CHICAGO -- The coincidence isn’t lost on Chicago Cubs All-Star Anthony Rizzo that Friday is both the day Major League Baseball is bringing pediatric cancer awareness to the ballpark and the eight-year anniversary of the first baseman being told he was cancer free.
“I’m really grateful today where I’m at,” Rizzo said before the Cubs played the San Francisco Giants. “Today more than other days.”
8 years ago TODAY I was told I was in remission. I remember crying and hugging my family thinking how lucky we were.
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) September 2, 2016
Ever since overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma, Rizzo has been an advocate for awareness, estimating his foundation will pass the $2 million mark in fundraising by the end of this season. He’s a fixture at Chicago-area hospitals, visiting with kids afflicted with what he once had -- and worse.
“I remember the uplift I got when I got to meet Jon Lester,” Rizzo said. “So far in the past, but when I think about it, it was like yesterday.”
Rizzo and the rest of baseball will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as they try to raise funds for research. The Cubs star wants other kids to experience what he did eight years ago Friday.
“I remember [it like] yesterday, getting the news,” he said. “I can see it. I remember it all.”
