CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Cubs legend and cancer survivor Anthony Rizzo recently made an incredibly touching gesture that has sent a powerful wave of emotion through the baseball community: he wrote a personalized, handwritten letter to a young fan, reportedly named Liam (or a similar name like Parker/Henry, in line with previous actions by the foundation), who is battling the same devastating illness.
The letter, shared by the family on social media, was more than just a message; it was a powerful affirmation of hope, resilience, and strength of spirit delivered from a hero who has walked the exact same path.
The Power of Shared Experience
Anthony Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 18, just as his professional baseball career was beginning. His subsequent recovery and rise to World Series glory give his words a unique, unimpeachable weight when speaking to patients:
- The Unspoken Understanding: The ability to say “I know what you’re going through” with absolute sincerity is Rizzo’s greatest gift to the cancer community. His letter to Liam, written in his own hand, bypassed the usual celebrity script and offered an intimate, powerful connection.
- The Message of Courage: The letter reportedly focused on encouraging Liam to “Stay Strong, Dream Big,” a signature motto of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. It likely referenced the importance of keeping a positive attitude, not just for himself but for his family, who are often the ones struggling the most.
- A Blessing of Optimism: For Liam, who has undergone numerous rounds of chemotherapy, receiving a message directly from a World Series champion who beat the disease has reportedly provided a palpable surge of courage and optimism—a visual and tangible reminder that a fulfilling life awaits him after treatment.
The Mission Affirmed
This quiet act is a reaffirmation of the mission that led Rizzo and his family to establish the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012: to help pediatric cancer patients and their families by providing emotional support and financial assistance.
The Foundation’s work is built on the premise that cancer is a family battle, and by helping ease the financial burden and lifting the spirits of the patients, they can allow families to concentrate on the most important thing: getting well.
Rizzo’s continued devotion to this cause, years after his own recovery, is a legacy that transcends his immense achievements on the baseball diamond. He continues to prove that his most impactful wins happen off the field.
