Nyheim Hines had a challenging 2022 season, as he was traded from the Colts to the Buffalo Bills after spending the first four full seasons of his NFL career in Indianapolis. But for the veteran running back, life on the field can pale in comparison to what happens off it.
Hines recently partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to launch MDA Shamrocks, the largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser to help children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. Funds are used to advance care for those who suffer, advocate for the support of families living with the disease, and research.
Hines knows firsthand how difficult that can be.
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Nyheim Hines has partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
“The disease affects me personally and I am connected to it because my grandmother had it in 2004. A previous relative, who I’m not even sure about, had it. She has been in every generation of my family. My mother is living with it. and my uncle lives with that,» Hines told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. «It’s really been important to me to use my platform to not only give hope, but also to inspire people.
«Also, for me personally, just to meet other people. I’ve never met anyone who’s going through a struggle like me until I started working for MDA. It’s very, very near and dear to my heart.»
The 26-year-old explained to Fox News Digital exactly what is going on with his family members.
«Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease, so the muscles deteriorate and there’s really a lot of difficulty,» he said. «After being with my mother on it, it’s hard for her to move. Chewing food is getting harder, anything we took for granted.»
Hines said she helps her mother brush her hair, put on her eyelashes, brush her teeth, many things that people without the disease can take for granted at times.
Nyheim Hines is raising awareness about the effects of muscular dystrophy. (Muscular Dystrophy Association)
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«As a guy, I’ve never had to do it. It’s hard to do,» Hines said. «Those are the things that we take for granted, that everyone else takes for granted, but someone like my mother or people with muscular dystrophy don’t.»
Hines is about to enter his sixth professional season, but with success on the field comes challenges.
When asked how he can balance it, Hines admitted he didn’t know.
«I have a great team and a great family,» he said. «In 2020-21, my mom fell and broke her hip and was in the hospital for over 100 days. Honestly, it was really hard. But in those times, you really lean on your friends and family and my twin sister «.
Now, Hines hopes her story can help inspire others.
Nyheim Hines of the Bills celebrates after Buffalo’s 35-23 win against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
MDA has partnered with several different retailers and consumers have the ability to round up their purchases or donate money at a store to the cause.
«For more than four decades, MDA’s Shamrocks campaign has raised more than $343 million and funded innovative research, care and life-changing experiences like MDA’s summer camp,» said Jeremy Kraut-Ordover, director of development of the MDA, in a press release. «We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the retailers who partner with us year after year and their loyal customers, who enable the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives.»
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The campaign runs from the rest of February to March.