Penguins and Steelers QB Russell Wilson Bring Smiles to Cancer Patients at UPMC Visit

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ annual visit to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh was made even more exciting when they met a special guest, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. A rare cross-sport encounter and smiles were brought to a young fan’s hospital room by Penguins players meeting with teenage cancer patients in a unique moment.

 

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Wilson made an appearance to join the Penguins forward Blake Lizotte, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Kevin Hayes’ patient visit.

“I heard the Penguins were in here, so, you know, I had to come in. Say what’s up,” Wilson said warmly,he mentioned that being in the same room with his fellow Pittsburgh athletes made him happy. Lizotte told the NFL star it was perfect timing since the group had just been discussing the Steelers, which added a personal connection to the visit.

Wilson was visibly moved by the experience and expressed it, “I’ve never had this happen… Out of all the rooms that I’ve been in, I’ve never had two different teams, I don’t think, from the same city in the same room. So, you’re lucky, Bro!”

The patient exuded excitement as he was surrounded by some of Pittsburgh’s most revered athletes from various sports, creating an unforgettable moment of city pride.

The Penguins players also conveyed other touching moments during their hospital visit. Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Kevin Hayes had a very heartwarming encounter with a young cancer patient who, after giving them high-fives, pointed out the Penguin logo on their jerseys. The little one responded in an adorable way, blowing a kiss on Crosby and filling the room with smiles.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ dedication to supporting cancer patients and their families is exemplified by the visit. The team’s ‘Hockey Fights Cancer Night’ includes spreading joy at UPMC Children’s Hospital, one of the many events they hold every year will take place on November 19 at PPG Paints Arena is when they will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Penguins’ dedication to the community and sportsmanship will be highlighted during this meaningful evening of awareness and solidarity with those battling cancer.

For both fans and patients alike, these heartwarming encounters bring a much-needed distraction and a reminder of Pittsburgh’s strong sports community that transcends the ice and the field, coming together to make a difference.