The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Julia and her amazing family was during Pitt Football’s “Day of Service” in April 2024. Little did I know the impact Julia, who we lovingly call “JJ,” would have on my life.

JJ has loved Pitt from the day she was named a Junior Captain of the football team, so when Coach Narduzzi and our quarterback room visited her in the ICU following her multivisceral transplant, it meant the world to her—and to me. We came hoping to lift her spirits, but during that visit, she lifted ours.

Something changed in me that day. I looked into her eyes and saw what real strength looked like. JJ was just 12 years old, facing unimaginable odds, and yet she never gave up. Her strength inspired me.

From that point on, I kept visiting her and became part of the family. We played Mario Kart and other video games together. She was competitive, sharp, and always smiling—especially on the days when she wasn’t feeling her best. I was there during some of her hardest moments, including when her wounds were cleaned. Through it all, she never stopped smiling. Her courage inspired me.

As the medications and procedures began taking a toll, JJ started losing her hair. In solidarity, I shaved my head too. That small act was just the beginning. I realized I wanted to do more, not just for Julia, but for every child like her. Because the biggest plays don’t always happen on the field. Sometimes, they happen in the quiet moments—the hard ones—when you choose to stay.

I didn’t expect to leave that hospital changed, but I did. Because of JJ, because of her fight, her light, her strength—I found my purpose.

Today, I’m proud to announce we are starting a fundraiser, the JJ and Eli Fight Fund. Our hope is to provide direct, compassionate support to improve the quality of life of pediatric abdominal transplant patients facing long hospital stays, complex recoveries, and the heavy financial strain that comes with both.

This is my way of showing up—for hope, for dignity, and for those still fighting.

Please join me by donating to JJ and Eli's Fight Fund.