July 19, 2002
Jimmy Fund Web Site Features Ted Williams
Tribute
BOSTON — The Jimmy Fund, Ted Williams' and New England's favorite charity, has developed a special online tribute to the "Splendid Splinter," the best hitter in baseball, an American war hero, and a champion of children with cancer.
The Web page, http://www.jimmyfund.org/ted, includes streaming video of movie trailers that feature Williams encouraging moviegoers to support the Jimmy Fund. A photo gallery documents Williams' more than 50-year relationship with the Jimmy Fund of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, including the gala "Welcome Home" dinner when he returned from the Korean War and his celebrated 1999 meeting with Einar "Jimmy" Gustafson, the Jimmy Fund's namesake. Fans also can share their memories of Williams as well as give online to the Jimmy Fund in his honor.
Famous for his extraordinary batting record during his career with the Red Sox, Williams is remembered for his tireless efforts for the Jimmy Fund. Williams went everywhere to support the cause: American Legion banquets, temples and churches, Little League games, drive-in theaters, department stores. And he made countless visits to sick children at the Jimmy Fund Clinic.
As a young boy, Williams dreamed of being a sports hero, but as an adult, he dreamed of beating cancer. His efforts over the years supported remarkable progress in the treatment of childhood cancers. When Williams first started working with the Jimmy Fund, almost every child with cancer died. Today, three out of four survive.
"Ted was uncomfortable when praised for all he did for the Jimmy Fund," says Edward J. Benz Jr., M.D., Dana-Farber president. "But, his commitment to the Jimmy Fund and to the children facing cancer should go in the record books as among the most any professional athlete has done to advance a cause."
Go to http://www.jimmyfund.org/ted to learn about Williams' involvement in the fight against cancer, to see rare photos and videos of "The Kid," and to support the Jimmy Fund.
