Mets Star Michael Conforto visits NYU Winthrop Cancer Center for Kids

Rebecca Klar
Mets Michael Conforto Pitches in Wii Game of Baseball at NYU Winthrop Cancer Center for Kids

As part of Conforto Cares, a program established by New York Met Michael Conforto to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, the athlete recently brought NYU Winthrop patients and their families to Citi Field.

The 25-year-old outfielder said he wanted to spread even more joy to pediatric cancer patients – so about a month after the Citi Field tour he visited them at the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop Hospital and the Children’s Medical Center.

“My goal is to bring cheer and inspiration to these young children while also raising the visibility of pediatric cancer and other childhood diseases,” Conforto said in an NYU Winthrop release.  “… I hope to inspire these young patients to stay determined. If we, as a broader community, stay determined, maybe one day there will be more cures for childhood diseases.”

During Conforto’s visit on Aug. 6, kids got a chance to play baseball, virtually that is, with the Mets outfielder.

In addition to playing Wii baseball, Conforto gave out Mets t-shirts to the patients and family members.

He also handed out pop-up replicas of the Mets home-run apple and autographed photos.

While touring Citi Field, patients had a chance to use the Mets batting cages and have lunch in the ballpark with Conforto.

“It’s a privilege to help these children forget about the rigors of their treatments and just enjoy being kids,” Conforto said.

When athletes like Conforto reach out to patients, it “really makes a difference,” said Dr. Mark Weinblatt, chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at NYU Winthrop and director of the Cancer Center for Kids.

“Children look up to professional athletes and meeting one like Michael Conforto and getting special memorabilia, it renews the vitality of these young patients and that’s so important,” Weinblatt said in the release.

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