Redskins Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan Brings Holiday Cheer to Hospitalized Children

NORTHERN VIRGINIA —Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan brought holiday cheer to the seriously ill children he visited at Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, Va. on Monday afternoon, Dec. 12. During the Ryan’s Reindeer Rush visit, Kerrigan brought gifts and spent time with the delighted young patients.

Founded by Kerrigan, Ryan's Reindeer Rush is a holiday program designed for children who might need some extra holiday cheer. Each year since 2014, Kerrigan has visited pediatric units in Washington, D.C. area hospitals to deliver gifts to children during the holiday season.

“With this event, today, we hope to bring happiness to them in an otherwise trying time,” Kerrigan said. “Any extended stay at a hospital is tough and that is especially true during the holidays. That is one of the reasons I look forward this program every year—I can really make a difference in these kids' spirit.”

Kerrigan welcomed the young patients at Inova Children’s Hospital to an activity room adjacent to a Kerrigan’s Korner for a holiday party and then went from room to room to visit more kids.

Kerrigan's Korners are activity centers that give patients and their family members access to technology, providing an entertainment source, a communication portal and a diversion during hospital stays. To date, Kerrigan has launched Kerrigan’s Korners at four Washington, D.C. area hospitals.

During the Ryan’s Reindeer Rush visit, Kerrigan passed out one-of-a-kind Build-a-Bears with a special message recorded inside each bear. In the activity room, children met with Kerrigan while enjoying pizza and playing with their new bears.

Photo courtesy of Brian Galuski

One of the patients who Kerrigan visited, Grayson Galuski, 17-months-old, is pictured above in his father Brian Galuski's arms. Grayson is being treated for neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer affecting roughly 700 children each year.

Brian Galuski said he and his wife Michelle truly appreciated Kerrigan's visit to the hospital. Galuski gave Patch.com permission to post the following heartwarming message that he wrote to thank Kerrigan for the visit:

"Thanks for the visit, Ryan Kerrigan. Although you may be a pretty big dude, I'm willing to bet that our little superhero, Grayson, could run straight through you! Words can't describe how awe-inspiring it was to watch Grayson play catch with a future Hall of Famer; I look forward to showing the pictures to Grayson one day when he's older.

What was just a simple visit, impacted myself and my family in such a positive way. Keep using your influence for good, Ryan. You're definitely one of the 'good guys,' and we're thankful for your wonderful foundation, Blitz for the Better."

Kerrigan is very active in many community service and volunteer efforts on behalf of children in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He founded Ryan Kerrigan’s Blitz for the Better Foundation in 2013 with the mission to provide opportunities, support and resources to children and families in need. Ryan's Reindeer Rush and Kerrigan's Korners are two of Ryan Kerrigan’s Blitz for the Better Foundation's programs. To find out about and view photos taken at two recent charity fundraising events hosted by Kerrigan, SEE:

• Ryan Kerrigan Hosts Topgolf Loudoun Event to Benefit Children
• Ryan Kerrigan Raises $260K for Children at Redskins Celebrity Waiter Night

In recognition of his service, both on the field, and off the field by his charitable works, Kerrigan was awarded the awarded the Washington Redskins' 2015 "Walter Payton Man Of The Year." In August 2016, Kerrigan was awarded the "Community Man of the Year” by the Washington Redskins at the team's annual Welcome Home Luncheon.

SEE: Washington Redskins Gather at Welcome Home Luncheon: PHOTOS

To find out more, visit the Ryan Kerrigan’s Blitz for the Better Foundation website and Facebook page.

Photos by Jasper White courtesy of Ryan Kerrigan's Blitz for the Better Foundation