March 18, 2005
Jordan Leandre makes movie debut in 'Fever Pitch,' opening
April 8
4-year-old Jimmy Fund Clinic patient sings the national anthem
Jordan Leandre sings the National Anthem on Jimmy Fund Day at Fenway Park on August 27, 2004.
Four-year-old Jordan Leandre of South Dennis, Mass., a Jimmy Fund Clinic patient and cancer survivor, has wowed sold-out crowds at legendary Fenway Park with his version of the National Anthem on three occasions. Now he'll be singing it on the big screen in the upcoming Farrelly brothers movie, 'Fever Pitch,' opening April 8 and starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore.
Movie producers Peter and Bob Farrelly were as taken as the Red Sox fans by young Jordan when he first appeared on Jimmy Fund Day* at Fenway on Aug. 27. He was asked to come back and sing before the game on Sept. 4, the day the Farrellys filmed scenes for the upcoming film. The youngster performed again before the all-important fifth game during the Sox' ALC series against the New York Yankees.
The gigs were a welcome activity for Jordan, who practiced for his Fenway appearances at his 13-year-old brother's Little League games. Having received chemotherapy and surgery for Ewing's sarcoma, Jordan was in a leg cast for 14 months; he finished his treatments in February 2004. Even when off-key — his mother, Shelley Leandre, says, "He just sings like a little boy." — his rendition of the National Anthem chokes up many fans in the ballpark and always draws a rousing ovation, so watch for him. He's sure to be a hit in the movie "Fever Pitch."
The Jimmy Fund (www.jimmyfund.org), an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, supports the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Clinic, located at Dana-Farber, is a place where children with cancer and their families find hope and among the world's premier centers for pediatric cancer treatment and research. It's a place where vintage Disney paintings adorn the walls, the waiting rooms are playrooms, and caring doctors and nurses provide expert and compassionate care for children facing cancer. Through 52 years of support of the Jimmy Fund, the Boston Red Sox - its players, its management, its ownership, and its fans - have contributed mightily to save lives, find cures, and dramatically change the quality of life for those facing cancer in New England and around the world.
