Tampa Bay hockey fans are coming together weeks after the Stanley Cup Final to rally behind a beloved member of the Bolts family.
Sonya Bryson-Kirksey is the voice of the Lightning, singing the national anthem at nearly every home game.
But she’s now in the hospital battling COVID-19.
It isn’t her first time facing a difficult diagnosis. Back in May, a local t-shirt company, 1771 Designs, raised money to help Bryson-Kirksey and others fight multiple sclerosis.
Now, fans are placing new orders.
“I knew that the entire community would immediately jump on board to help Sonya out on a more personal level, and the family has answered in a big way,” said Matt Shapiro, owner of 1771 Designs.
A GoFundMe account has also been set up by good friend, Thomas Schooley, to help Bryson-Kirksey and her family.
And the dollars are already pouring in.
“I’m not surprised because Sonya has done so much for the community, and she is so beloved by everyone within this community,” Schooley said.
You can find out more about purchasing a shirt on 1771 Designs’ website.