A former Chicago Cubs player surprised patients at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, which the hospital said brightened the day for cancer and chronically ill patients.
Retired Chicago Cubs player Ray Burris made a special visit to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
He took photographs, signed autographs and spent time chatting with patients and their families on Thursday.
Burris visited the infusion center where patients undergoing chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood treatments and other therapies often face long sessions.
His visit provided a welcome distraction as he handed out Cubs t-shirts and talked baseball.
The visit lifted the spirits of cancer and chronic illness patients, making their day brighter, the hospital said.
“It was a great day meeting Ray. I never thought something like this would happen to me, but today it did,” said Michael McCraren, a Mundelein resident and patient at Advocate Condell Medical Center.
“I can’t wait to tell all my friends and watch the Cubs game tonight,” McCraren said.
Burris played 15 seasons in the MLB and pitched for the Chicago Cubs from 1973-1979.
The visit marked the beginning of a Cubs-filled weekend for Advocate Health Care.
10 male patients, along with their families and clinicians, were set to celebrate Father’s Day at Wrigley Field on Sunday.
The day will begin with a special Father’s Day brunch at the American Airlines Conference Center followed by pregame experiences and an opportunity to cheer on the Cubs from the ballpark as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The hospital system said the event will shine a spotlight on the importance of men’s health held in honor of Father’s Day and Men’s Health Awareness Month.