PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Portland Timbers players took a break from the soccer field to cheer up some very special fans.
Some of the Timbers along with some players visiting from England surprised patients and their families at Randall Children's hospital this afternoon.
The kids got to play music with midfielder Eric Alexander and defender David Horst.
They teamed up with the Children's Cancer Association, which is known for its music medicine program.
The players tried their hand at some of the instruments while visiting a couple of the patients at their bedside.
One of their fans is Deven, who is about to turn 10 years old.
His mom, Rebecca Caldwell, said this was an early birthday present that will be hard to beat.
"For him, his birthday is in the next few days. We always try to top the year before, but I don't think you can top it," Caldwell said.
Horst got to play with Deven for a while.
"We're blessed as athletes to see the other side. It really puts a lot in perspective for us. And to just come in and help these kids out, anything we can do to help them get through it. It's just very rewarding for us," Horst said.
The famed English league, Aston Villa Football Club, joined the Timbers. They are on a U.S. preseason tour, but took time off the field for this very special visit.
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