Bobby Orr’s letter of support to the ‘true heroes’ at Mass. General is classic Bobby Orr
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Bobby Orr is one of the greatest hockey players that ever lived, but he’s widely known for being an equally great person. Humble and selfless, he rarely projects the monumental presence that he is in the hockey world. And he knows a true hero when he sees one.
So that’s why the Bruins legend sent a letter of support to healthcare workers at Mass. General Hospital, who in America’s current crisis are the front-line fighters as the world battles the spread of COVID-19. Mass. General shared Orr’s letter to them on Monday. Here it is, in full.
This message is for everybody currently on the front lines at Mass General, doing what you all do so well. Thank you to the physicians, nurses, technicians, custodians, administrators, supply handlers—everyone there who is contributing in these unprecedented times. The battle against COVID-19 could never be managed without your tireless dedication, and please know that the people you serve understand your commitment, and we do not take it for granted. This pandemic has yet again demonstrated what everyone at Mass General is made of as you go about your daily routines. You are not only saving lives at your wonderful facilities—you are also protecting so many more people beyond your hospital walls as a function of your best efforts. It strikes me that the word “hero” is often used to describe athletes in our society, but in my eyes, YOU are the true heroes that I personally look up to and your are constantly on my mind. This virus is no game, so we need real life heroes to step up and bring it under control. Thankfully, that is exactly what you are doing.
Undoubtedly, the days and weeks ahead will test us all in many ways. But none will be tested more than those of you who continue to manage, treat and research the virus day after day after day. Given your efforts and expertise, I have great confidence in the eventual outcome of this pandemic, in no small measure because of the excellence I have personally witnessed at Mass General.
To all of you, please … keep on fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all you do.
With great respect,
Bobby Orr
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 27: The 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final logo is seen through the Bobby Orr statue prior to Game One between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on May 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
It’s classic Bobby, too. He has no social media. He’s not much of a self-promoter. This was no “Look at me!” virtue signal moment. This was genuine.
Massachusetts is up to 260 deaths and 13,837 confirmed cases of COVID-19, as of Monday. At least 1,241 people have had to be hospitalized due to the illness. Mass. General and other local healthcare battlegrounds received a shipment of 1.2 million N95 masks (300,000 of which are going to New York) thanks to the heroic actions of the Krafts, Patriots staffers, and various influential political and legal figures.
They need all the support they can get right now, even if it’s just emotional. It had to give them a lift to get support from one of Boston’s most revered people.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
