Patrick Mahomes’ $8,100 tribute to young Chiefs fan Whitney Wells after her brave fight against cancer (Getty Images)
In a December 6, 2019, Kansas City Star report by Sam McDowell, Whitney’s father, Scott Wells, recalled the family’s reaction after spotting the bracelet during a Chiefs game. Mahomes carried it through the team’s run to Super Bowl LIV, where Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 on February 2, 2020. She died on December 30, 2019, just over seven months after her diagnosis. 15, 2019, during Week 15 of the NFL season, Mahomes wore custom cleats inspired by Whitney’s bracelet. The pair later went up for auction and raised $8,100. Tara Wells explained the family’s decision in a statement included in The Cure Starts Now’s February 4, 2021, announcement. “We are incredibly grateful to receive this generous donation from 15 and Mahomies in Whitney’s honor. 15 and the Mahomies executive director Marques Fitch also highlighted the reason behind the tribute.
“She couldn’t believe it,” Scott said, describing Whitney’s excitement when she saw Mahomes wearing it. He also told the newspaper, “It made us feel like they care. We pray daily for all DIPG kids and families affected,” she said. It means a great deal and will allow us to continue funding the DIPG Registry, which provides a huge source of support for kids like Whitney,” Desserich said. “We wanted to bring some attention to Whitney Wells and her determination!” he said in the foundation’s announcement.
The gesture meant more to the family than a simple show of support. In Whitney’s case, watching Chiefs games became another chance to spot the bracelet on her favourite quarterback. However, Whitney did not live to see that championship. On Dec. He worked with Adidas to create powder blue footwear with baby pink stripes, matching the colours of the wristband she had given him. The cleats also carried a deeper purpose. Mahomes wore them as part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, which allows players to highlight charities and causes through custom footwear. “We feel a real obligation to help find a cure for DIPG. Too many families are traumatized by this terrible disease.