The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) are partnering to raise funds for children battling illness by supporting 27 runners representing CHAM in the TCS New York City Marathon.
Every year Montefiore gathers a team, which they coin CHAMpions, to run the 26.2-mile route and raise critical funds that support children undergoing treatments at the hospital.
This year, The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is partnering with CHAM to bolster the runners’ fundraising efforts. The goal is to increase donations that are dedicated to helping children with their medical care, such as advanced pain management therapies. The funding will also go to addressing social needs families may face, like assistance with academic support while children are hospitalized and transportation costs for families going to and from appointments.
At the age of 17, Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy treatments. He credits his medical team and family with helping him to overcome the condition. In 2012 he launched The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to raise money for cancer research and provide support to children and their families fighting the disease.
“Battling a life-threatening illness gave me the resilience and tenacity to go after my dreams,” the three-time MLB All-Star said. “It is my honor and privilege to support other young warriors and families in their time of need.”
Captaining the CHAM runners this year will be Sarah Rizzo, Anthony’s sister-in-law. She and the team are aiming to raise as much money as possible for the young patients who receive care at CHAM.
Dr. Michael D. Cabana, the physician-in-chief at CHAM, spoke highly of Rizzo’s charity initiative.
“Anthony Rizzo’s story is a great inspiration for our children at CHAM,” Cabana said. “We are so fortunate to have such a generous and gracious champion, both on and off the baseball field, just a few subway stops from the hospital.”
Rizzo and CHAM are making strong efforts to raise money for children in need their determination will be beneficial for the children that need proper treatment and care for their illnesses.
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