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Serenaded by the Steelers and more...1803 viewsThis story comes from Madeline Robinson, Kids Wish Network (December, 2009):
A teen with a life-threatening illness had her wish to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers granted through Kids Wish Network and the generosity of the Steelers.
At 6-years-old, Cynthia was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, she has endured multiple traumatic surgeries and dealt with both respiratory and kidney failures. Cynthia is on a strict daily medication regimen and must visit her doctor frequently.
Through another wish granting organization, Cindy's mother Darlene was referred to national children's charity Kids Wish Network. Darlene called the charity and told them about her daughter. They agreed that Cindy more than deserved a wish.
Kids Wish Network Wish Coordinator Vanessa talked to Cindy about her favorite things and the teen went on and on about how much of a Pittsburgh Steelers fan she was; it came as no surprise to Vanessa that when she asked Cindy what she wanted for her wish, Cindy said she wanted to meet her favorite NFL team on their home turf.
With the help of Wish Funding Specialist Donna and some outstanding local sponsors, Vanessa set out to organize a wish worthy of the Steelers’ number one teen fan.
"It was all just awesome," said Cindy of her wish. "Vanessa did an awesome job!"
In addition to organizing accommodations, a trip to the spa and dinners for Cindy and her family in Pittsburgh, Vanessa worked closely with the Pittsburgh Steelers to arrange a weekend that Cindy would never forget: the first day in Pittsburgh, Cindy was escorted to Steelers’ practice field where she watched the team run plays and then had the chance to meet the whole team followed by a personal tour of the Steelers' facilities; the next day, Cindy and her family got to experience the thrill of attending a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders.
"It was all so great! [It was] amazing!" said Cindy. "I thought I'd only meet one player and I was OK with that, but I met everyone! They all came up after [practice] and someone said "Merry Christmas" to me, and then they all burst into song! I was in shock!"
In addition to getting serenaded by the entire team, Cindy was also given an official Steelers football that every team member signed for her, including her favorite players: Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu.
Watching the game the next day was simply an amazing experience for the teen, especially after having watched the team practice the day before.
"Everything was amazing. It wasn’t like it was just one thing," said Cindy of her wish. "You know, like [they'd] send you to the game and then home and that's it. There were so many thing...it was all wonderful."
Now that she's home, Cindy has likened her wish experience to being treated like a princess and then having to get back to the rigors of everyday normal life.
"Thank you so much, everyone. It was great," said Cindy.
*Story and photo used with permission, Madeline Robinson, Kids Wish Network!
To learn more about the Kids Wish Network, please visit their website at:
http://www.kidswishnetwork.org/
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On the top of Baldy Mountain!740 viewsBen Sheetz took a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and took his Terrible Towel with him! Here he is posing at the top of the tallest mountain on the ranch!
Thank you Ben!
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A blast from the past!543 viewsMy brother Trent and Big Ben during picture day at Miami (OH) - 2003 -- Tanner Montgomery via Twitter (@Tanner_M)
Tanner and Trent's father, Shane, was the offensive coordinator at Miami University from 2001 to 2005 before becoming the RedHawks 32nd head football coach, succeeding Terry Hoeppner, from 2005 to 2008. He is now the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Youngstown State University.
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Pre-Season Game - August 24, 2013: Chiefs vs Steelers401 viewsYoung Tyler Hallsey is battling cancer. Recently, he had the opportunity to attend a Steelers pre-season game with his family, courtesy of former Steeler and current ESPN analyst Merril Hoge. It was a great night for Tyler, who also had the opportunity to meet and pose with Brett Keisel and Troy Polamalu, the man whose jersey he is wearing!
Tyler’s father, Chris, sent this email to share with other fans on his son’s experience:
When Tyler found out about his diagnosis he was scared and confused. We all were. My wife left the room to call her parents and give them the news. While she was out, Tyler and I talked about the road ahead and that it would be hard. We both made promises to each other, then I asked him what he thought we should do. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Whatever it takes”. I think Chuck Noll would be proud.
Since that day in February we have been team Whatever It Takes.
I think Tyler’s approach to fighting his brain tumor and Ben’s approach on the field are the same. You do whatever it takes. You do what others may not want to do or aren’t willing to do, in order to get the results you want. Sometimes that path is hard or perilous, but you do what has to be done. It’s inspiring to witness, especially when it comes from your son.
It would be impossible for me to properly express the amount of gratitude I have in my heart for Ben, and his willingness to take the time to meet Tyler. He loved every minute of it. Tyler is known for his constant smile, but this smile was even big for him! He was beyond happy.
A little while after we met Ben, we were in the tunnel waiting to see Troy Polamalu, when the team came out for final warm ups and Ben saw Tyler and said, “Hey! It’s my man Tyler!” He remembered his name and that made the day even more special. Tyler was in heaven. I know it was a brief moment for Ben, but those brief moments will bring a lifetime of joy to Tyler and my entire family.
I hope Ben knows how much that means to me as a father. This has been a terribly trying mountain to climb…it’s tough, but moments like these keep you going. They give you a much-needed second wind. As a father, I try to do everything in my power to ease Tyler’s burden, I would take it all if I could. As much as I try, moments like these are far beyond anything I could ever do. This was Ben pausing to help a little boy he didn’t even know, just for the sake of lifting him. No cameras, no press, just Ben and Tyler. While my gratitude is expressed with these two simple words, thank you, please know there is much more emotion and gratitude behind them. It was a black & gold dream come true!
Others will look at this picture and see a two time Super Bowl Champion and a 14-year-old boy bound to a wheelchair with an uncooperative body, but when I look at it, I see two giant men not afraid of a fight, and absolutely willing to do, “Whatever It Takes.”
We are so proud to be a part of Steeler Natio. We always have been, but that conviction has grown even stronger. To Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, Bruce Gradkoswki, Chris Hoke, Coach Mitchell, and of course, Merril Hoge who made this all happen, we thank you and we love you! Like we are part of Steeler Nation, you are now part of team “Whatever It Takes”! – Chris Hallsey
Steeler Nation is praying for you, Tyler!!
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January 19, 2018 - Fan Friday516 viewsBert Haughin @BertHaughin
From way up high on the London Eye: Big Ben is under wraps, but you can’t stop Steeler Fans or @_BigBen7 !! Go Steelers!!
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Ben in Switzerland, 20061444 viewsHi Erin,
I'm Remo from Switzerland and I'm a big Football fan.
Well American Football is not that popular in Switzerland like Soccer or Ice hockey. But anyway for me it's a great sport and I like to watch them every Sunday. Like you know Big Ben has his roots in Switzerland . During his visit after winning the Super Bowl in 2006, I was lucky to met Ben at 'Lauperswil' and was able to talk to him and his father. He is a really nice guy and who knows, maybe one day he will come back to Switzerland or I will visit a game in Pittsburgh. Sorry my English isn’t that good but I hope you can use some of the pictures for your great website.
Greetings from Switzerland,
Remo
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Ben in Switzerland, 20061315 viewsBen waits to be introduced during a visit to Lauperswil.
Photo taken by Remo.
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Ben in Switzerland, 20061288 viewsBen speaks to the media during a visit to Lauperswil.
Photo taken by Remo.
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Now THIS is a patio for cooking out on game day!493 viewsRaymond Carpenter of Rialto, CA painted a huge Steelers logo on his patio in his spare time that took him almost two years to complete!
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Training Camp - August 4, 20101317 viewsBillie Jo said the little girl in the photo above was supposed to hand Ben her little football, but she suddenly threw him a pass instead, which he caught...and then laughed.
Her email is below:
Erin,
I have been sitting here trying to put into words how awesome Steelers Training Camp was for me, just sitting there watching these guys practice was such an amazing feeling, especially Big Ben...I have been a Roethlisberger fan since he was drafted into the NFL and I knew that he was going to be the young man that would take us to another Super Bowl - and look! he gave us two so far, so to be there and only be 10 steps from him was incredible. Watching him on the field laughing and joking with his teammates was awesome, and seeing first-hand how the fans reacted was even better. There was so many people wearing Roethlisberger Jerseys, as he would take a snap the crowd just cheered, it really made feel so proud to be a fan, especially after Ben's fear of being booed.
However, all these moments of watching Ben on the field were pretty special, but I think the most memorable moment was when this little boy, about 5-years old came running up the hill, holding his football in both hands, spinning in circles, screaming over and over again, "Big Ben signed my football!". This was something I will never forget, just seeing the joy on that little boy's face was priceless and to know that our QB made that happen was even better.
There is one last thing I want to share... I attend the late night practice at Latrobe High School Football Stadium tonight and I just wanted everyone to know that so many people where cheering for Ben and at one point, while several us where yelling his name he looked up with this smile and gives us a wave, that is a memory that I will always cherish.
Always and forever a Roethlisberger Fan...
Billie Jo
*Please do not use/copy any of Billie Jo's photos without her permission.
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Training Camp - August 4, 20101286 viewsPhoto: Billie Jo
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Training Camp - August 4, 20101477 viewsPhoto: Billie Jo
*Please do not use/copy any of Billie Jo's photos without her permission.
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