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Some professional athletes spend their money on luxury homes, cars, and vacations, but the Chicago Cubs\u2019 Anthony Rizzo thought of something better.\u00a0 <\/span>Rizzo announced a $3.5 million commitment to create two endowed funds at a children\u2019s hospital in Chicago.\u00a0 <\/span>One fund will provide grants on a case-by-case basis for families facing financial hardship due to unexpected needs resulting from a child\u2019s treatment for cancer.\u00a0 <\/span>The other fund will provide ongoing support for two oncology Child Life specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s gift is being made in the form of endowments, these resources will be available for patients and families for generations to come.\u00a0 The 18th floor waiting room will now be named the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Waiting Room.<\/p>\n Rizzo visits the Chicago hospital every month to inspire patients battling cancer with his motto, \u201cStay Strong, Dream Big.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cAs a survivor of cancer myself, I know the emotional and financial strain the diagnosis of cancer can put on a family,\u201d Rizzo said in announcing the multi-million dollar donation.\u00a0 With regard to the first endowed fund, he explained, \u201cI believe that an individual does not battle cancer alone — his or her entire family does. That’s why we\u2019ve designated this money to go directly to help families on the front lines.\u201d\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n