Former Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen continues to make a big impact on and off the field.
His on-field heroics are well-known as he is the odds-on favorite to win the Most Valuable Player Award in the NFL this year.
Off the field, he’s making even more of a difference.
A pediatric recovery wing named after his deceased grandmother was unveiled at a children’s hospital in Buffalo, New York, last month.
The wing was made possible because more than 27,000 fans donated $17 each (Allen’s jersey number) to the hospital to honor Allen’s grandmother after she passed in November, 2020.
The total, more than $1.4 million, was put toward the new wing.
Allen was present at the emotional ceremony while his family attended via Zoom.
Hospital administrators read a plaque on the wall which described how the donations — a completely organic effort by Bills fans — began.
“After the Buffalo Bills were victorious over Seattle on November 8, 2020, fans discovered that quarterback Josh Allen played the game after just losing his grandmother, Patrica Allen,” the plaque said. “In support, fans began donating in $17 increments to Oishei Children’s Hospital.”
Allegra Jaros, president of Oishei Children’s Hospital, said she was aware that Allen’s family and community had a big impact on who he was, mentioning his “courage, determination, and focus on winning.”
“All of that has brought unmeasurable benefit to us here at Oishei Children’s Hospital,” Jaros told Allen.
Allen wiped away tears when he saw the plaque and said it was the work of the nurses, doctors, and hospital workers that had the “true unmeasurable impact.”
“My family and I cannot even begin to express our gratitude for the support this community has shown us,” he said.
“The dedication and commitment that the staff at Oishei shows families and patients during their time in the hospital absolutely exemplifies what it means to live in the city of good neighbors here in Buffalo.”
The CEO of Kaleida Health told Josh that the wing was a tribute to him as well.
“We are indebted to you for all of your support,” Robert Nesselbush said.
