Josh Allen lifts spirits of young Colt Matz just before bone marrow transplant

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen gives Colt Matz a hug before his final chemo treatments going into a bone marrow transplant from his younger brother, Jack.

By JOHN ANDERSON

Fighting a disease like cancer takes great medical care. However, miraculous strides can take place when a patient has an increased spirit and outlook to fight.

On Monday, it all came together for one family with an assist from Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

On Oct. 26, Allen was at the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital as the Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing was unveiled on the hospital's 10th floor.

Allen was emotional, putting his hands on his head as the sign, with his late-grandmother’s name, was revealed along with a photo of him pointing to heaven during a 44-33 win over the Seattle Seahawks in November of 2020, the day after Patricia Allen died.

The press captured the moment and after some speeches, the wing, thanks to $1.1 million in donations, was officially named and opened.

However, Allen didn’t just leave and head back to the Bills training facility. He quietly went to visit patients. One in particular was Colt Matz, who found out in April he had leukemia at the age of 10.

Allen, who wore a “Colt 45 Strong” bracelet in practice that was shown on the Buffalo Bills’ Instagram page, went to Colt’s room and gave him a hug. The two talked and posed for a few photos.

Colt had just finished his fourth round of chemo. His spirits were lifted and six days later, this past Monday, Colt had a bone marrow transplant. The donor was his brave younger brother, Jack, who is 7.

Parents Michael and Christina Matz of Portville, N.Y., have given some updates indicating Jack did a great job with the transplant. The Southern Tier of New York has as many ‘Colt Strong” and “Colt 45” lawn signs as election signs.

Michael Matz told family and friends in a message, “We are overwhelmed and overjoyed by the outpouring of love and support for our family! Both Colt and Jack rocked it, with the awesome support of so many people at home, Roswell and Oishei. Everyone made today a success, and we couldn’t have done it without our tough as nails support system and a hospital crew that is second to none. Both boys are relaxing and resting comfortably. This is not the end of our journey, but a big step along the way. We love all of you!”

In the new pediatric recovery wing is a Bills Fans Fun Zone, dedicated to the 27,000 fans donated in memory of Patricia Allen.

At the opening of the wing, Allen said, "It was an honor and a privilege to tour the Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing. My family and I cannot even begin to express our gratitude for the support this community has shown us. The dedication and commitment that the staff at Oishei shows families and patients during their time in the hospital absolutely exemplifies what it means to live in the city of good neighbors here in Buffalo. Thank you all so much and, Go Bills!"

(Matt Blue calling "Colt 4-5" during the National Anthem flyover Sunday)

Before the win on Sunday over the Dolphins, Colt had another honor. Matt Blue of the United States Air Force had a perfectly timed flyover at the end of the National Anthem at Highmark Stadium.

Blue, who played baseball for Colt’s father at Portville, had the plane carry a “Colt 4-5” sign when it took off out of Buffalo to fly over the stadium.

Related story HERE: Additional 17% of Josh's Jaqs cereal proceeds going to Oishei's Children's Hospital as Allen named PLB Sports & Entertainment Player of the Week