OAKLAND - Last week, Raiders quarterback, Central Valley native and Valley Children’s advocate Derek Carr unveiled a specially designed set of cleats as part of an NFL initiative called “My Cause, My Cleats.” The initiative gives NFL players the opportunity to raise awareness for a cause of their choosing by wearing the cleats on game day. The cleats are then auctioned off at NFL Auction; 100% of the funds raised are donated to the players’ chosen charities.

Derek’s cleats featured the Valley Children’s logo along with a design created by his son Dallas. Born in 2013, Dallas spent 23 days at Valley Children’s after he was born with intestinal malrotation – a threatening congenital anomaly that can cut blood supply to the intestinal tract. Dallas is now a happy and healthy boy! 

Derek is passionate about giving back to the hospital so that generations to come will have the same opportunity that Dallas had: to receive the best care closer to home.

"I want people to know how great this place is," Derek says of Valley Children's. "There's no better place for kids. They genuinely care for your child and that means a lot to me. Every child who comes here is their number one priority."