Golf Reporter Battling Cancer Surprised by Rory McIlroy With a Unique Gesture; Fans Say: ‘So Touching’

Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares, even from a distance, can make all the difference. For Steve DiMeglio, a golf journalist, who’s been battling stage 4 cancer for nearly two years, such a kind and heartfelt gesture came from none other than Rory McIlroy. A gesture just to remind DiMeglio that he’s not alone in these difficult times.

In a heartfelt show of gratitude, Steve DiMeglio took to his X handle to express his appreciation for McIlroy, and his manager, as he wrote, “A bad day healthwise got a major boost with a care package from @McIlroyRory. He and his agent/friend Sean are two of the best. Serious spirit booster.” The veteran journalist received a signed T-shirt, a hat, and a Genesis Scottish Open poster from the Northern Irishman.

The last few days have been a whirlwind for Steve. He has been sharing regular updates about his health with the community on social media. On October 11, he wrote that his taste buds returning, but his stomach was rumbling in a bad way. It did get better as he took some medicine.

A bad day healthwise got a major boost with a care package from ⁦@McIlroyRory⁩. He and his agent/friend Sean are two of the best. Serious spirit booster. Onward … pic.twitter.com/1JcvPfu7TN

— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) October 18, 2024

DiMeglio has been the dearest to the entire golf community, and to show him that he matters, a few PGA Tour pros decided to give him a tribute via video a couple of years ago. Representing the golfing world, McIlroy said, “We all know what you’re going through right now, and on behalf of everyone we just want to say we’re all with you. We’re pulling for you. We’re fighting alongside you. We all wish you the best on this journey, but we just want you to remember that we’re all thinking of you.”

In that video, McIlroy said, “We all know what you’re going through right now and on behalf of everyone we just want to say we’re all with you. We’re pulling for you. We’re fighting alongside you. We all wish you the best on this journey, but we just want you to remember that we’re all thinking of you.”

It’s no secret that McIlroy is one of the most celebrated names in the golfing world, but it’s gestures like these that truly reveal the depth of his character. It wasn’t just DiMeglio who was touched by McIlroy’s gesture, as fans felt it too, with whom he shared the news.

Fans appreciate Rory McIlroy for his kind gesture
Fans were impressed with what McIlroy did for the veteran journalist. They filled the comment section with positive words like, “That is so touching,” “That was really thoughtful!,” and “Very generous.” Rory McIlroy has been actively involved in making life for cancer patients easier. He opened a new support center for children with cancer in the North in 2014 with hopes of expanding it. This initiative allows families to spend quality time together in a safe and supportive environment, away from hospital wards and treatment regimes.

While McIlroy’s thoughtful acts are indeed significant, they are far from rare, and fans know it well. One user, wishing DiMeglio a swift recovery, wrote, “Steve, hope those bad days become few and far between. Many of us are out here rooting for you. Not surprised at all that Rory and his team would do classy things. Be well!” A year ago, Rory McIlroy met a Seven-year-old Michael Horgan who was suffering from a brain tumor and his ultimate wish was to receive McIlroy. Once he and Make-A-Wish Ireland heard about it, they wanted to give him an unforgettable experience. It all came true at the Horizon Irish Open, but more magically when the 4x major winner surprised the young boy.

Another fan echoed the appreciation, stating, “Great stuff! Amazing thought and care from them shows your one of the good ones! Best wishes and positive vibe go your way fellow cancer warrior. I have followed McIlroy for years now and always sensed he was a great person as well as a spectacular golf talent.” When it comes to talent, McIlroy sure has plenty as his 26 Tour wins, and 4 major wins state but he has a good heart too.

He associated himself with the cause because he wanted to give back. “For me, you look at these families that have been so unfortunate to have to deal with cancer. I visited the Cancer Fund for Children, and I decided I wanted to help fund a new facility for them because I saw the work that the staff does, I saw how appreciative the families were that they had a place to go. To be able to help in some small way to provide something for these families, it incredibly fulfilling,” said McIlroy as to what pushed him to do better for the cause.