Since his rookie days, Pittsburgh Steelers #8 Kenny Pickett has been passionately dedicated to working for charities. Since the NCAA’s NIL rule changes, Pickett has kept himself occupied. In the past, he has even successfully partnered with PGT Trucking and Ithen USA to sell t-shirts for a good cause. 

Pickett’s selflessness and continuous efforts have exemplified the true spirit of philanthropy throughout his career. Recently, after his dream wedding, ‘The Picketts’ went on a honeymoon that had the fans in awe. But even before the couple returns home, they have thrown themselves for a cause. The Steeler Nation hadn’t seen it coming, with Kenny Pickett sharing yet another cause “close to his heart.”

‘The Picketts’ Heavenly Luau Birthday Celebration for a Cause

Kenny Pickett’s journey with the Steelers has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a rookie, Pickett has showcased his talent. His work ethic, and leadership, quickly earned him his teammates’ and coaches’ trust and respect. He had big shoes to fill, stepping in for the retired Ben Roethlisberger. But it won’t be wrong to say he made it! However, that’s not the only feat he has achieved. He had used his fame wisely as he and his now wife, Amy Paternoster, took significant steps to give back to the community. Recently, Kenny took to Instagram to post about the Luau Party, which his foundation, Mya Lin Terry, is throwing to honor his sister’s heavenly 21st birthday on August 2, 2023.

The Hawaiian-themed party has a mere $50 price for those 12yrs old and above. Though it’s free for those under 12. It won’t be wrong to assume that ‘The Pickett’s’ would be in attendance, as he is one of the founders and even updated his bio today with the link to the foundation’s website urging everyone to donate to the cause if they can. He has often talked about Mya, saying, “I was 13 when she passed, and she was 10, so we have our own foundation, the Mya Lin Terry Foundation, back in New Jersey to help a lot of families out in that area, so it feels good to come out in Pittsburgh. I think I have been doing this since I got to Pitt in college, and trying to help out in any way that I can. So it feels really good to be here.”

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Mya, Kenny’s sister and his Aunt Kelly’s daughter had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, T-Cell Stage III, and Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) before she lost to cancer in April 2013. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, T-Cell Stage III, is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Individuals with this disease may sometimes develop secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which affects the bone marrow and blood. ​The Picketts, Terrys, and Paternosters founded the Mya Lin Terry Foundation to honor the memory and the legacy of Ms. Mya Lin Terry, the family’s Warrior Princess. Though, this isn’t the first time he has done this. This has made the Black & Gold fans wonder about Kenny’s past philanthropic works. 

Rush to Crush the Cancer: The Steelers’ Cleats for a Cause

The Steelers star #QB1 has made a name for himself, on and off the field. He has been known for his philanthropic efforts, like using his logo to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania by teaming up with PGT Trucking & Ithe, USA, to form “Pickett’s Partners.” He had donated 200 shirts for the cause. Last season, he even participated in the league’s player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats. He represented his Mya Lin Terry Foundation by wearing custom cleats to represent his cause. 

With the Steelers, Kenny Pickett talked about how ‘family’ means everything. So there was no question he wore his cleats to support Mya, one of Pickett’s closest friends growing up, his next-door neighbor, and his younger cousin. He said, “It was hard to see what she went through. We raise money to give to families that have the same situation Mya had. It’s great to help those families, see success stories, and see kids get healthy. It’s definitely something near and dear to my heart and our family’s hearts. It will mean the world to my family, especially my aunt. To have that logo on my cleats and the back story behind that. Everyone will know how great my cousin was. I will be proud to wear those cleats.” 

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Kenny Pickett also actively took part in the inaugural “Rush To Crush Cancer” bike ride, which he also chairs, hosted in May on the North Shore. It raised awareness and funds for the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the best in town for cancer research. Now, if that’s not something to cheer for, then what is?