Marvel superhero Chris Evans (Captain America) and friend Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) today made good on a friendly bet that started between the two on Twitter in January after the National Football League playoffs.
A superhero size THANK YOU to @prattprattpratt & @ChrisEvans for visiting our patients today! #TwitterBowl pic.twitter.com/qgo0kKC1AV
— Seattle Children’s (@seattlechildren) March 8, 2015
The hospital was abuzz as Evans and Pratt brought joy to patients and families at Seattle Children’s. Much like their superhero alter egos, they saved the day in the eyes of the children and teens at the hospital.
The bet kicks off
Well, well, well @prattprattpratt, looks like our teams are going into battle. For the next 2 weeks, you are not my friend, you are my enemy
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) January 19, 2015
Evans, a New England Patriots fan, and Pratt, a Seattle Seahawks fan, both wagered on who they thought would win the Super Bowl. Depending on the outcome, they promised to either visit the children of Christopher’s Haven in Boston (Evans’ charity of choice), or patients and families at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After the Seahawks were defeated in the Super Bowl, Pratt stuck to his word and visited Christopher’s Haven with Evans. Pratt even wore a Tom Brady jersey, much to his chagrin.
But in true superhero fashion, there were no losers in this bet. Evans announced on Twitter he would still visit Seattle Children’s.
GREAT day at @chris_haven! You’re my hero, @prattprattpratt. And look out @seattlechildren, you’re next!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 6, 2015
And patients and families at Seattle Children’s couldn’t have been more excited!
“I was so excited when I heard they were planning to come to Seattle Children’s,” said Maggie Mittelstaedt, an 18-year-old patient being treated at the hospital after a hip replacement. “Guardians of the Galaxy and the Avenger movies are my favorites, so I was hoping I might get a chance to meet them.”
A surprise visit from superheroes
Maggie’s wish came true today when her nurse let her know her favorite superheroes were in the hospital.
“It really brightened my day!” Maggie said. “I am a huge fan and they were so nice to spend time with me.”
Oskar Beechum, 7, lit up when Evans – dressed as Captain America – and Pratt surprised him in his room. Oskar is being treated for epilepsy and has been inpatient at Seattle Children’s for four months.
“Meeting them was a nice reprieve for us,” Oskar’s mom Kelli said. “So many of our visitors are doctors, and the conversations are medical. I can’t wait to watch the Captain America movie with Oskar. It will be like he knows him personally now.”
When Captain America and Chris Pratt walked into Tyler Gower’s room, 14, he was speechless, which is a rare occurrence for him. Star-Lord is his hero. It took him a minute to realize Chris Pratt walked through his door.
“We were so surprised,” said Tyler’s mom Allison. “It gave Tyler five minutes of happiness. This situation will never be normal, but their visit helped make us feel special.”
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Tyler has been a patient at Seattle Children’s since March 4. Next week, he’ll have a bone marrow transplant and be inpatient for about a month.
More than just a bet
Since the initial bet began in January, Pratt and Evans have helped raise more than $27,000 for Seattle Children’s and Christopher’s Haven.
“We are grateful that real-life superheroes Chris Pratt and Chris Evans turned their sports rivalry into an opportunity to support kids in their communities,” said Lisa Brandenburg, president of Seattle Children’s. “We are delighted that patients and families at both Seattle Children’s and Christopher’s Haven will benefit from these generous donations.”
Donors can continue to support Seattle Children’s and Christopher’s Haven through their respective fundraising websites or by texting TEAMPRATT (for Seattle Children’s) to 501501. Donations will be accepted through the end of the week.
Chris Evans and Chris Pratt are the best, they more than fill the shoes of the heroes they portray on the big screen! Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures with us, it’s lovely to see such big smiles on the faces of the children, and it’s nice to know that for a brief time they were able to forget about their troubles and enjoy being a kid.
Keep up the good fight kids and I’d like to say a huge thank you to Chris Evans, Chris Pratt and Seattle Children’s Hospital for helping to brighten the day of these children and their families. And you guys made my day much brighter too!
Thank you so much for this uplifting news story. Thsnk you to these two fine actors who realize that doing such good deeds can make a real difference for these children.
Thank you so much for this uplifting news story. Thank you to these two fine actors who realize that doing such good deeds can make a real difference for these children.
Its really nice seeing something positive to read and enjoy thank you and keep up the good work
The characters they play may be fictional, but this act from the result of a friendly bet shows that humanity still exists among the people who bring these characters to life. I salute the honor of these guys to do what is an act of true charity. Love without end to those who need it the most.
This is so amazing to see how people change minds and maintain sick children just visiting them in the hospitals and sharing love. They are celebrities but still could be humans. Certainly many children were inspired by their encouraging step.
I am really moved by these acts of kindness. I love the movies but this is actually great, this reaching out. Thank you!
Being able to give while you are a celebrity is a very hard thing to do. So I wish more actors could have hearts like these fine Hollywood actors.
Wow. So good to hear news that Chris Evans and Chris Pratt sharing love visiting children. Good job two Chris!!!
It is really heart touching. I am big fan of the Captain America. Chris Evans is a real life superstar too. Very happy to read this.
They really have a big heart. I love you guys and the things you did is really an inspiring work for us too….
Its a really kindful act of wonderful people like them.
Wow..my favorite actors Chris Pratt and Chris Evans doing something good for the children. Keep it up Chris