By: Richard L. Smith
Smiles, laughter, and even a few spontaneous soccer matches filled the halls of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey on Wednesday, August 6, as two of women’s soccer’s brightest stars spent the day lifting spirits.
According to information sent by RWJBarnabas Health, Gotham FC standouts Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, both U.S. Women’s National Team members, 2019 World Cup champions, and 2024 Olympic gold medalists, visited patients, families, and staff as part of a statewide hospital tour.
The visit began with a warm meet-and-greet for nurses, physicians, and hospital leaders before the players headed to the pediatrics department.
There, the atmosphere quickly turned into a celebration, with an impromptu soccer game, dancing, and plenty of laughter.
Lavelle and Sonnett also handed out gifts, signed autographs, posed for photos, and shared stories with patients and their families.
The special day was part of Gotham FC’s ongoing partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the team’s official health care provider. 
The initiative not only showcased the team’s dedication to community outreach but also brought moments of joy and encouragement to young patients and the healthcare professionals who care for them.