Philly Leader

Temple University Hospital's Episcopal Campus recently organized events to engage patients in the excitement of the NFC Championship and Super Bowl. Behavioral Health Therapist Alicia Brodersohn noted that patients were pleasantly surprised by the NFC Championship party, which included pizza and a viewing of the Eagles' game against the Commanders.

Two weeks later, therapists Alicia Brodersohn, Nina Guy, and Jean Francois Feristin hosted another event for the Super Bowl. Patients did not expect a repeat celebration. "They thought that, since we’d done something for the last game, they were like, ‘Oh, you aren’t going to do it again,’” said Guy. “So when we told them, ‘No, we’re actually going to have a pizza party for you guys,’ they weren’t expecting it."

Therapists also prepared decorations to create a festive atmosphere. "I went online and printed as many different Eagles helmets and logos as I could," Guy explained. "I let the patients color them...so they could feel included."

Patients engaged with the game itself; some knew players like Jalen Hurts and discussed plays during the event. Despite being in Eagles territory, there were Kansas City Chiefs fans present too. “We have one die-hard Chiefs fan...all he said was, ‘Oh well, my team lost,’” Guy remarked.

The parties offered more than just entertainment; they provided comfort reminiscent of home life for patients. “Our patients see anything new and different as a reward,” Feristin stated.

“Everyone was delighted,” Brodersohn confirmed about their reaction to pizza and football festivities.

Even after these events concluded, enthusiasm remained high among patients at Episcopal Campus. “To this day...patients are still talking about the Super Bowl," Feristin shared.