Megan Fudge Brings Pickleball Joy to Patients: Global Pickleball and APP professional Megan Fudge recently brought the spirit of pickleball to The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Fudge and her daughter, Lily, visited patients, bringing smiles and hope in what is often a challenging environment.
A Humbling Experience
“Today, Lily and I took a trip to The James research hospital to visit patients, and it was a truly humbling experience. Walking through the halls, we were surrounded by people in the fight of their lives, and the unwavering dedication of doctors and nurses keeping them as comfortable as possible. All of this is driven by the hope of a cancer-free world, a powerful reminder of what really matters.”-(fudge)
The mother-daughter duo engaged in heartfelt conversations with patients and their families, the essence of community support.
The simple conversations we had with the patients and their family members was in true pickleball spirit. Most had heard of our sport, a few had watched online, and all were very grateful for the APP gifts of a paddle and balls. Lots of Buckeye fans – I had to remind most of the Illinois football win in 2006 in true Big Ten spirit.”-(fudge)
Gratitude and Inspiration
Fudge expressed her appreciation for the opportunity provided by the APP.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the APP for setting up this hospital visit. A massive shoutout to The James Foundation for their relentless dedication to fighting cancer and for being a one-stop shop for patients and families facing the hardest battle of their lives. Their work is inspiring and essential.”-(fudge)
A statue of hope at the hospital entrance features a quote by Alfred Tibor:
“As a survivor of great many hardships in my life, I never lost faith and I never gave up hope that tomorrow would bring a better, brighter, and more beautiful future for all.”-(fudge)
This message resonated deeply with Fudge as she witnessed the courage of patients and healthcare workers alike.
A Shift in Perspective
Fudge admitted that it’s easy to get caught up in the competitive world of pickleball
“It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in the pickleball bubble—training, competing, and letting it consume my thoughts. But today offered a necessary shift in perspective. I’m beyond grateful for the health of our family and the chance to share these moments with my daughter, reminding me of how fortunate we are.”–(fudge)
On a personal note, Fudge shared that Lily missed her usual companion during their visit.
“It’s rare for her and JR to be apart for even a few hours, let alone days. So, having this time alone with her was special. It gave me the chance to show her more of ‘my job’ and enjoy some quality time together.”-(fudge)
News in Brief : Megan Fudge Brings Pickleball Joy to Patients
Megan Fudge, a professional pickleball player with the APP, visited The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, with her daughter, Lily. They engaged with patients, bringing joy and hope through their conversations and gifts of pickleball paddles and balls. Fudge expressed gratitude for the hospital’s work and emphasized the importance of perspective in life.
The visit inspired both her and Lily, who cherished their time together while missing her usual sidekick, JR. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the fight against cancer.
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