Young patients at Women’s & Children’s Hospital got a chance to forget their troubles for a little while Tuesday morning.

Instead of seeing doctors and nurses, several children were visited by members of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s athletic teams, including football, volleyball, softball and tennis players.

Participating athletes spent time talking to children, playing with them and handing out goody bags filled with treats, toys and stickers.

Melissa Minton, a former UL soccer player and the reigning Miss UL, said the university’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee started the tradition of visiting hospitalized children for Halloween and Valentine’s Day two years ago.

"It’s the coolest thing to walk in there and see them light up," Minton said. "It’s really about being there in the moment with them."

The athletes took several minutes with each patient, asking if the youngster enjoys sports and about favorite activities. Braxton Derouen, 5, also showed several athletes a toy birdhouse and other objects that were occupying his time in the hospital’s activity room.

"He loves sports, so this is a big deal for him. He’s really into football and baseball," Derouen’s mother, Dawn Derouen, said.

Dawn Derouen said she was especially happy that Braxton was able to celebrate Halloween because he was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and probably will not be able to enjoy candy and other treats as much as some other children.

"He’ll be able to have it, but it’s going to be an adjustment for him," Dawn Derouen said. "This made it really special for him."

UL Ragin’ Cajuns running back Effrem Reed said he enjoyed meeting the kids and seeing the impact he can have in the community.

"It’s really nice to give back, especially because everybody supports us so much," Reed said. "It’s just as fun for us to know that you might make a huge difference for their whole holiday."

Kasey Guillory, 16, also enjoyed his time with the athletes. An avid basketball player, Guillory and several Ragin’ Cajuns spent time swapping stories about games, the pros and cons of different sports, their favorite professional players and the upcoming NBA season.

"It’s all about building relationships with them," Minton said. "We want them to know that there is life after the hospital. Just because they’re in here now, it doesn’t mean they can’t become a Division I athlete."