Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is attempting to turn a family tragedy into a positive movement by asking fans to spread love on what would have been his daughter Holly’s fourth birthday.
The toddler was killed last month when Heap, 37, accidentally hit her while moving his truck in the driveway of their Mesa, Arizona.
Heap and his family have now launched the “Hugs From Holly” campaign — asking people to simply hug the ones they love … or even complete strangers.
“Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious,” the official website said.”Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.”
Other ways Holly, who would have turned four on Wednesday can be remembered are the following.
- Wear PINK in Holly’s honor
- Make a plan to share hugs and spread love & joy through random acts of heartfelt kindness for those in your community. Smile more. Compliment somebody. Write a kind note. Share treats (or chicken nuggets). Do a free lemonade stand. Leave a bigger tip than usual. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru. Donate a book in Holly’s honor. Turn up the music and dance… the list is endless. Be creative!
- Capture your family spreading joy and post your pictures using the hashtag #hugsfromhollyday
“Shout it from the rooftops! Let’s spread kindness and love and make Wednesday a HOLLYday!” the family asks.
Holly was the youngest of five children Heap has with his wife, Ashley. Police said at the time that there were no signs that Heap was impaired in any way at the time of the accident.
NFL teams, players and sports media personalities were quick to share the Heap family’s message on social media Wednesday.
Hugs From Holly Day, for the Heaps. Any and all support appreciated.https://t.co/c64auaf4dZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2017
#HugsFromHollyDay https://t.co/T8cq47Xqrl
— Joe Flacco (@JoeFlacco) May 3, 2017
There was an overwhelming amount of support for #HugsFromHollyDay: https://t.co/Nti735L7BM pic.twitter.com/u7NhMbXFYz
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 3, 2017
Today we're joining the @Ravens in honoring #HugsFromHollyDay.
More info: https://t.co/ecxAViDXYj— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 3, 2017
We're with you, Heap Family & @Ravens.
Spread love and kindness on #HugsFromHollyDay.
More info: https://t.co/wv4rHw56EG https://t.co/IoPDmnAVTP
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 3, 2017
#BroncosCountry: Help us in support of the Heap family and the @Ravens.#HugsFromHollyDay https://t.co/hpjEuNRTrk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 3, 2017
#Packers fans: Join us in supporting the Heap family & the @Ravens. #HugsFromHollyDay https://t.co/4jcpKaLUH3
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) May 3, 2017
Carson Palmer and @P2 reminding you to wear pink and spread the love on #HugsFromHollyDay! pic.twitter.com/X4KWyry9T5
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 3, 2017
We've got your back, @Ravens. Share a hug today in support of #HugsFromHollyDay and the Heap family. https://t.co/coTXGiP2UT
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 3, 2017
Join us #RaiderNation in our support of the @Ravens and the Heap Family on #HugsFromHollyDay.
More info here: https://t.co/t9LhXjbbPq pic.twitter.com/74FF34SEva
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 3, 2017
On #HugsFromHollyDay, Coach McDermott shared hugs and kindness at One Bills Drive.
Your NFL family is with you, Heap family and @Ravens. pic.twitter.com/sqwKHA1Tis
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 3, 2017
?Pls read…In honor of Holly Heap… who would've turned 4 today. Still praying for Todd & the entire Heap family https://t.co/yFz3ubf4o9
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) May 3, 2017
.@ravens PR/CR team in our pink in honor of #hugsfromholly #hugsforhollyday!! Love to the Heaps pic.twitter.com/lwpKTLVrKG
— Chad Steele (@CSteele32) May 3, 2017
Heap played for Arizona State University before being picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. As the team’s tight end for 10 years, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdown catches, the second all-time in reception and yards, and named NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year in 2006. After being released by the Ravens in 2011, he played for the Arizona Cardinals for two years.
Heap retired from
Please click here to make a donation to the Baltimore Community Foundation in Holly’s memory.