Rizzo Makes Donation

The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Chicago Cubs first baseman and cancer survivor Anthony Rizzo, has pledged $1 million to assist families battling pediatric cancer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

The donation will establish two endowments that will provide ‘forever funds’ to aid patients and families fighting pediatric cancer at the children’s hospital.

The “Hope 44 Endowed Fund” will provide grants on a case-by-case basis for families facing financial hardship during a child's cancer treatment.

The “Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Child Life Endowed Fund” allocates the resources for a full-time oncology child life specialist, a professional who helps reduce anxiety and normalize the hospital experience for both patients and families. One of the founding principles of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is the individual does not battle cancer alone, but the whole family battles it together.

“When my family and I started the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation eight years ago, it was our dream to help as many families as we could battling pediatric cancer. Today, that dream has become a reality,” said Rizzo. “I am excited our foundation will continue to support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital by giving a million-dollar endowment to assist more South Florida families. With this forever fund, we will be able to help patients to stay strong and dream big.”
 
Rizzo, a longtime Broward County resident, will present a ceremonial check for $1 million to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation officials at the 8th Annual Walk-Off for Cancer event Sunday, November 24, at Pine Trails Park in Parkland. The event is one of the many Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation fundraisers that generate money for cancer research and support children and families fighting the disease.

Rizzo was diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008, just as he was beginning his professional baseball career.  

“Anthony knows firsthand what our pediatric cancer patients are going though and is an example of someone who not only beat the disease, but who hasn’t forgotten how difficult being sick is for kids and families,” said Kevin Janser, senior vice president and chief development officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “His foundation is improving lives and we’re thankful to partner
with them to deliver positive impact in South Florida.”