BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Following an outstanding performance on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen revealed that his grandmother died Saturday night.
Josh Allen lost his grandmother last night. Sean McDermott said this was an emotional win for Allen and his family.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) November 8, 2020
Once Bills Mafia learned this news, they did what they do best, showcase their generosity.
Calling #BillsMafia, as we all know @BuffaloBills QB @JoshAllenQB grandmother passed away last night. In honor of her @RedditBills is suggesting we donate $17 to Oishei Children's Hospital. Do what you do ladies and gents!https://t.co/qM5p3flY12
— Hansel (@UberHansen) November 8, 2020
Bills fans from across the world are donating $17 to Oishei Children's Hospital in honor of Allen's grandmother, at last check raising more than $150,000 by Monday night, according to the hospital. It started with this post by Justin Hutton, a Bills fan who lives outside Albany, on the Buffalo subreddit page.
It has since grown on Twitter.
"I can't take credit for anything, all I did was make a Reddit post, you know, and then really the fan base just kind of took it from there and ran with it," Hutton said. "It's been really really incredible to see what's happened throughout the course of the day."
Allen has long been a supporter of Oishei Children's Hospital, and has worked to raise money for the hospital.
Allen tweeted a message to fans Monday afternoon.
At a loss for words. Buffalo, I love you. https://t.co/HdhoK0zUp3
— Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) November 9, 2020
The donations will help families like Scarlett's. The family made a sign to support the quarterback that supports their hospital.
“Jason and Mandy Kiera would like to thank Oishei Children’s Hospital for the amazing care they have given us throughout our daughter, Scarlett’s journey," the family said in a statement. "All the love and support from everyone has made our stays at the hospital truly ones to remember. Josh Allen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time. Stay Buffalo Strong! #billsmafia #scarlettstrong”
Over $150,000 and #BillsMafia is keeping it going strong 🏈 This is what it's all about - kids like Scarlett who wanted to share her support for @JoshAllenQB today too 💙 You're making a true impact so thank you! https://t.co/pS4gCIRfEE pic.twitter.com/jz6tvDKgKI
— Oishei Children's Hospital (@OCHBuffalo) November 10, 2020
Andrew Bennett, Vice President of The Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, said the money will touch all areas of the hospital.
“Services provided throughout the hospital that aren't covered by insurance, different team members, equipment, technology, recruitment of new doctors, nurses, supplies certainly, much of what we’ve gone through with the pandemic,” Bennett said.
The hospital says it thanks Bills Mafia for the support and is offering their support to Josh Allen and his family.
Thank you all for your incredible support. We join you all in thinking about @JoshAllenQB and his family during this difficult time.
— Oishei Children's Hospital (@OCHBuffalo) November 9, 2020
Hutton's inspiration came from past Bills Mafia fundraising efforts. Bills fans raised more than $400,000 for Andy Dalton's foundation after his touchdown throw against the Ravens put the Bills back in the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.
If you wanted to donate to Oishei Children's Hospital you can do so by clicking here.
