Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently sent a very special video message to a Steelers fan who lives in Brighton, Colorado that is battling breast cancer, according to his official website.
Word apparently got to Roethlisberger about the time that he was hosting his annual football camp in late June that Julia Pollock, 38, had been battling her illness since 2010. Roethlisberger sent Pollock a video message, which you can watch below, to offer up his support and prayers. Pollock was videoed in the hospital while receiving the message, and that too has also been posted to Youtube.
Pollock sent Roethlisberger a thank you letter telling the Steelers quarterback that the doctors informed her that the cancer is now in her spine and affecting her brain, but that she continues to fight through it. In the letter she states that the video email she received from him meant the world to her and that after 52 days of being bed ridden in the hospital, she is back at home with her family and getting stronger everyday.
Pollock also writes that her sister has secured tickets for the two of them to the opening Sunday night game against the Denver Broncos and that she will be in attendance wearing her No. 7 Roethlisberger jersey to cheer them on.
You can read the letter that Pollock wrote to Roethlisberger in its entirety here and this certainly is a touching story that shows the good that professional athletes do that is not often publicized.
Keep fighting Julia, Steeler Nation is behind you.
Letter posted on http://bigben7.com:
Hello my name is Julia Pollock.
I battled breast cancer in 2010. In January 2011 I thought I had won the battle, but unfortunately I had not. The cancer is now in my spine and affecting my brain. They say it is terminal. I’m 38 hrs old and refuse to accept that. I still have so much I need to do.
I want Ben to know that his video email meant the world to me not just because I bleed black and gold and watching him every Sunday makes my week but because I’ve ALWAYS known him to be a man with a good heart. When I received the message I was in the hospital and I swear that was the moment I realized I had to fight like I was playing those dumb Ravens in a playoff game. Lol. After 52 days bed ridden in the hospital I am home with my family in Brighton,CO. I’m getting stronger everyday. I guess you could say this is my training camp.
I worked at a hardware store in Steamboat Springs, CO. We employee 45 or so employees. When they all saw the video message they reacted as I did with one exception. They all turned to Steeler Nation or better yet Ben Nation. Every Saturday at work I dress in my jersey for pre-game day. I’ve done this for 6 years. I have had to endure a lot from all my friends and customers. I never would have thought that one genuine and heart felt message could change all of their minds and that they are using words like classy, stand up, awesome and great guy when using Ben in a sentence. Thank you sooo much for your gift. I will treasure it forever.
I know your busy getting ready for the season which is why I’m taken back by your act of kindness. My sister was able to get tickets for her and I to go see you play the Broncos on Sunday night opener. Even though she was only able to get the 2 tickets and my whole family can’t go I’m beyond excited. I’ll be the one yelling and cheering you guys on to a victory in a hostile Bronco crowd wearing my Big Ben jersey with pride. The least I can do after you cheered me on. Thank you with all my heart. I do truly do believe the Lord works in mysterious ways and miracles happen. I have to, I’m a Steeler fan, right?
