As a fourth-year pre-med student athlete at the University of Chicago, my aspirations have been profoundly shaped by my athletic and clinical endeavors. In the hospital and on the basketball court, I learned what it meant to be a compassionate team member, leading by action and example.

As a member of the University of Chicago Men’s Basketball team, I had the opportunity to visit local elementary schools and mentor students in the community surrounding the university early in my time here in South Chicago. These experiences inspired me to become more involved in community service efforts, volunteering at UChicago Medicine throughout my second year.

To this day, I assist patients in the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, handing out snacks, getting warm blankets, and providing a listening ear to patients while they receive chemotherapy. On several occasions while distributing snacks, I have interacted with patients who informed me of their own food insecurity. I was always able to direct them to the Feed1st Food Pantry just outside the infusion bays, stocked with pantry essentials and fresh produce.

Witnessing the impact the Feed1st Food Pantry has had on improving the care some of UChicago Medicine’s most vulnerable patients receive, I was inspired to further support their recovery and ensure pantries across the hospital are stocked. With the support of my coaches and teammates, I was able to organize Hoops for the Hospital, a fundraiser for Feed1st and also a healthcare worker appreciation event during one of our basketball games in 2024. 

This year, we are expanding our efforts and are thrilled to announce that Hoops for the Hospital will take place on Saturday March 1st at 1pm when the University of Chicago Maroons face the WashU Bears at the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center (5530 S. Ellis Ave). UChicago Medicine employees will be given free entrance and a free, custom water bottle at the door. We hope to see you there!

Please consider attending the game or making a donation to help keep the Feed1st pantries stocked and accessible to those in need. Your participation truly makes a difference.

Thank you for your generosity and support. Go Maroons!

Sincerely,

Ezra Moos