Seahawks Wide Receiver Tyler Lockett Visits Patients and Fans at St. Joseph Medical Center

On her 77th day in the hospital and after completing 35 radiation treatments, Gillian (Gill) Porter was equally overjoyed and relieved. She was on the road to recovery and one step closer to returning to her home, longtime neighbors and friends in Buckley, Washington.

Her daughter and son-in-law were at St. Joseph Medical Center that day to celebrate with a sign reading "Congratulations, you did it 35 of 35!." The bags were packed and discharge papers on the way when they had a surprise visitor, Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett was there that afternoon “rounding” with care teams and spending time with patients in the neurology, cardiology and oncology units.

When he first entered Porter’s room, he didn’t know he had entered the room of a lifelong fan.

“I’ve loved the Seahawks since the beginning,” Porter shared. “This wonderful visit on my last day of radiation is a moment I’ll never forget!” Lockett presented her with a t-shirt bearing the inspirational quote, "The heart of a champion begins in the mind."

Gill has been a champion of her health since her initial cancer diagnosis.

Diagnosed with a throat tumor last November 2024, she underwent treatment at St. Joseph Medical Center and today is 99% cancer free. "I put my faith in Dr. Sorenson and couldn’t ask for better care here.”

With each room Lockett visited, a similar energy of hope and excitement exuded as he connected with patients. Staff and fans were equally thrilled to have a moment with the Seahawks star as he signed autographs, shared laughs, and talked football.
 

“To see the morale boost for patients and staff–it was incredible," Charge Nurse Trisha Lindstrom said.

Lindstrom, who has worked at St. Joseph Medical Center for 17 years, got to share the experience with her 10-year-old son and 12s fan. The Lindstrom family has held Seahawks tickets since the 1970s and her son has been a huge fan since starting flag football.

“He couldn’t believe it,” Lindstrom shared. “He was thrilled to shake his hand. I’m so glad that he got to experience this cool moment.”

For Lockett, being in the community and connecting with fans is a core part of who he is, and it comes across with each genuine interaction. He frequently visits Virginia Mason Franciscan Health hospitals and medical centers and the excitement never fades. Porter and others can attest to that. Later that day, and for the remainder of her days before discharge, she still had a big smile on her face–and a joyful memory that will last forever thanks to Lockett.