Michael Walters: Why Fremantle Dockers Starlight game means so much to me
This week is our 23rd annual Starlight Purple Haze game, and for me, it's one of the highlights of the year.
I'm one of the Dockers' nine ambassadors for the round, which has seen our club and supporters donate more than $3 million to the Starlight Children's Foundation over the years to help sick kids.
Having a family of my own, I couldn't imagine what it would be like having a girl go through what these children go through, which is why I've been so drawn to helping out however I can.
What we do as footballers is minuscule compared to what they go through; they are the real heroes who we should be making a fuss over.
Throughout the year, us ambassadors visit Perth Children's Hospital, where we get to meet these brave kids, sing songs with them, play games, run up and down the ward, it's really good fun.
Some of these kids have so much energy, others aren't quite up for a chat, but I always try to do something really silly, do a silly dance or sing something silly to try and put a smile on their face.
I have some really great memories in the hospital, not only with the kids but those around them who go above and beyond.
The parents and siblings of these children, I love making a big fuss over them. I'll always give them a big hug and a high five, it's about them as well.
They would go through so much, things I would never want to imagine having to go through and I always think I want to do anything I can to make their day just that much better.
It's also really special to meet the nurses, doctors, surgeons and team at the hospital, everyone involved in the foundation who play a part in trying to make these kids' lives better, every single one of them are superheroes.
Each of these kids, their families and the hospital and foundation staff have given me so much and helped me put things into perspective and to me it is all about giving back however I can.
Some will run out with us on the field through the banner or line up as a guard of honour, and one will even get to go to the middle of the ground and toss the coin.
After the game, we will give our Starlight beanies and wands, bring them into the rooms too, it's really exciting and I'm really looking forward to it.
Our supporters and footy fans can get involved too — I encourage whoever can to donate through our Fans Pledge on our website, where you can donate a certain amount for every goal kicked.
Everyone who enters this also goes into the draw to win a limited edition Starlight jumper, signed by all nine ambassadors, including me.
These Starlight jumpers, as well as beanies and wands, are also on sale, and a portion of this will be donated to the foundation as well.
Dig deep Dockers fans, I can't wait to see everyone on Sunday, let's make these children feel as special as they deserve to.
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