ANN ARBOR, Mich. – We all know Aidan Hutchinson for his football plays, but his impact on children and families at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor has been enormous.
In his off time, the former Michigan Wolverines star and the rest of the Hutchinson family have made it a point to visit patients like 3-year-old Owen McGee quietly.
The Toledo toddler was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer in January of 2023. He and his family first met Aiden while recovering from a complication.
“Owen was pretty down and out at that point, but just him coming in and uplifting our family, they brought in this contagious joy and optimism, beautiful experience for us,” said mom Morgan McGee.
But that wasn’t their only visit with Aidan. The Hutchinsons have kept up with Owen, and the McGees, like so many, were heartbroken when he was injured in Sunday’s (Oct. 13) game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“That was tough, being not just a football fan but a fan of Aidan Hutchinson here on 7 East,” said nurse Emily Drown, who says Aidan had spent time on the pediatric oncology floor during the bye week.
Drown says the most memorable visit from Aidan was the year he spent his Christmas on the floor with young patients who were unable to be home for the holiday.
“I know everyone’s heart was breaking here because he just made such an impact,” Drown said.
Those patients are now encouraging Aidan. One way they’re doing it is by writing messages on water jugs.
If you’ve never noticed, in each game, Aidan carries a water jug with the name of a little “Hutch Hero” on it that he’s playing for.
The kids have also been recording messages of encouragement to the Lions star as they take their turn wishing him well.
Click here if you’d like to donate to Hutch Heroes.