The 6-year-old daughter of a Pittsburgh sports radio host got one heck of a surprise Saturday when she opened her family home’s front door to find the Penguins’ equipment manager with the Stanley Cup.
Dunlap, who was diagnosed with leukemia last year, looked happy as she later posed with the Cup, which was almost as big as her.
Beyond words the happiness Pens equipment man Danny Kroll brought to our family today -- particularly daughter Darran who has leukemia. pic.twitter.com/L7LFtkWOhg
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 17, 2017
This is the second time the Penguins have surprised Darran. Earlier this year, team President Mario Lemieux sent a letter and an autographed puck to her while she underwent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital. According to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, childhood cases of this type of cancer have a remission rate of 98 percent after patients begin treatment.
This came to our home today 100 percent unsolicited.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) March 20, 2017
You talk about class?
Mario Lemieux is the height of class. pic.twitter.com/ba5eFM751d
That gift followed one from last year, when Darran was first diagnosed, from then University of Pittsburgh running back James Conner, who overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was drafted by the Steelers this year in the third round. Conner sent Darran a signed photo bearing the message, “Please stay strong and fight hard! Thinking of you!!”
Like on Saturday, Darran’s father, Colin Dunlap, who hosts a show on the city’s 93.7 The Fan, expressed his endless thanks for the kind gesture online.
No matter which team you root for @JamesConner_ is someone you root for.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) November 9, 2016
Thanks for giving a 5yo so scared a bunch of hope.
You're a hero. pic.twitter.com/7g4NbeAVdR