Asking Steeler Nation for Help

From Jim Wexell:

"Steeler Nation: A Pittsburgh Team, An American Phenomenon" is now on sale at www.pittsburghsportspublishing.com with half the proceeds going to the sweetest little six-year-old girl you'll ever meet (www.helpfallyn.org)

From Today's Post-Gazette: (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09102/962200-66.stm)

No one stands taller than when they stoop to help a child

"Here's something a little different for this space today. Instead of insight into the NFL or Steelers, I give you an appeal to help a little girl in Westmoreland County and, yes, the Steelers are involved.

"Fallyn McNamara, 6, of West Hempfield has a rare skin disorder known as recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). It makes her skin as fragile as the wings of a butterfly, the reason these kids are known as "butterfly children.''

"She needs at least $200,000 to undergo treatment that includes a bone-marrow transplant. Several churches are helping raise funds, as is the Steelers basketball team, Hempfield High School and author Jim Wexell, among others. The Steelers basketball team agreed to extend its season to play a game at Hempfield May 17 at 2 p.m. with the school donating all proceeds to the cause. The Steelers have donated items for an auction that day.

"Wexell will donate half the proceeds from the sale of his wonderful book, Steeler Nation, bought at http://www.pittsburghsportspublishing.com/, from today through Father's Day. He's also asking Steelers fans to make donations for Fallyn's treatment at the Web site http://www.helpfallyn.org/ or by calling Frank McNamara at 724-864-5718."

Thanks to all who've ordered already, and thanks to Ed Bouchette and the Post-Gazette, Tom O'Malley and the Steelers' basketball team, the Steelers, and Brett Keisel, who has made plans to help us at the basketball games April 18 at Norwin and May 17 at Hempfield. Also, thanks to Stan Savran, who'll have me on his show in the coming days to talk about the upcoming draft and help us raise money.
-- jim