DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU Football team are once again embracing a new age of custom Spring Game helmets designed by a Children's Health patient. On Friday, April 5, the team will proudly sport one-of-a-kind artwork illustrated by thirteen-year-old Annabella in honor of her courage, dedication and strength.
For the second consecutive year, patients at Children's Health participated in a helmet decorating competition, and Annabella's design was selected as the winner. At six weeks old, Annabella was diagnosed with a life-threatening, rare liver disease. Her care team at Children's Health immediately put her on the liver transplant list to give her a new chance at life. A few months later, her family got the call: there was a new liver for Annabella. She underwent her transplant surgery, and despite a long road to recovery, Annabella never gave up, and now thrives as a normal teenager who enjoys painting and spending time with family and friends along with cheering on the Mustangs.
"We are thrilled to team up with Children's Health again to celebrate patients like Annabella, who fight courageously against illness and injury every day," said head coach Rhett Lashlee. "As we continue to work with Children's Health, our team hopes to advance their mission to make life better for children and find new ways to invest in the pediatric population of North Texas."
SMU football fans will be able to enjoy Annabella's artwork at their annual Spring Game, presented by All My Sons Moving and Storage, on Friday, April 5 at Highland Park High School. The Mustangs will take the field at 6:30 p.m. with action starting at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. on the north (home) side of the stadium and admission is free. Seating will be available in the north side bleachers. Concessions will be offered; therefore, outside food and drink is not permitted. Parking is free in the garage off Westchester Street as well as in the H Lot off Westchester. Street parking is also available.
Children's Health is the Official Pediatric Health Care Sponsor and proud supporter of SMU Athletics. Mustang Sports Properties, SMU Athletics' multimedia rightsholder and dedicated LEARFIELD team, manages the Children's Health sponsorship on behalf of the University.
