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Bears' Khari Blasingame gives back to cancer survivors in Park Ridge

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Updated  October 24, 2023 7:53pm CDT
Bears
FOX 32 Chicago

Bears fullback Khari Blasingame gives back to cancer survivors in Park Ridge

Tuesday was an off-day for the Bears, but two members of the team are still putting in some work, but not on the football field.

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - The Chicago Bears will be back in action this Sunday and on the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. Quarterback Justin Fields is still doubtful to play due to a thumb injury, meaning Tyson Bagent is likely to start.

While fans are hoping for another win, the team is scoring touchdowns in their hometown.

Tuesday was an off-day for the Bears, but two members of the team are still putting in some work – just not on the football field. Bears fullback Khari Blasingame was at Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge taking part in a chair yoga class for women who are recovering from cancer.

After the class, Blasingame presented a check from the Bears for $40,000 to the Cancer Survivorship Center on the hospital's campus, which provides a variety of help and programs for people whose lives have been impacted by cancer. People like Brigitte Powiedzki.

"When  I was first diagnosed, they didn’t have anything like this," said Powiedzki, who has twice beaten lymphoma.

She said she enjoys coming to the Survivorship Center because of the kinship.

"It is just an amazing community of cancer survivors who just enjoy each other’s company," said Powiedzki.  "It’s truly a blessing. And I thank the Bears for that huge donation."

Blasingame says he doesn't mind doing community service work on his day off because he likes to meet Bears fans, saying their support is a two-way street.

"The community, they support us so much on Sundays. They do so much all the time, so it's important to give back. When there's so much negative going on, it's nice to highlight positive things that happen," said Blasingame.

A few hours later Bears receiver DJ Moore was catching plenty of love as he handed out shoes to more than 100 foster children.

United Healthcare and Moore handed out $15,000 worth of high-end athletic wear at the SOS Children’s Village Illinois, a nonprofit agency that strives to keep siblings together in foster care.

"Just to give back to the community," Moore said. "We got a professional job that gives us a straight lesson, so we want to give it back to the community."