Chicago Cubs star player creates two endowed funds at Children’s Hospital

Some professional athletes spend their money on luxury homes, cars, and vacations, but the Chicago Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo thought of something better.  Rizzo announced a $3.5 million commitment to create two endowed funds at a children’s hospital in Chicago.  One fund will provide grants on a case-by-case basis for families facing financial hardship due to unexpected needs resulting from a child’s treatment for cancer.  The other fund will provide ongoing support for two oncology Child Life specialists.

Over 300 newly diagnosed patients with a wide range of childhood cancers are treated every year at Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Because Rizzo’s gift is being made in the form of endowments, these resources will be available for patients and families for generations to come.  The 18th floor waiting room will now be named the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Waiting Room.

Rizzo visits the Chicago hospital every month to inspire patients battling cancer with his motto, “Stay Strong, Dream Big.”  “As a survivor of cancer myself, I know the emotional and financial strain the diagnosis of cancer can put on a family,” Rizzo said in announcing the multi-million dollar donation.  With regard to the first endowed fund, he explained, “I believe that an individual does not battle cancer alone — his or her entire family does. That’s why we’ve designated this money to go directly to help families on the front lines.”  The second endowed fund, for Child Life specialists, is part of an innovative program aimed at reducing anxiety and normalizing the hospital experience for both patients and families.

 

Go Cubs and Go Rizzo!

 

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Marty

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