Singer Ciara has shared a powerful story about how her husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, helped persuade a teenager with leukemia to continue treatment when he was close to giving up. The teen, identified as 19-year-old Milton Wright, was told he had just 12 hours to live after a severe adverse reaction to stem cell therapy.
Russell Wilson Saves a Life
During a recent interview, Ciara described how Wright was reluctant to carry on with the therapy. She said, “This kid did not want to try it. He had twelve hours left to live.” Wilson visited the teen in the hospital and recounted the ordeal his own father faced. His father, Harrison Wilson, had been given just 24 hours to live yet survived almost two more years.
Russell told Milton about how his father lost his ability to walk and see, but still “kept on fighting.” “I told Milton to keep fighting like my dad did,” Wilson later wrote. After that conversation, Wright changed his mind and agreed to continue the treatment. Wright later entered remission and now encourages other young patients to pursue similar therapy.
Ciara and Wilson are co-founders of the Why Not You Foundation, which aims to inspire youth to overcome adversity. Reflecting on the impact of the story, Ciara said, “You talk about being able to be a part of saving someone’s life essentially, right? It’s such a gift.” She added, “We’re just really big on encouraging people to have a ‘Why Not You’ attitude because we still have to tap into that ourselves.”
The tale of Milton Wright underscores the power of emotional support and personal story in medical crises. Wilson’s choice to share his father’s struggle gave Wright the courage to fight. Now in remission, Milton serves as an example to other patients and families.