TAMPA BAY – Summer is officially here. Most children are already out of school and spend days in the hot, summer sun. Some fill their days at camps, playing sports, at the pool or the beach. Others aren’t as lucky. The Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., however, gives those who may not be so fortunate an opportunity to be ordinary kids. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Storm took a visit to the Children’s Cancer Center.

Coach Marcum and members of the Tampa Bay Storm with the kids at the CHildren's Cancer Center. (Photo: Tampa Bay Storm)

The Children’s Cancer Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families with the educational, emotional and financial assistance necessary to cope with the life-threatening illnesses.

“This week is a summer camp for our oncology patients. We have 26 oncology patients that are currently receiving treatment here. This week is ‘Holiday Week’ for the campers. Services are free for the 761 families in database.  So with only seven people on staff, we rely on the community support to operate and provide these services,” Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator Tyler Freriks said.

“The children are excited because it gives them role models to look up to. We’re also excited to have the AFL back and have a great partner with the Storm.”

Storm players and coaches played basketball, video games, raced remote control cars and watched movies with the children. Some even had the courage to participate in the girl’s makeover session.

“It’s a feel good thing for me, being that my older sister had cancer. I would do this without being invited. I feel like these kids need someone to uplift them. The nail polish wasn’t bad either. I think I look kind of fresh, truly,” Storm tackle Emmanuel Akah said.

The day wasn’t just inspiring for the children; it was inspirational for the Storm. 

“These kids are amazing,” Head Coach Tim Marcum said while holding back tears.  “They make you forget about the little problems that you think you have. I think they really enjoy having these guys around, talking to them, interacting and painting their fingernails. It was just a great afternoon.”