Chicago Bears fans and supporters gathered during Monday Night Football to rally behind Hall of Famer Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, who is battling ALS.
The event, part of a weekly fundraising series at Joe’s on Weed in Goose Island, raised money for various causes throughout the football season. Hosted by Celeb Events Inc., this week’s event supported McMichael’s medical fund.
In August, the McMichael family celebrated Steve’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio—a long-held dream finally realized.
“There are 300 million professional football players in the world, 378 in the Hall of Fame; he’s #376, and only 182 are alive,” said Misty McMichael, Steve’s wife.
Although reaching the Hall of Fame was a major accomplishment, Steve continues his difficult fight against ALS.
“He has a trach, a feeding tube, a cecostomy tube, and a permanent catheter, but he’s incredibly strong,” Misty shared.
On Monday, fans helped raise money for Steve’s ongoing medical care.
“Steve needs 24-hour nursing care, which costs about $13,000 a month. The NFL gives me $144,000 a year, but his care costs $156,000, so I need to raise an additional $16,000 annually,” Misty explained.
Former teammate and close friend Bruce Herron also attended the event. Herron recalled visiting Steve just days earlier to celebrate his birthday, sharing a special moment with him.
“We were reminiscing about old times, and when we’d ask, ‘Mongo, do you remember that?’ his eyes would widen, letting us know he was listening,” said Herron, a former Chicago Bears player.
Steve McMichael turned 67 on Thursday, October 17—coincidentally, the reverse of his jersey number.
