Bills punter Brian Moorman has an incredible passion for his P.U.N.T. Foundation. Talk to Moorman about his foundation, and his dedication for P.U.N.T. (Perseverance, Understanding, Need and Triumph) comes through his words.
Many may have wondered, did Brian continue P.U.N.T. when he left Buffalo? Knowing Moorman's character, many Buffalonians would've bet on it. Brian doesn't have the quitting character.
"That was one of the main focuses when we left was to make sure the foundation stayed in business," the Bills punter told buffalobills.com. "We've been working with these families and kids for a number of years, and we put these programs in place for a reason. We felt like we were making an impact in the community, and for us to just pick up and leave because I wasn't here wasn't something my wife and I were willing to do."
No one was more excited to see Moorman back in Bills colors than his friends at the P.U.N.T. Foundation.
"They surprised me," said Moorman. "It had been too long since I had been able to visit, and I walked in and all the doctors had the kids out of their rooms and they threw confetti on me. They were so excited. It was great to get up there and see them, and take their minds off of what's going on. I put a smile on their face and they put a smile on mine."
For almost ten years, Brian's P.U.N.T. Foundation has been serving pediatric cancer patients and their families across Western New York. Moorman has always believed in the importance of using his NFL platform to make a difference in the lives of others.
"I've never felt like I'm more important than anyone else, but we have this platform and it would be a waste if we didn't use it to help others," said Moorman. "You're hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn't been touched by cancer one way or another, but when you factor in it's a child, it makes it pretty tough. The cause took a personal feeling when we had our own child, and then you realize what it's like to be a parent. I see these parents differently than I did before because I can't imagine being in their position."
The P.U.N.T. Foundation has been able to do so much good for pediatric cancer patients and their families in Western New York. Moorman's various programs including Brian's Locker, Brian's Gameday, and Field of Dreams to name a few, provide additional support and guidance for patients and families in need. P.U.N.T. helps patients take their mind off of everyday stresses and helps them focus on being a kid and having fun.
"We do some unique programs," said Moorman. "Our programs are well thought out programs, and we see where the need is and expand on that need. We're having a new one this spring that we're excited about-doing a remembrance weekend for families who have lost their children. When we find those needs we try to expand. For expansion we need the support of the community and we're getting that."
Moorman couldn't be happier to be back in Buffalo, and to have the continued support from the Buffalo community.
"Everyone knows how Western New York is," Moorman told buffalobills.com. "They give you a big bear hug around here. If you have a good cause, the people of Western New York are going to support it. The outpouring of support that we got when left was overwhelming, the outpouring of support when I came back…I think people know that the P.U.N.T. foundation is here to stay."
To learn more about P.U.N.T. visit http://www.brianmoorman.org/
