On Tuesday, September 28, 2010 former Miami Dolphins wide receiver OJ McDuffie made a special visit to Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC). The visit, coordinated by CDTC Transformer Mr. Philip Fitzpatrick, Director of BankAtlantic’s Sports & Entertainment Group, took Mr. McDuffie on his first tour of the Center. After touring the Center, Mr. McDuffie had the opportunity to meet several CDTC children who were selected as “Kids Wish Heroes.” Kids Wish Heroes are identified by their physicians at CDTC for a variety of reasons, but primarily for their bravery and courage while undergoing medical care. Mr. McDuffie was able to meet each of the children as well as hear a little of what makes them a Kids Wish Hero. After the meet and greet, Mr. McDuffie played a mini game of catch with the children and even competed in a push up competition with Antwon, a ten-year old with cerebral palsy.
“When you have a passionate organization in the community like the CDTC and you have the opportunity to leverage relationships like the one BankAtlantic has with the O.J.McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation it is a touchdown for everyone. O.J. McDuffie is one of the most giving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, his personal values and the mission of his foundation identify directly with CDTC. O.J.’s visit to the center and the smiles he put on the children’s faces is now a memory I will cherish for life. Thank you CDTC for the selfless work you do for our children and thank you O.J. for being an inspiration to give of yourself to those that are less fortunate,” said Mr. Fitzpatrick of BankAtlantic.
“We are so grateful to Mr. McDuffie and BankAtlantic for coordinating this visit. It was wonderful afternoon and all of the children had an amazing time,” said Susan Widmayer, Ph.D., Executive Director of CDTC.
OJ McDuffie has been an avid supporter of South Florida youth through the creation of the OJ McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation. The Foundation has been committed to supporting area youth through a series of special events that raise funds for various organizations and other non-profits that aid in the support of at-risk children.
The Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 10,000 children with special health care needs in Broward County. CDTC’s mission is to promote the optimal health and well-being of children with special health care needs by providing comprehensive prevention, intervention and treatment services within a medical home environment. CDTC is a nationally recognized “Center of Excellence,” offering a unique system of care for infants, children and youth with chronic illnesses, disabilities and developmental delays. All medical care and social services are provided regardless of the families’ ability to pay.