Each football season, we team up with Fresno State for a once in a lifetime experience for some of our patients. At each home football game, one Valley Children’s patient is selected to be the Kid Captain of the game and gets to participate in the coin toss with the team along with being a part of on-field festivities. For the 2023 season, we have six special Kid Captains to introduce you to the day before each big game!
Meet 14-year-old Marilee. Marilee was born with Down syndrome and is seen by several pediatric specialties offered by Valley Children’s. Marilee is ecstatic to join the Bulldogs on the field during this game to bring awareness of Down syndrome during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Marilee is full of energy and loves participating in her adaptive P.E. class from her favorite teacher! When she isn’t exercising, you may find Marilee exercising her voice in her rock and roll choir! Get ready to cheer on Marilee and the Bulldogs during this special homecoming game on October 28 at Valley Children’s Stadium.
More About The Charlie Mitchell Children's Center
The Charlie Mitchell Children’s Center is part of a Rural Health Center offering family-focused primary care to children up to age 21 with acute and chronic medical conditions. The clinic is on the Valley Children’s main campus in Madera. Doctors at the clinic also treat patients’ siblings so that brothers and sisters can all receive medical care from the same practice. We bring an interdisciplinary approach to patient care; in addition to board-certified pediatricians, the practice is staffed with nurses, phlebotomists, a pharmacist, a case manager and a social worker.