April 11, 2006
Jimmy Fund has strong presence at Fenway Park
On Boston Red Sox opening day at Fenway Park, April 11, the Jimmy Fund was on everyone's mind together with fans' hopes for winning another pennant and world championship.
In addition to Boston Red Sox fans throughout New England wearing their Sox gear to benefit the Jimmy Fund, the Boston Red Sox-Jimmy Fund commemorative logo on Fenway's famed "Green Monster" was updated to say "53 Years Together" and featured prominently together with the Red Sox Foundation logo. An added bonus to really show fans how their support is needed came when Jimmy Fund Clinic patient Jordan Leandre sang the National Anthem to get the game under way.
Leandre, who is being treated for Ewing's sarcoma and is about to turn six years old, is an old hand at singing at Fenway Park. He first appeared on Jimmy Fund Day, the day of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon in August 2004. He was then tapped to sing at another game so he could be filmed for the "Fever Pitch" movie. His finest hour came when he sang before the fifth game of the American League Championship Series in 2004, when the Red Sox came from behind to beat the Yankees and keep their World Series dream alive. Reports are that Red Sox DH David Ortiz has befriended the family, calling to check on the youngster from time to time.
The actual 53rd anniversary of the partnership between the Boston Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund of the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was on April 10, one day before the home opener of the 2006 season.
It was 53 years ago on that date that then Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey agreed to take over the Jimmy Fund as the Red Sox' official charity following the Boston departure of the Boston Braves. The Braves, owned by Lou Perini, had been instrumental in the founding of the Jimmy Fund in 1948 and had strongly supported the charity until moving to Milwaukee after losing in the popularity contest with the Red Sox.
Since taking over support of the Jimmy Fund in 1953, the Boston Red Sox can proudly say they have done more for a charity than any team in any sport anywhere in the world. Through its 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. Go Sox!
