Arch Manning teams up with charity to give childhood cancer patients iPads in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A day after he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns to lead Texas to a 55-0 win over Sam Houston State, Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning made more meaningful passes at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin.

Manning, along with the Children's Miracle Network and Raising Cane's, helped hand out 150 Apple iPads and other goodies to cancer patients and their families at the hospital's Blood and Cancer Center. Manning said it was a heartwarming experience and something he'll continue to do for as long as possible.

"These kids are the real heroes," Manning said. "Seeing the kids and their families smile after all they're going through is really cool. I'm here to help these kids any way I can, and it was a blessing to come out here."

Bryce Newman, the founder of the Miracle Children's Foundation, battled brain cancer in his teens and spent a year in the hospital for treatments. He said he was fortunate enough to have an iPad to help him complete schoolwork and stay connected with friends and family, and he wants to make sure other children going through cancer treatment have the same thing.

As a Texas A&M graduate, Newman knows how college football reaches and influences many people. Having the most talked-about player in the game helping the charity in its mission is invaluable, even if it's a Longhorn.

"It's wonderful to have these people of notoriety to help give these kids the iPad is so needed," he said. "iPads are super resourceful to these kids when they are immunocompromised and likely isolated in the hospital."

Kaye Schmidt, the director of the Dell Children's Blood and Cancer Center, said the Miracle Children's Foundation offered to donate the iPads. It was an offer she couldn't turn down, and adding Manning to the event elevated its meaning even more.

"This means huge things for the kids, and a few of the families said they didn't tell the kids about it," she said. "Those were the kids you could really see their eyes sparkle."