Patient participates in commercial, meets Derek Carr and David Carr

Local National Football League legends Derek and David Carr, both former Fresno State quarterbacks, recently joined forces with Valley Children’s Hospital to film a series of commercials and advertisements. Derek Carr, current quarterback for the Oakland Raiders and husband of FC alumna Heather Carr, developed a deep care for the hospital after his son spent several weeks there as a newborn. He continues to show his support for the nonprofit children’s hospital.

Valley Children’s, one of the largest children’s hospital in the nation, treats patients from around the country. Children’s continues to see and treat over 120 new oncology cases each year.

The Carr brothers continue to look for ways to support the patients of Valley Children’s. Last May, the brothers filmed a commercial with former cancer patient Richie Iest of Madera. The commercial, which will air later this year, featured both the Carr brothers and Iest racing go karts around a track set up just outside of the hospital.

In April of 2015, Iest was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma, a highly aggressive but very treatable cancer. Iest, only 14 years old at the time, spent a majority of the summer at Valley Children’s Hospital where he underwent several chemotherapy treatments. Now cancer free, Iest enjoys working on his family dairy farm whenever he gets the chance.

Iest’s oncologist chose him for the commercial after seeing how quick he bounced back from his treatments. Upon arriving at the hospital to film the commercial, Iest received an authentic fire suit with the Valley Children’s logo and his name displayed in large font across the back. Before filming, Iest and his family were able to meet and talk with the brothers. The commercial is expected to air by the end of the summer.

Iest appreciated both the opportunity to meet the Carr’s, doctors and nurses that cared for him during his time in the hospital.

“It was very cool, I never thought I would get to meet a professional football player,” Iest said. “They (the go karts) were easy to drive and they went really fast. My nurses and doctors were all very good and all nice to me when I was at the hospital.”

A large camera crew and a crowd full of Iest’s family members watched the trio take to the track. The sound of their cheers even louder than the roar of the engines. After completing their laps, each of them looked thrilled, but neither one of the Carr brothers had a smile that compared to Iest’s. Although he never raced that kind of a go kart before, Iest (whose family is involved in racing) felt very comfortable on the track.

Throughout his time in the hospital, Iest and his family showed thanks for Valley Children’s. Iest’s mother, Tricia Iest, appreciated the staff at the hospital.

“The staff was amazing both medically and emotionally,” Tricia Iest said. “We appreciated all the time and patience the staff was always willing to give and loved the spiritual support of pastor visits and their prayers. To be in the hospital was made amazingly cheerful and comfortable.”

Tricia also realized the generosity of the Carr’s and their dedication for the hospital.

“The Carr brothers were most truly compassionate,” Tricia said. “They showed fully the love of Christ. They were humble servants and most appreciative of Valley Children’s Hospital because their son had to be there after he was born.”

As the NFL football season begins, fans from across the nation flock to stadiums to support their team. This year, many new football fans from Valley Children’s will surely cheer on Carr as he takes to the field. No matter what the score board shows at the end of the game, for many, the support the brothers show for the hospital outshines their efforts on the field.

For more information on Iest’s story, visit the Team Richie Facebook page.

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