The John R. Oishei Children's Hospital plans to set up a new fund to honor Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's grandmother, whose recent death inspired fans to donate nearly $700,000 to the hospital.
The hospital also announced it will name a wing on its sports-themed 10th floor the "Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing" and will name a playroom within the new wing "The Buffalo Bills Fans Fun Zone."
Patricia Allen died on Nov. 7. Josh Allen told few people of her death before playing and excelling in the next day's win over the Seattle Seahawks.
As the public learned after the game of her passing, Bills fans urged each other to donate to the hospital, which Josh Allen supports. Most came in increments of $17, a nod to his jersey number, and the campaign drew national attention.
Children's officials met virtually with Josh Allen earlier this week to discuss setting up the Patricia Allen Fund to collect future donations and provide ongoing assistance to hospital patients, through the pediatric critical-care team, and to the the patients' families.
