Sometimes it’s the simplest of idea, the chanciest of meetings, that lead to a Eureka moment that can help many. Here is a great example of what a young boy on the mend and an NFL players can do together to help others.
In September 2014, Michael Siroty, then nine years old, tore his meniscus and ACL playing baseball in his hometown in New Jersey. He underwent meniscus surgery in October, and an ACL repair in November, both with surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery, a top orthopedic hospital in New York.
At the same time, Jeff Allen, an Offensive Lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered a season-ending bicep tear, and flew to New York to have it repaired at HSS. A chance meeting when the two both had follow-up appointments at HSS in January 2015 led to a year-long e-mail friendship that Michael says was key in helping him get through the long recovery and rehabilitation that included being sidelined from the sports he loves for 16 months. Jeff and Michael were reunited at the Chiefs-Ravens game in December 2015. Out of that came JAMS Pals, a platform named using the initials of Jeff Allen and Michael Siroty, where young kids who are going through orthopedic injuries, all too common today, with athletes who have gone through similar issues.
Kids who require orthopedic surgery have other things they need to deal with — missing school, getting around on crutches, being sidelined from sports, and just being “different” from their peers. At JAMS Pals, they believe that having a “buddy” who has had a similar experience can provide encouragement and support to make things just a little bit easier. They match up kids with athletes via e-mail. Based on the experience, they believe that these relationships are helpful no matter the sport, gender, or location of the athlete. It is a simple, grassroots idea that is therapeutic to both and can do worlds of good.
By the way, it has huge areas for growth for hospitals and philanthropic causes, not to mention brands in the space, who are looking for a great way to give it back. The simplest of ideas are usually the best.
