The Baltimore Ravens opened their first practice to many of the city's football fans --- among them about 60 members of the Casey Cares family! From the moment our families arrived at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, they were greeted with amazing smiles and wonderful hospitality from the Ravens staff. Security guards cheered on our kids. Kids were handed Ravens fans and towels to keep cool in the summer heat and there was a special tent set up for our families to hang out and watch practice. 

Everyone got excited when the players wrapped up their practice and started walking off the field. That's when the Ravens staff handed out markers and an autograph frenzy began! 

For critically ill children and their families, this was an extra special day. Often, these families can't go to football games because they are spending their time and money in hospitals or have doctors' appointments. But today, at least for a few hours, these families could put aside their medical concerns and be football fans. 

The families were especially excited, of course, to see Joe Flacco come by. Dennis Pitta and Justin Tucker were also fan favorites. John Urschel made our kids smile and so did Michael Campanaro, who has participated in a few Casey Cares programs in the last year. Another highlight was when Justin Forsett came back from the locker room to the field just to sign some autographs for our Casey Cares kids! Coach John Harbaugh signed autographs and talked X's and O's with a few of our kids. One of our kids, Dominic, even had coach sign an autograph on his forehead! 

It was a fabulous day, filled with lot of little moments and lasting memories for our families. Thanks to everyone at the Baltimore Ravens for a wonderful day! 

Come back to our website as we will post a photo gallery from our day soon!