Stanley Cup thrills kids at Advocate Children's Hospital

John McDonough, president and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, brought the Stanley Cup to pediatric patients at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge on Saturday.

Patients, parents and staff at the hospital got to touch and pose for pictures with the cup during a half-hour visit in the family waiting area.

Two-year-old Brandon Hinojosa of Lake Zurich, who was diagnosed with leukemia two days ago, was a little shy while touching the cup and posing for pictures with McDonough while being held by his mother, Brandy, in the waiting area. But later when McDonough took the cup to Brandon's room, he was all smiles and gave the thumbs-up. Brandon's dad, Robbie, said he would be in the hospital for two more days receiving chemotherapy.

“We watched the Blackhawks playoff games outside projected on our garage with Brandon's grandparents,” said Robbie Hinojosa.

McDonough, who lives in Elk Grove Village, placed his Blackhawks championship ring on several children's fingers, including one belonging to 3-year-old Julia Ximena of Wonder Lake. It brought a smile to her face as it slid around on her small finger.

McDonough also took the cup for individual bedside visits to patients and their families who were not able to make it the larger gathering. Smiles broke out on faces on patients and parents standing in the doorways to their rooms as he wheeled the cup through the hallways of the pediatric unit.

Hospital President Mike Farrell said the event provided a respite for the patients in a festive atmosphere celebrating a Chicago professional team's championship. The cup also visited the hospital when the Blackhawks won championship in 2010.