Madeline Malizio is driving away with a new 2019 Honda Passport after Crosby gave it away last week. Malizio has been an Army Specialist over the last five years. The single mother to a 3-year -old son is currently taking classes for legal studies.
Before the gift, she did not have a car, and had to take the bus to school, work and daycare.
“It’s been the best day ever,” Malizio said. “I can’t even put into words how grateful I am, and how blessed I feel for what he’s done today. He was telling me how he heard about my story and he wanted to do something to help my situation. I was confused. I wasn’t sure what he could be talking about. He puts the garage up and it’s this car. I felt weak in my knees. I felt speechless. I don’t really think there is a word to describe how you feel in that moment.”
The Penguins hosted local veterans at their practice this past Friday at UPMC Lemieux Complex and the veterans received a tour of the practice facility, met several of the players, and were given customized jerseys with their names on the back to honor their service to the nation.
The team also honored a host of Veterans this past Saturday night against the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena.