St. Barnabas Health System to Honor Rocky Bleier

St. Barnabas Health System will honor a well-known and well-loved football legend with its Hance Award on Thursday.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier will receive the honor at a “Black 'n' Gold Charity ‘Ball’ ” during the health care system's annual Founder’s Day celebration. The award is named after St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur P. Hance and honors others who demonstrate his qualities of citizenship and community involvement.

Bleier, of Mount Lebanon, also will visit the St. Barnabas Health System facilities in Gibsonia earlier that day.

The health system chose Bleier to receive this year's award for many reasons, according to Shelli Sommarvia, St. Barnabas marketing communications manager. Among those reasons: his military service during the Vietnam War, his courage and determination to overcome serious war injuries and play football again; and his contributions to St. Barnabas' Presents for Patients program and other charities.

 “We are honored that Rocky Bleier has agreed to accept the Hance Award," she said. "He is to be admired for his achievements both on and off the football field.”

Bleier is best known for his career as one of the Steelers’ leading ground gainers during his 12-year NFL career. Bleier passed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in one season and contributed to four Super Bowl victories. 

Bleier also is the author of “Fighting Back,” an autobiography that tells of his journey to the NFL after recovering from the serious wounds he received while serving in Vietnam. He is now a motivational speaker and businessman.

The annual Founder’s Day Celebration is a vital component of St. Barnabas Charities' fundraising efforts, Sommarvia said.

The day’s events will start with a welcoming tailgate ceremony where William V. Day, president of the health system, will greet Bleier and give him a key to the St. Barnabas campus. Patients at the St. Barnabas Nursing Home have been preparing for the special guest by making a black and gold afghan and other handmade gifts that they will present to him during his visit.

“His ‘Fighting Back’ determination parallels what so many of our patients go through each day," Sommarvia said. "Residents and patients throughout St. Barnabas Health System are excited for his visit.”

Bleier will be the featured speaker at the Black 'n' Gold gala that evening at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown. Entertainment also will include a tailgate silent auction and reception at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the Harold Betters Show, a trombonist who is known for playing at Steelers games and area clubs, and singer Etta Cox.

Andy Russell, Bleier's former Steelers teammate and the 1992 Hance Award recipient, also will appear.

Past Founder’s Day honorees have included former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford, Fred Rogers, former First Lady Barbara Bush, and actress Debbie Reynolds.