April 16, 2025
Soccer star scores big with pediatric patients
Trinity Armstrong, a soccer player with San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, took time to visit young patients at a Kaiser Permanente hospital.
Amstrong spoke to Adalyn Dunbar, age 4, about Dunbar’s love of coloring.
A hospital stay can be daunting for anyone — even more so for our youngest patients. Our care teams love planning special surprises to put a smile back on our pediatric patients’ faces.
Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center was thrilled to welcome San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, known as Wave FC, player Trinity Armstrong to meet a few current residents of the pediatrics department. This visit, made possible through our partnership with Wave FC, was a heartwarming display of our mutual dedication to creating supportive and nurturing environments for young people.
Abigail Throop, left, was all smiles when meeting Armstrong.
“We are incredibly grateful that Trinity visited our pediatrics department at the San Diego Medical Center,” said Jane Finley, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. “For children, being in a hospital can be incredibly stressful, and having the opportunity to meet professional athletes supports their sense of possibilities in their healing processes. Mental wellness and emotional well-being are integral to the recovery process, and this visit highlighted our commitment to providing emotional support and fostering mental well-being alongside physical health. Wave FC’s partnership continues to uplift our youngest patients and our dedicated health care staff.”
2 sports lovers meet face-to-face
Armstrong and Kennedy Carver-Ewert swapped sports stories and exchanged autographs.
Armstrong's visit brought smiles to young patients who ranged from 4 to 17 years old. Kennedy Carver-Ewert, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is a cheerleader who is currently unable to compete due to her treatment. In a heartfelt exchange, Armstrong encouraged Carver-Ewert to continue being brave. Armstrong signed a scarf for her, and like a true sports professional, Carver-Ewert returned the favor by signing one of her bracelets for Armstrong.
“Hospital stays and treatments can cause our patients to miss out on important life moments, which can be incredibly tough and feel isolating,” said Lisa Beltran, PhD, a certified child life specialist at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center. “That's why a crucial part of our care involves helping our patients build community at the hospital and creating unforgettable moments. Spending time with a Wave FC player is one of those moments.”
Promoting the power of play
When Armstrong visited 4-year-old Adalyn Dunbar, Dunbar told her, "My dad showed me a video of you playing soccer on his phone. You are very good.” Armstrong returned the compliment by praising Dunbar’s artwork in her coloring books.
"Play is a vital part of healing for young patients. It helps them express their emotions and cope with their experiences,” said Sahar Ghaemi, psychosocial clinician at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center. “Through play, we create a healing environment that supports their emotional well-being.”
Scoring goals in the hearts of young patients
Armstrong's visit provided a much-needed break from medical routines, bringing smiles and laughter. For highlights from Trinity Armstrong’s visit, visit our Instagram channel.
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to the health and well-being of young patients. Find helpful resources to support parents and guardians.
