Fan Day!
Remember this little guy from the weekend? He was hoping to meet Big Ben. Well…
“Sean is a seven-year-old boy, born and raised outside of Baltimore, MD. He’s being raised right, however – he’s a big Steeler’s fan! Sean was born with a condition called Dandy-Walker Malformation and Hydrocephalus. He’s had a bit of a rough year, with three neurosurgeries and seven hospitalizations.
Despite all this, he’s just a typical kid who likes to play with his friends and loves football, especially Big Ben.
When we told him we were going to training camp this year, he said all he wanted was to meet Big Ben. Through the kindness of some fans and the Steelers organization, this was able to happen! From the fan who bought Sean a helmet, to the one who asked the Steelers staff to help Sean get autographs, Steelers Nation was at its best!
And the Steelers themselves – well, words cannot express how grateful we are for the experience they gave him. Sean was taken down to the field to meet Big Ben after practice. He was in awe. He told Ben, “I’m your biggest fan!” Ben asked him how old he was, and when he said “Seven”, Ben told him that was a great number! He took time out for photos and autographs, and just some really special time with Sean. Sean met a lot of Steelers yesterday and had a once in a lifetime experience. He says meeting Big Ben was his favorite part. Thank you to the Steelers organization, Steelers’ fans, and especially Big Ben for making this happen!” — Jaclyn Madden
Two great pictures shared by photographer Gary Wilkinson:
“Been a Steelers fan since I was…”
“My dad and I have always shared a love for Steelers football. Monday, we had the opportunity to meet Ben after training camp. As a leader for the Steelers on and off the field, he was a terrific representative for the special relationship that the Steelers share with Steeler Nation. He was a class act and was very generous with his time. The photo he took with me and my dad will always be a great memory from a great day. Thank you to Ben for meeting with us. Best of luck to him and all of the Steelers this season!” — Scott Juba
Another dad & son moment at training camp –
“Ben, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us, sign our towels and to take a picture! The trip back to Seattle won’t seem nearly as long with all of these fantastic memories!!” — Mike Tiny Metzger
And a most memorable birthday!
“My brother-in-law Jeremy drove my sister Lindsay from Virginia Beach to camp to celebrate Lindsay’s 31st Birthday, and in a moment’s time Ben made today one she will surely never forget. He has a high profile dream job and is constantly in the spotlight, but the little things and quick moments can mean more than huge plays and highlights. Ben did that today for my sweet sister, and you, Erin, did that about 6 surgeries ago for my daughter Lila when she needed prayers. Both girls are my heart… Thank you and Ben for making theirs happy.” — Jenn Chapman
Thank all of YOU for sharing your great photos and stories with us! Keep ’em comin’! You can email at BigBen7website@gmail.com.
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