Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
If there is anyone in the NFL who knows what it is like to battle cancer, it is Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. When he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012, Pagano quickly found out what it was like for an entire organization and city to surround someone with love and support. Now, it is Pagano’s turn to do the same.
Long-time Colts fan Rita Hay, 70, has stage four cancer and been given six months to live. Just because her life is rapidly coming to an end, it does not mean she is unable to experience plenty of joy. With the help of former Indianapolis Star reporter and current WTHR employee Bob Kravitz, Hay’s wish of visiting Lucas Oil Stadium came true.
Just as most teams or players in situations such as this go above and beyond, Hay’s experience was no exception. Instead of simply getting to see the inside of the home of the Colts and witnessing a practice from the seats, Hay and her family were invited down onto the field to be full immersed in Indianapolis’ organized team activities.
Hay, who sat in a wheelchair and was on oxygen, beamed with happiness. She then became that much more excited when Pagano decided to pay her a visit. Kravitz recorded the interaction brilliantly in his WTHR article:
She began shaking.
“Oh, there’s Chuck Pagano, there’s Chuck Pagano!” Rita said.
Pagano leaned over Rita in her wheelchair, smiled.
“How you doing, baby?” he asked. “How you doing?”
“Oh,” she said like a young schoolgirl. “I’m doing OK. I’m in Stage Four.”
“He’s got a plan, you know,” Pagano said.
Rita nodded. “I know He does.”
“Never give up, keep believing. I didn’t know why when I got my set of circumstances, didn’t know why He put me where He put me. But going through it and seeing where I am now, I understand it. I completely understand it. So that I could do this and help people going through tough times. … You’re an inspiration to all of us, Rita.”
“Well, I’m a fighter,” she said. “I’m tough. I’ll keep fighting.”
“I can see that,” Pagano said. “I can see that. RitaStrong, right? RitaStrong. C’mon, let’s get a photo.”
Pagano’s experience with cancer has given him a completely different perspective on life. He understands that the position he is in gives him the opportunity to reach out and help people. He is not a doctor who is going to cure a person who is ill, but he can give people hope and the chance to fulfill their dreams. For Hay, it was meeting her favorite coach and players. The simplest interaction has changed her life forever.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
