Seahawks player brings holiday cheer to Harborview

Harborview Medical Center’s Regional Burn Center cares for pediatric and adult patients from across the Pacific Northwest, often for extended periods. During these long recoveries, unexpected visits can lift patients’ spirits. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, stopped by the unit, accompanied by some of the Seahawks Dancers, and local firefighters, with presents in hand. 

Such goodwill “means everything,” Smith-Njigba said. “That’s why I put in a lot of hard work and try to have a successful season, then just try to give back.” 

Tara Lerew, nurse manager for the burn and pediatrics unit, helped coordinate the visit. She explained that during the holidays, many patients are feeling down. It's always uplifting, she said, when her patients have the chance to experience something out of the ordinary. 

“There's nothing like a kid's giggle, and it’s one of the things that bring us all joy. We had a little 20-month-old today who hadn’t smiled, and I saw him smile for the first time,” Lerew said.

Download broadcast-ready soundbites and related multimedia with Smith-Njigba and Lerew.