THIS WILL MOVE YOU! Iowa Hawkeyes wave story on ESPN College Gameday

[@glennvanzandt3011]

As a truck driver, Iowa is one of my favorite states. The people I've met there are so nice.

[@28dirtj]

Yes sir! Thats what we call "Iowa nice" I'm sure you already know but Iowa is home to the largest truck stop in the U.S.

[@glennvanzandt3011]

@jake5062 been there, Iowa 80, it's amazing.

[@billwell9266]

I had a wife delivered from there! (just kidding we met in college)

[@28dirtj]

@@glennvanzandt3011 I'll have to check it out sometime

[@survivrs]

Thank you Glenn! Most of us do our best to be nice, but there's always somebody somewhere who has to ruin things. Please think about us who plan on always being nice. Thanks for your comment.❤👋

[@lukerenick6248]

This tradition has gotten to the point that even the opposing team and fans take part.

[@custardflan]

I'm an IOWA STATe Cyclone fan and don't normally root for the Hawkeyes but this is the best tradition in sports.

[@survivrs]

@custardflan Go Clones! My future daughter-in-law is a Cyclone fan but we love her anyway!! Remember there are fans from all over in that hospital, so it encompasses so much more than just Hawkeyes. I only root against you guys when you play the Hawkeyes.

[@asabovesobelow-369-8]

We're all Iowans during the wave. Bless the children 🙏

[@dreams2xs]

Being a life long Iowa fan, and seeing this video over and over, I still tear up. What a wonderful trandition. Love your reaction to all this Maddy. Proves to me that you are a loving person.

[@jasoncomstock1698]

I was at the very first game when this great tradition started and I don't think their was a dry eye around. Great reaction and thank you for reacting to it!

[@TLww4soup]

This one gets me every time. It's also refreshing to see so many people appealing to their higher angels for others in distress.

[@TroyBoleyn]

In Sept 2017, when Iowa played UNT (Denton, TX) at a home game at Kinnick Stadium, I was living in Denton (and feeling a bit homesick as I an Iowa boy). I was a 'lone wolf' of sorts, the only person wearing the Black and Gold in a Sea of Green at the college bars on Hickory Street next to my home. A native Iowa boy, I wasn't all that intimidated by the younger crowd I was in. These folks were generally good natured, and rooting for their team. Of course there was some heavy heckling and jeering, until the halftime show - the first time they saw the "Kinnick Wave". I promise you, you'd be hard pressed to find a dry eye in the bar. I was so much more proud, when many of the patrons were saying Iowans really have heart. As a medical professional off and on over my career, I realized that we are a unique bunch. We really do care.

[@JonathanLawson]

The architect that designed that wing of the hospital to look over the stadium was genius

[@IanRobinett]

I say this to all who react and share this video, but thank you. Thank you for sharing something that, as a member of Hawkeye Heaven, my late mom and I played a miniscule role in sharing and promoting online. I cry watching this video everytime. And I will NEVER stop watching it. But everyone needs to realize this kind of tradition exists. Not to promote the university, but to promote the love and kindness we all still have in our hearts, even as divided as we may be. These kids don't see that division, and we don't show it to them. Instead we show them unity and strength in a fight they don't deserve tofight because they have so much ahead of them. Again, as a black and gold bleeding Hawkeye, thank you.

[@billwell9266]

My wife is from Iowa and is a huge Hawkeye fan. This "tradition" makes me a little teary-eyed.

[@MoreKellBellPlease]

I've been at several games and it is special every time ❤

[@RonHouck-eb1cn]

As an Ohio State fan, that is is probably the neatest game routine I have seen Cheers out to the Iowa Hawkeyes, their opponents, and the fans for reaching to the kids there and showing them they aren’t forgotten

[@robertgartner1901]

Oh Maddy, I've never seen this and the title got me also. So heartbreaking. You are so wonderful for sharing this.

[@MaddyReactions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottwontorski1274]

Shout out to Hawkeye nation! It's an awesome thing you guys are doing there. I still don't forgive you for beatin us Saturday 😭

[@titaneyes1]

Lol. I don't know how we beat ya! As an Iowa Hawkeye fan, if we outscore you with our comatosed offense...thank God we have good defense and special teams coaches.

[@scottwontorski1274]

@@titaneyes1 lol.rite.i had opportunity to go on the 50 but it was nasty,and we're not very good rite now.seems the older I get the more I'd rather watch from my tv 😂

[@28dirtj]

​@@scottwontorski1274I think next year will be better for Wisky, your team just needs to figure out its offense. Same goes for Iowa lol

[@samf.6298]

Let's just say we outlasted you lol. But in all seriousness, as a midwest transplant, this is one of the most meaningful traditions amongst the vast traditions in all of college sports and it's right here in Iowa. I cry every time I see it. Not just the Iowa fans and players and coaches, but also the players and coaches and yes, the few fans of the opponent. All in solidarity, cheering on all those little patients looking down from high above us. They say we give them strength but we all know it's quite the other way around. To all those across this great nation fighting their physical and mental battles, we salute you, we wave!

[@survivrs]

@@samf.6298 Wave on!!! I have been an Iowan for all 64 years of my life. I have cried at every Saturday when it's time to wave, my husband and I wave to our tv every time. I've seen our opponents as well as the referees get to a place on the field where they are also waving. What really made it even better was getting extra time at the end of the first quarter to allow time for the wave and for the teams to hear what their coaches have to say before going back on the field. It gives me goosebumps when I see the opponents waving. It's not just kids from Iowa or kids who are Hawkeye fans who are in our hospital. We've had kids from surrounding states as well, and probably always will if they need the closest children's hospital, or as I like to think, the BEST children's hospital. I am so proud of this tradition and the women who came up with the idea.

[@yankee_tango]

As a resident of Iowa, I have seen this up close, having been to a game at Kinnick since this tradition started. I was never so prouder than I was that day, I was giving back to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. My wife was diagnosed with cancer in her voice box and vocal chords in late 2010. The University of Iowa Hospital was able to get my wife the treatment she needed and eradicated the cancer for her. At the time we were not full time residents of Iowa we had a P.O. Box in Dubuque, Iowa but it was enough for them to get her treatments and the insurance she needed to get through it. I am a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and have been since 1979, The Hawkeyes hold a spot in my fandom for what they did for my wife and I as well as what they do for the children in that hospital. All of the Hawkeyes sports teams have the Kid Captain program where a child from the Hospital is an honorary captain for the team. Football, Basketball (Men and Women), Baseball, and Softball to name a few. That school is amazing with what they do with those kids there. This video drives it home for me that there is hope yet for our country.

[@asabovesobelow-369-8]

As a life long Iowan and the father of a prematurely born daughter this hits me hard😢the days...months spent in the hospital can be so lonely and isolating. A gesture like this seems small but means so much🎉thank you for this video.

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs 💕💕💕

[@johnquick1]

Finally was able to watch the video. That was a tough one to watch. 🙏 From Ireland 👐 👐 🙋👐 🇮🇪 God bless all the children of the world. Thanks for posting, Maddy. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs!

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs

[@sirkat344]

Since this began, opposing teams have joined in the wave as well. A great tradition for Iowa.

[@Chris-oj2jr]

Sooooo sweet ❤❤❤❤❤you got me feeling thankful humble and filled my heart with love!!!Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@drvannozzun]

I cry every time I see this.

[@MaddyReactions]

🩷🩷🩷

[@slugcult1973]

Every game, one of the kid patients is chosen to go on to the field with the players and be the honorary captain. Years ago, a patient named Kelby Tealander was chosen. Kelby got healthy and grew up to play football. He now plays on that very field for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

[@tomcat3769]

This is why I love this game and it’s shows big tough guys also have a soft side.

[@MaddyReactions]

🩷 so true

[@McLeod2022]

this react is the most sincere I have seen.

[@DAMHoo]

It’s a beautiful tradition. God Bless them all

[@MaddyReactions]

So true

[@JWFowler36]

wooo thats a good one!!! love it so much! so happy you show kindness to all!!!

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs 🩷

[@JWFowler36]

@@MaddyReactions ive gotten you twice to cry on reactions!!!! love your reactions thank you again!!!

[@rr24]

I subbed two videos ago. Yet, ... i'm glad i got to see this reaction. I've been aware of the Iowa 'wave' for a couple of years now, but it's always nice to see people give their reactions to this newest and by my estimation, greatest tradition of college football in the U.S.A. My heart goes out to the children affected by their non deserving ailments, and equally to the parents that have to go through the ordeal of watching their children undergo such tragedy. It shouldn't be happening. To no one really.

[@nrsjeni2351]

My daughter spent 6 weeks with a view of the Iowa stadium from the 9th floor at Stead. ❤. Nothing but amazing care and compassion from every person that walks the campus at Iowa. ❤❤❤

[@HealthCareIsALie]

this is emotional

[@MaddyReactions]

Agreed 😢

[@nephalos666]

As a native Iowan, born and raised, Im proud of my Hawkeye Nation coming up with this new tradition.

[@nataliespiker4656]

I was hospitalized there when that children's hospital was being built. I was hospitalized for 15 days when i went in premature Labor at 30 weeks. Luckily they got it to stop and i jad her at 37 weeks. My oldest goes there for his checkups. He was born at 35 weeks and spent a month in the NICU and then at 19 months he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Hes a healthy almost 14 yr old now and my daughter recently turned 9. I cherish that hospital 🏥

[@GP80888]

“Is this Heaven? No… It’s Iowa” a quote from the movie Field of Dreams.

[@rubbersole79]

These stories really have a way of melting away the cynicism of life.

[@charlesheld3725]

This is special to me cause back in the day my grandfather was treated at the U of I Children's Hospital,even tht he was an adult, because Polio used to be known as the Children's Wasting Disease.

[@MaddyReactions]

Wow 🩷 hugs to you friend

[@neildarealdeal7129]

Thanks for reacting to this one Maddy! I do have to admit, I couldn't keep a dry eye... Darealdeal

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs 🩷🩷🩷

[@neildarealdeal7129]

@@MaddyReactions 😘

[@Majic2657]

Great video. Great Reaction. Just shows a little love goes a long way. Much Love to all❤❤❤

[@davidw5629]

Thank you!

[@williewoodall8305]

The "Wave" is a microcosmic example of the "Old Capitol"

[@survivrs]

Because of our age and physical limitations, we won't get back to Kinnick to actually wave to the kids and their families across the street, we wave to our tv every game, just hoping they know that people from far away are waving also, hopefully it will make them feel even a little better. We are so blessed to be from Iowa.

[@zachwhitlow4]

Same. I live in Texas but everytime I watch an Iowa football game, I make it a point to join in the wave from home

[@Chris-oj2jr]

Go Hawkeyes❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LulyRockerBabe65]

Hugs right back Sweetie! God Bless!!!

[@royveteto4134]

this is just 1 reason why college football exceeds the nfl

[@josephscally6270]

My wife and I recently turned 72. Two days after our 25th wedding anniversary she was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. That was a year ago and in that time we have had big highs big lows lots of chemo all sorts of visits to doctors. I too lost a Premature grandchild who died after three days. If I have a point here if that life can take the most ridiculous turns. My wife is a kind, gentle, loving person loved by just about everyone who knows her. It all seemed so unfair. You wonder if you will ever be the same. Thanks for listening to my whining.

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs to you 🩷🩷🩷

[@josephscally6270]

Thanks, I needed that.@@MaddyReactions

[@survivrs]

Joseph, God bless you, and many prayers for your beautiful wife. I would love to know if she beats that beast. Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest ones, but I would love to think that prayers will help her.

[@josephscally6270]

After 14 months since diagnosis, she is actually doing well and in good spirits.Thank you for your kind thoughts.@@survivrs

[@jasonmurray1812]

Hey pretty girl!! You should listen to Chris Stapleton and his wife sing the song "Amanda" live at the grand ole opry. You enjoyed their singing together on Tennessee Whiskey. You will LOVE this one. I am enjoying your channel. Almost ready to subscribe. That's a big deal for me.

[@jealousjelly]

Great request. Those two together are magic. Also watch Chris and Morgane sing "More of You" on PBS' Tiny Desk series. The way they sing together and the way they still look at each other after 20 years and five kids together is really touching.

[@jamesveryzer5833]

Thats great

[@headcarter4656]

Awesome

[@MaddyReactions]

Agreed

[@johnboydTx]

The circle of lifeis painfully short for some 💔😢. One's Destiny is unknown??? I Suggest a song Ripple by the Greatful Dead 🤔 Powerful Lyrics.... I suggest a moment of interpretation and reflection of the lyrics..... Great reaction ☺️ Enjoy your Adventures in Music 🎶✌️🤠❤️

[@ridl8006]

yep...our little 4 year old niece had cancer too... you cannot imagine what it's like to see all these giant football players...and coaches... coming up just to say hi....(Tiffany recovered...now she's married...#John3:16

[@umphreak9999]

The few times a Facebook brigade led to good

[@benjamin-ri2do]

Whats your favourite band top 5 or ten as i know its not a easy question respect from South Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Valleys

[@johnquick1]

Hi Maddy!! Just wanted to drop in and give ye a big hello, and an even bigger hug.. if possible. 🇮🇪 🌹🌹 🙋 🇮🇪 ~Seán Q.

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs 🩷

[@johnquick1]

@@MaddyReactions Always. 💚

[@kubulajagodzinski4355]

Hello maddy you look nice

[@MaddyReactions]

Oh thank you