HERSHEY, Pa. — Gannon Kupko will be 11 years old this year.
"Gannon’s a rambunctious little 10-year-old, like as much as you can be," his mom Jennifer said with a laugh.
The York County kid is just as resilient as he is rambunctious. Gannon was born 12 weeks early, only weighing 13 ounces, and has taken countless trips to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Derry Township, Dauphin County.
"Even through all the ups and downs of breaking his leg, from feeding therapy, you name it, he's always smiling and trying to pick other people up," Jennifer said.
However, it was the Penn State’s Football team who put a smile on Gannon's face Wednesday during their annual visit to the hospital.
Head coach James Franklin believes his team plays a role that extends far beyond the football field.
"It's about giving back to the community," Franklin said. "It's about making a difference in people's lives. It's about being a role model and a mentor."
It's a responsibility that also benefits the players.
"It's a really good perspective for our players when they think they're having a tough day, running in the summer or with class or whatever the demands may be," Franklin said. "I think it's a pretty good perspective for them, that there are people that have real challenges and real battles."
Few understand that sense of community like the parents of 7-year-old Izzy Fleischer.
"They were really instrumental in getting us to this point where we don't have to come back as much," Izzy's mom Tina said. "We're just thankful to be a part of something so close to home that's within reach if we need them."
Their daughter is happy, healthy and full of high fives after a traumatic brain injury at just two weeks old.
"To have a reason to come to the hospital for fun is a much better reason, and to meet the Penn State football team is just a huge opportunity that we would never have otherwise," Tina said.
Jennifer says she feels comfortable counting on the support of the Penn State family for Gannon.
"It’s like a big, huge family," she said. "We know that if we need anything they're there, no matter what."