Chris and Jill Davis announce new partnership with University of Maryland Children's Hospital

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife, Jill, today announced a new partnership with the University of Maryland Children's Hospital (UMCH). The Davis family will serve as ambassadors for UMCH, helping to raise awareness for childhood illnesses and UMCH's role as a leader in patient care, pediatric disease research and teaching future generations of health care providers.

Throughout the 2017 season, Chris and Jill Davis will visit with pediatric patients at UMCH, provide autographed memorabilia to include in silent auctions benefiting the hospital's philanthropy efforts, and assist with several fundraising events. The Davis family announced the partnership today prior to the 38th annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party for kids at Dave & Busters in the Arundel Mills Mall, where they will be joined by 80 patients previously treated by caregivers from UMCH.

"The University of Maryland Children's Hospital is thrilled to have the support of Chris and Jill Davis," said Steven Czinn, MD, The Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief of the University of Maryland Children's Hospital. "As we continue to bring world class medical care to the children of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, the generosity of the Davis family will enhance our efforts to support the many life-saving and life-changing programs we implement every day, and we greatly appreciate their commitment to us."

The University of Maryland Children's Hospital is recognized throughout the mid-Atlantic region as a valuable resource, providing primary, specialty, and critical care for children, from newborns to young adults. Last year, the University of Maryland Children's Hospital cared for nearly 40,000 children in the outpatient and inpatient settings.

"Jill and I wanted to deepen our involvement in the Baltimore community through a cause that is close to our hearts," said Chris Davis. "As a former nurse, Jill values the resources UMCH dedicates to pediatric care and the services they provide to those most in need. Everyone at UMCH has inspired our family - from the patients and families who show such courage in the face of overwhelming challenges to the medical professionals and caregivers who dedicate their careers to saving and improving children's lives."

Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), added: "All of us at UMMC are grateful to Chris and Jill Davis for their generosity and commitment to the patients and families at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital. It is our privilege to care for the children who need our expertise and compassion, and to share research innovations to improve the health and medical outcomes of children around the globe. We are naturally aligned with the Davises on shared philosophies about the vital importance of community, teamwork and striving for excellence."

Later this week, Chris and Jill Davis will donate and distribute nearly two dozen MamaRoos to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UMCH, completing an ongoing project to secure one for each room within the unit. MamaRoos are infant seats that mimic the rocking movement parents makes while comforting their baby. The Davis family will also be donating presents to the hospital's annual Snow Pile event, which provides families of hospitalized children with an opportunity to experience holiday cheer free of the financial burden and time constraints of holiday shopping. Each December, for more than 10 years, the program has invited parents to "shop" for their children from the "snow pile" of donated toys, books, games and clothes.

Chris and Jill Davis are also scheduled to join the weekly "Hot Stove Show" on CBS Radio's 105.7 The Fan (WJZ-FM), the flagship station of the Orioles Radio Network, to discuss their new partnership with UMCH on Thursday evening at Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. ET.