New York Yankees First Baseman Anthony Rizzo Teams Up with CHAMpions for CHAM Runners to Support Patients and Their Families

This year’s CHAMpions for CHAM New York City marathon team is getting a big boost from a Yankees All-Star who knows how much kids need when they’re diagnosed with a serious illness. First baseman Anthony Rizzo, through his Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, is helping to raise critical funds to support children undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM).

“Battling a life-threatening illness gave me the resilience and tenacity to go after my dreams,” said Rizzo, a three-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion. “It is my honor and privilege to support other young warriors and families in their time of need.”

Rizzo learned during his own battle with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 17 that when a child is seriously ill, the child’s entire family needs support. Offering that support and helping to ease the financial burden that families face when their child is diagnosed with cancer was his inspiration for creating the foundation in 2012.

“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,” said Michael D. Cabana, MD, MPH, Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Professor, Pediatrics, and the Michael I. Cohen, MD, University Chair, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

The 27-member CHAMpions team, captained this year by Rizzo’s sister-in-law, Sarah Rizzo, hopes to bolster the fundraising efforts of those running the TCS New York City Marathon in November. The funds will help offset the costs of pain-management therapies and academic support for children and transportation for families who must travel back and forth to hospital appointments.

To learn more about CHAMpions for CHAM or to make a donation to support the runners, visit the team website.