Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce helped a grieving Philadelphia family keep their loved one’s cancer awareness mission alive(Image via Getty Images)
For his loved ones, the visit was not simply about meeting two NFL stars. It was about keeping Brendan’s story alive and making sure his fight could help other families.
On March 3, 2024, Travis and Jason visited Brookline Volunteer Fire Company in Havertown, Pennsylvania.
“Jason and Travis were both so nice, normal, and hilarious,” she told ET. “Brendan was a diehard Philadelphia sports fan and I have no doubt he is smiling down right now and so happy his favorite Eagles player and his superstar brother are rocking the hats he was so incredibly proud of,” Jess said. “My sister is so happy that Brendan’s story is being shared,” Jess told ET.
The gathering supported Brendan’s family and its Team Rectify cancer awareness campaign. Brendan left behind his wife, Meghan McDermott, and their daughter, Anna. His family continued his efforts through Team Rectify, which raises money for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. When the Kelce brothers arrived at the fire company, Brendan’s sister-in-law, Jess Viola, presented them with Team Rectify hats. Both immediately put them on and listened as the family shared his story. She added that the brothers were people who had never forgotten where they came from and remained “super down to earth. Their visit did not end Brendan’s family’s fight, but it helped more people hear his story. For Meghan, Jess and Anna, seeing his favourite Eagles player wear a Team Rectify hat was another reminder that his name and his mission had not been forgotten.