A little kindness always goes a long way. The New York Yankees first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, and his work for benefiting cancer research and families fighting the disease is an adequate example of the phrase. A year after making his MLB debut for the Padres in 2011, the entire Rizzo family founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Ever since the opening of this nonprofit organization, the whole family has worked tirelessly to help people fighting the disease become better.
In this long battle with the malignant disease, there are wins, but sometimes there are huge losses as well. The story of a young warrior, Molly, who fought as hard as she could, is another massive loss for society. The Yankees slugger recently shared a snippet of her story with the world. After this, the post garnered quite a few humble reactions from people, where they shared their stories and thanked Rizzo for his generous effort.
Anthony Rizzo became a part of the fighter Molly’s life
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Molly was a young girl who fought like a warrior against her cancer for almost two years before her cancer won. But throughout her journey, she remained a bubbly, courageous, and amazing elder sister. She also became the first to sign the Yankees slugger’s jersey number 48. In his tribute to Molly, Rizzo said that whenever he has a look at this jersey, he’ll remember her and keep fighting against this disease until a cure is found.
Following are some of the reactions of baseball fans toward Rizzo’s tribute to Molly as they shared some stories of their own.
The first signature on my 48 jersey came from Molly. A warrior who fought as hard as she could for nearly 2 years. She was feisty & fun & an amazing big sister. I will always look at this jersey and think of you & will continue fighting until we have a cure. #NoGiveUpInUs. pic.twitter.com/v1hOgWErby
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 9, 2023
Keep up the good work Riz. I lost my 13 year old daughter to cancer and I keep her legacy going with the charity her and I started.
— Jd Marshall (@amissionofluv) February 9, 2023
Love you Riz. Fighting Leukemia now. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Gradall (@Gradall09) February 9, 2023
@ARizzo44 the constant pro on and off field! A great model for the next generation of players to follow.
— Jacob Turner (@TheSuddenWealth) February 9, 2023
Thank you for what you do, Anthony! And to Molly's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words worthy of this moment. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
— Joe Dacy 🎗️ (@joedacy2112) February 9, 2023
You’re my favorite ball player now, Anthony. You made Molly feel as special as she was and I’m sure her family will never forget your kindness.
— Drugs (@doogerasgurd) February 10, 2023
Thank you Anthony for all that you do. May Molly Rest In Peace ❤️🙏
— Mary joh Giasone (@giasone_joh) February 9, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss Anthony. You were a shining star in her eyes. You made her life better because of who you are and how you made her feel. Very special. 💙💙🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙
— Ronald Anthony Pelko (@gfd439) February 9, 2023
Thank You for being a great human Anthony!! This brought tears to my eyes. You will forever be a hero beyond the baseball field. My prayers and condolences go to Molly’s family. 🙏🏻
— Johnny Torrio (@ChevyzOnly5) February 9, 2023
Thank you Anthony! Your words are encouraging to her family and our community ❤️
— Terry Leeders (@tleeders) February 10, 2023
Absolutely a class act @ARizzo44 . Thank you for being a positive, uplifting example for fans of all ages.
— JD (@YankeeSpartan) February 9, 2023
Sharing Molly’s story on his Twitter handle, the Yankees slugger encouraged people to talk about their struggle and motivated them to stay strong enough to continue the fight until cancer loses.
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Rizzo got inspired by his own story
As the baseball player started his career in the big league at the mere age of 17, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was the second person in his family to fight this disease.
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As the first baseman went through his harrowing battle with the disease, he learned that the fight isn’t an individual’s difficulty but one the whole family goes through. This inspired him to become a role model in helping cancer patients and their families. Later, in 2012, the entire Rizzo family became a part of the nonprofit to support pediatric cancer patients and their supporters.
We urge you all to stay strong and keep fighting until a cure is found.