Saltalamacchia and Bard named Jimmy Fund Co-Captains

May 02, 2012

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced today that Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and pitcher Daniel Bard are this year's Jimmy Fund Co-Captains. As ambassadors for the Jimmy Fund for the 2012 season, the two players will help support and promote the mission of Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund to strike out cancer.

Saltalamacchia and Bard will visit Dana-Farber's adult and pediatric clinics, support some of the Jimmy Fund's signature fundraising events, thank donors, and raise awareness and support for adult and pediatric cancer care and research throughout Red Sox Nation.

"Just as Jarrod and Daniel will be instrumental in the Red Sox's success this season, they are key players who support Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund's lifesaving mission," said Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, Dana-Farber's president and CEO.

The Boston Red Sox are unequalled champions in the fight against cancer. The Red Sox adopted the Jimmy Fund as their official charity in 1953, and since then, the two organizations have established a deep bond — unlike any other between a professional sports team and a charity. The Red Sox have teamed up with the Jimmy Fund to save lives, find cures, and dramatically change the quality of life for adults and children facing cancer in New England and around the world.

Saltalamacchia has participated in New Stars for Young Stars presented by the Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston the past two years and has visited with pediatric and adult patients at Dana-Farber.

"Dating back to the 1950s, the Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund have been united in the fight against cancer," said Saltalamacchia. "Being a Jimmy Fund Co-Captain promises to be an amazing experience. Daniel and I will have the opportunity to visit with Dana-Farber patients and, along with Red Sox fans, raise cancer awareness."

Bard, who is also this year's spokesplayer for the Jimmy Fund's Rally for the Jimmy Fund fundraising program, is thrilled with his newest role.

"I am honored to be a Jimmy Fund Co-Captain," he said. "Growing up, I had family in the Boston area so I knew about the Jimmy Fund at a very young age. Since I started playing for the Red Sox, I have met many people who have been treated at Dana-Farber and are now cancer survivors. I am grateful to be part of the Jimmy Fund and to be able to give back to the community."