Chicago Bears player Jack Sanborn thanks Advocate Health Care team

Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn surprised the entire labor and delivery team Tuesday at Advocate Christ Medical Center, thanking them for the excellent obstetrics care they give every day to families.

Besides visiting with teammates, Sanborn brought surprises for the entire labor and delivery team – Bears swag, gift cards and other treats – as a thank you for all they do, and to showcase the team’s Baby Bears program.

Teammates were thrilled to meet Sanborn in between caring for expectant mothers. Sanborn greeted teammates, posing for photos and presenting them with their gift boxes.

“Our team is grateful to have this special experience with the Chicago Bears,” said Dr. Valerie Swiatkowski, Advocate Medical Group OB-GYN and chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Christ. “All teammates in labor and delivery contribute to the skilled and compassionate care we provide daily to families throughout the South Side and beyond.”

One lucky teammate, Angie Dryier, a huge Bears fan and a nurse who has worked for 38 years at Christ, nearly all of that time in the labor and delivery unit, opened her Bears gift box to find four tickets to a game.

“I feel like crying!” she said as she hugged Sanborn.

“It’s wonderful for our team to know they’re appreciated through this event with the Chicago Bears,” added Mark Miller, president of Advocate Christ Medical Center and the South Chicagoland Area. “They don’t do this work for acknowledgment, but they were excited to have this special moment in between caring for our patients.”

Advocate Health Care is the presenting sponsor of “Baby Bears,” a member only club for children 2 and under to stay connected with their favorite team. Families can join now at ChicagoBears.com/BabyBears. Membership is free and includes:

• Access to exclusive contests and sweepstakes with once-in-a-lifetime prizing
• Invitations to member-only events
• Monthly newsletter with an inside look at the Bears