Major League Baseball star and Parkland native Anthony Rizzo once again stepped up to the plate for families affected by pediatric cancer, hosting the 13th Annual Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Walk-Off for Cancer at Pine Trails Park on November 24.
The event brought together more than 1,000 on-site and virtual participants. It raised nearly $1 million to support children, families, and cancer research at facilities such as Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood.
The day featured a 5K walk/run, live entertainment, food and drinks, photo opportunities with Rizzo, and a kid’s zone sponsored by i9 Sports.
Proceeds will go toward the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation’s mission of easing the burdens faced by families battling cancer, particularly in pediatric cases.
One of the most poignant moments of the day came when Rizzo and his foundation surprised a Coral Springs family—David Parker, Brit McCluskey, and their son Jackson—with life-changing news. Jackson, who is battling leukemia and undergoing treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, is part of a family struggling financially due to the demands of cancer treatment.
The foundation announced it would pay their mortgage for the next year, offering the family much-needed relief during a challenging time.
Brit McCluskey spoke movingly about her family’s journey and the foundation’s impact.
“In May of 2023, our world was turned upside down when we received the devastating news that our son Jackson had been diagnosed with leukemia. The initial shock, fear, and uncertainty were overwhelming, but from the very first moment of our struggle, there was one thing we could count on the unwavering support of Anthony and the entire Rizzo family.”
She shared how Rizzo reached out immediately, sending encouragement and a video message from himself and fellow baseball star Aaron Judge to lift Jackson’s spirits.
“That message was more than just a kind gesture; it was a reminder that Jackson was not alone in this fight,” McCluskey said. “Anthony and his foundation didn’t just see us as a family in need—they saw us as family.”
Brit said the foundation’s support extended far beyond words, helping with medical expenses, providing meals, and ensuring the family could focus on Jackson’s health.
Rizzo, a cancer survivor himself, founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to support cancer research and provide financial assistance to families facing the disease. Since 2019, Rizzo and his foundation have contributed nearly $2 million to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital alone.
“Because of them, we didn’t have to face this journey alone,” Brit said. “We had a team, a family behind us. They gave us the peace of mind to focus on what truly mattered—being there for Jackson.”
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