In the season of giving, it has become a tradition for the New Jersey Devils to take the time and visit Hospitals across the state of New Jersey to spread holiday joy. During this time, the Devils are allowed to engage in a one-on-one experience with fans who are patients in need and staff members across the board. Promoting a sense of joy, kindness, and gratitude throughout the players and patients.
On December 5th, 2024, New Jersey Devils Paul Cotter, Nathan Bastian and Dawson Mercer visited RWJUH at Rahway to spread some holiday cheer and to put smiles on fans faces. Giving back to the community is always something that the Devils have been passionate about. The Devils visited patients on the Physical therapy and Cardiac Rehab floors.
This group of the Devils had the opportunity to not only visit patients, but to also engage with staff by taking pictures and signing autographs. In return, leaving both the community and the players feeling fulfilled, positive and grateful.
Paul Cotter, Nathan Bastian and Dawson Mercer all had positive words to say about this experience. This is the third year that Nathan Bastian and Dawson Mercer will return to the hospital. While, it was a first time visiting hospitals for Paul Cotter, he had a great experience giving back. To Paul Cotter, “This being your first year doing this event with the Devils, how do you feel? Did you enjoy it?” Cotter replied with, “It’s good. It’s always nice to go out in the community. Like, we have a lot of support from the fans, so it’s good to be able to give back to them.”
Nathan Bastian was asked, “What feelings do you get being able to spread some cheer around the hospital, to patients and staff?” Bastian’s reply was, “It’s great, it’s always exciting and this is our third time back here, so there are plenty of familiar faces, so to come in and see new patients that are excited, it’s awesome.” Agreeing that they have built a family with the patients and staff across the hospital(s).
Lastly, having a chance to hear about Dawson Mercers feelings on how he feels about the impact of this event that it makes on the team. To Dawson, “Do you feel hospital visits bring your team closer together?” His reply was, “One-hundred percent. We play in New Jersey, we come from all around the world, and this is a place we consider home now, and they do a lot in the community, they keep people healthy. They are a big part of New Jersey, so we’re glad to show our care for them, too.” This cherishing event with the Devils will forever leave a beautiful mark on the hearts of patients, staff, and players.
