Oishei patients create customized hats for Josh Allen

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — MVP, QB1, and “Director of Billustration” for New Era are just some of the many hats that Josh Allen has worn so far during his career.

Before every home game this season, he’s wearing caps that help share the story of young warriors who are patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“It just gives a sense of unity, and it’s been a really cool experience for us,” said Jordan Dudish.

Jordan Dudish and Robert Bauer’s five-year-old son, Jaxson, was born with a rare disease called myotonic dystrophy. Jaxson is nonverbal and cannot stand or walk, and throughout his five years of life so far, he’s had 11 surgeries.

“Our relationship with Oishei has been very extensive, and a great one as well. They’ve given us many opportunities to have experiences for Jaxson,” said Jordan Dudish.

Jaxson is one of the patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital that’s making a difference for others through their artwork.

In partnership with New Era Cap, Oishei Children’s Hospital, and the MVP himself, nine patients of the hospital customized hats for Josh Allen to wear ahead of each home game this season.

Jaxson’s hat was the first for Josh to show off in the tunnel.

“Jaxson, for him, he enjoyed it. He likes to color — to some, it might not really be much of a drawing or art, but the scribbles on his hat reflect him and his journey,” said Robert Bauer. “It’s chaotic and crazy and all over the place, but it’s beautiful at the same time.”

After Josh wears one of the hats through the tunnel, the hat will then go on auction at the start of the game, raising money towards the Patricia Allen Fund that helps support patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“The fact that the first cap of this campaign went for over $17,000 — which is so fitting, given it was Josh, (number) 17,” said Jesse Ladoue McMullen, the marketing director with New Era.

After every home game, the hats will go up for auction on New Era Cap’s website here.