Patients at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford were smiling ear to ear as they test drove the newest motorized cars to join the hospital’s fleet.
Hoffman Auto Group donated two motorized Audi R8s Wednesday morning.
Children typically drive the cars into surgery.
“It is the best medicine a children’s hospital can provide,” said Dr. Jim Shmerling, president and CEO of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “It reduces some of the anxiety the kids have going to surgery. It also helps parents reduce their anxiety when they see their kids smiling and enjoying themselves.”
Hoffman Audi Service Manager Elliot Matos helped teach the kids how to drive. He says the real reward is watching them light up.
“It is a thrill. I don’t think there’s an adult in this room that doesn’t wish they could shrink and drive these things because they’re fantastic. And look at the kids smiling,” said Matos.
The two donated Audis will increase the hospital’s fleet to six.
