On April 14, 2017, the unthinkable happened when retired NFL tight end and Latter-day Saint Todd Heap accidentally hit his 3-year-old daughter with a truck while in his driveway.
"We cannot imagine the heartbreak and sorrow Todd and Ashley's family feels right now," the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. "We believe their deep faith and tremendous support from friends and family will help them through this unimaginable time."
On May 3, the Heap family decided to honor their daughter Holly on her birthday. On a website called hugsfromholly.com, the family wrote: “Holly was known to give the best hugs, and her love for everyone and everything in life was contagious. Let’s spread this joy as we scatter sunshine in Holly’s honor on her birthday.”
NFL players as well as people from all over the world participated, spreading Holly's love and light:
Give a hug. Wear pink. Spread some kindness. #HugsFromHollyDay
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 3, 2017
Join us in supporting the Heap family: https://t.co/RlnAVKD2Mv pic.twitter.com/0AFEUHArtn
The #Orioles stand with the Heap family and the @Ravens for #HugsFromHollyDay. https://t.co/zvzfEXQH8y pic.twitter.com/o8V4fNGwpv
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 3, 2017
.@ravens you have our support. Give a hug on #HugsFromHollyDay
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) May 3, 2017
You can support the Heap family here > https://t.co/0XcDKXaU7R pic.twitter.com/MrHZgoZoOF
We stand with the @Ravens and the Heap family today.#HugsFromHollyDay https://t.co/8iuJgX3t8B
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) 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
Join us #RaiderNation in our support of the @Ravens and the Heap Family on #HugsFromHollyDay.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 3, 2017
More info here: https://t.co/t9LhXjbbPq pic.twitter.com/74FF34SEva
Yesterday, @Haloti_Ngata92 and his family gave out snacks and played a few games with local 5th graders for #HugsFromHollyDay. @Playworks pic.twitter.com/OU5S07pVbi
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 4, 2017
Football spent their practice showing love & support for the Heaps by sharing "Hugs from Holly" around QC. #hugsfromhollyday #qcway pic.twitter.com/BuYmAYmcaV
— QCHSAthletics (@QCHS_Athletics) May 4, 2017
#HugsFromHollyDay pic.twitter.com/uL1RCsFjb6
— Mrs. Stefanik (@MrsStefanik) May 3, 2017