Los Angeles Rams rookies paid a heartwarming visit to Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital on June 13, continuing an annual tradition that brings joy and inspiration to patients and staff alike.
The Rams players — Wyatt Bowles, Benjamin Dooley, Ty Hamilton and Konata Mumpfield — visited patients and healthcare workers, lifting spirits and spreading cheer. Their presence was met with enthusiasm, as they handed out Rams flags and footballs to patients and posed for selfies.
Patient Vern Lee Brooks expressed gratitude as the players signed a football for him during their visit to his room.
“Y’all my heroes, man. Ya’ll made my day…I’m proud of y’all, man. Thank you, guys,” Brooks said.
The players toured the hospital with Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president of hospital operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital. She appreciated how the players engaged with patients and shared moments of encouragement and camaraderie.
Hospital staff members pose for a photo with the Rams players.
(Cedars-Sinai/Submitted)
“They were really incredible,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “This visit brought joy, encouragement, and inspiration to our patients, who are going through a tough time. For our staff as well, it’s a meaningful recognition of their tireless dedication.”
Nursing assistant Carey Smith was moved by the positive impact of the visit.
“It was good to see the patients happy,” she said. A lot of them don’t have family to come and visit, so it was good to go into their rooms and see them smiling.”
Mumpfield was grateful for the chance to uplift patients and staff members.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “I feel like we’re put on this earth to do that, to do things like this and give back. So that opportunity meant a lot.”
These visits are part of the Rams’ commitment to the local community and the hospital’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive and uplifting environment for patients and staff. Cedars-Sinai is the Official Healthcare Partner of the Los Angeles Rams.