Captain America Joins Friend Chris Pratt to Surprise Kids at Seattle Children’s

March 7, 2015 and 15 Comments

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.

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

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.

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.”

OskarOskar 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.

Resources:

Patient Stories, Philanthropy