The Vikings' support is instrumental, not only in cheering the kids up, but in helping to cure them, as well. The support is very, very important. In this year alone, the Vikings Children's Fund has helped 19 different researchers fund their projects. Many researchers rely on the Vikings' support in order to collect enough data to apply for government or grant-agency support. It makes me feel good inside to know that we can have such an impact.
Parents benefit from the visits, as well.
Even if the kids aren't fully aware, I've seen the parents' reactions, calling up neighbors and friends. They're under stress, too. McDaniel, the de facto leader of the Vikings' delegation to the Pediatric Clinic, has been visiting kids since the day he arrived in Minnesota. It always amazes me what these kids go through, how tough they are. You do go home and think about it.