Bears News: Rizzo sends touching letter to 13-year old cancer patient

Mark J. Rebilas - USA Today Sports

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Tuesday, June 05 2018

Anthony Rizzo is one of the good guys in major league baseball with his Anthony Rizzo Foundation that makes a huge impact in people's lives and raises money for families with pedriatic cancer.

Rizzo actually understands what cancer patients with Lymphoma are dealing with as he battled his own personal fight back when he was 18 years old.

The Cubs first baseman recently sent a personalized letter and a signed autograph to 13-year old baseball player Gabe Johnson who is dealing with an aggressive form of type 2 non-Hodgkin lymphoma since May.

"You may not know this but your coach, DJ Duve, recently reached out to me to tell me about your battle with Lymphoma.," Rizzo said. He also told me you have fought this battle with tremendous courage. I know you'll be back on the field someday and maybe take my spot on the Chicago Cubs!"

"Well I'm not sure if you know my story, but when I was 18, and in my first year of professional baseball, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This was the scariest time of my life. I too had to face this tough time in my life with courage. All I can say is that every day I stayed as positive as possible so that everyone around me, especially my family, did not worry about how I was feeling. I believe that by staying positive, I actually felt better and ultimately won my battle against cancer. I know that you too can do the same."

"I am sending you an autographed photo with this letter and hope that it will lift your spirits and remind you to stay positive and strong for those around you. I know that keeping up that attitude will help you win your battle!"

Great job by Rizzo as he is making such a wonderful impact off-the-field boosting morale to young cancer patients everywhere.