Hospital.
Children's Hospital also works in 180 schools in the area to treat behavioral health.
You can also donate to the "Scrum for a Cause" anytime at NolaGoldRugby.com.
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