NFL player Jaelan Phillips visits patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Miami Dolphins linebacker and Redlands native Jaelan Phillips visited Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) on Tuesday, June 25, to meet with young patients and offer words of encouragement.

During the visit, Phillips toured the hospital and stopped by the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he met with the hospital’s tiniest patients and reunited with his grandmother, Raylene Phillips, MD, a pediatrician and neonatologist at LLUCH.

He continued to several units throughout the hospital, visiting patients undergoing cancer treatment, awaiting heart transplants and living with chronic illnesses. Along the way, he handed out toys, stuffed animals, and words of support.

“The kids have been incredible,” Jaelan said. “Being here and seeing the smiles on their faces, it's one of the most special things in the world that I can do. It’s been a blessing to be able to be here.”

The NFL linebacker also hosted a meet-and-greet in the Stater Bros. Conference Room, where he posed for photos, signed autographs, and spent time getting to know patients and their families.

“I’m thankful for having this moment,” said Derek Martinez, a patient at LLUCH. “Jaelan is an idol of mine, and it’s bringing great spirits, especially being in the hospital the last few days.”

Jaelan is no stranger to LLUCH. He has previously taken part in the hospital’s Story Tellers video series and remains involved with the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild.

A graduate of Redlands East Valley High School, Phillips is passionate about giving back. Earlier this month, he hosted more than 400 local children at his annual football camp in Redlands.

For more information about the Loma Linda Guild, membership, and upcoming events, visit online.