The hospital has carried on the string of good news brought forth by Buffalo Bills’ fans generous donations in the wake of a tragedy.
Even in a bye week, those associated with the Buffalo Bills have managed to come through in the clutch.
On Saturday, Oishei Children’s Hospital unveiled plans for further honoring the memory of the late Patricia Allen and the charitable efforts that followed her passing. The hospital announced that not only are they setting up a new fund in honor of Bills QB Josh Allen’s grandmother but they will also rename an area on the tenth floor the “Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing”. Artist renderings of the site promise to feature a photo of Josh Allen pointing skyward in memory of Patricia during the BIlls 44-34 win over Seattle on November 8. That game was staged less than 48 hours after the elder Allen’s passing.
According to a statement released by the hospital, the “Patricia Allen Fund” will “provide ongoing support to the pediatric critical care team at Oishei Children’s Hospital who provide life-saving care to pediatric patients”. The tenth floor is known for its sports theme, with Allen’s jersey framed alongside fellow Bills fan favorites like Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas decorating the area.
“I am humbled by the incredible generosity that has poured in over the past several days in honor of my grandmother,” Allen said in the statement. “It means the world to me and my family and we are very grateful these donations will go toward helping save many lives for years to come.”
Upon learning of Patricia’s passing, Bills fans came out in supportive droves to donate to OCH, where Allen is a frequent visitor to the young patients. Bills fans donated nearly $700,000 to the hospital and their generosity will not go unnoticed. The tenth floor’s playroom will now be known as “The Buffalo Bills Fans Fun Zone”. It is located in the newly minted wing named after Patricia Allen.
“We really felt this was the perfect way to honor Patricia and recognize Bills fans for this incredible support of our hospital,†said OCH President Allegra C. Jaros, MBA said in the sam sentence. “With the wing being located on our sports floor which is already outfitted with lots of Bills and football memorabilia and graphics, we couldn’t think of a better place.â€
Allen has been a major factor behind the Bills’ resurgence, guiding them to a 7-3 record as they’ve hit their open date. He has been responsible for 26 total touchdown this season, including a career-best 21 through the air. He and the Bills return to action next Sunday at home against the Los Angeles Chargers (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags