Cubs' John Jay Visits Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

This past week, Jon Jay, center fielder for the Chicago Cubs, and his wife, Nikki, visited Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s Pediatric Development Center (PDC). The PDC provides unconditional support to children with special needs and helps them to cope with any challenges that they face, many of these children being on the autism spectrum. Jon and Nikki came to spend time with the some of these children at the facility.

Jay and his wife kicked off the visit by joining a therapy session with a nonverbal young boy, who was learning
how to follow routine and instructions. These therapy sessions are an integral step for young children who place on the autism spectrum to learn communication before they begin kindergarten.

Next, Jay sat and talked with a 13-year-old at the center. They discussed the importance of school and good grades. Jay explained to the boy just how important good grades were to succeed in whatever
your goals may be. He even let him try on the World Series Championship ring!

A few of the children got to learn from the best about how to play ball. Jay and the kids hit from a tee and
ran bases together. Later, they played other games and even enjoyed story time. The fun didn’t end just yet. A quick photo shoot with Jay, his wife, the kids and their families had everyone smiling. One child even yelled “number one!” during a picture to show just how much he idolized Jay and the Cubs. Jay also signed Cubs hats for the children to take home.

Karen Fried, Director of Developmental Pediatric Services, was overwhelmed with joy after seeing how
much all the children appreciated Jay visiting with them. She explained what a success she thought the visit was, thanking Jon and Nikki for being able to put a smile on their faces.

This was quite an experience for all the lucky kids involved. One surely that Jay, his wife, and all of the
children and their families will never forget.

Jay has had quite a successful baseball career. He first started playing in the MLB for the St. Louis
Cardinals, and winning the 2011 World Series title with them. Next, he showed off his talent with the San Diego Padres. In 2016, he signed with the Cubs and joined the reigning World Series champions. Jay has been a highly idolized addition to team.

We know what Jay can do on the field, but we probably don’t know much about how he spends his time off the field. Jay enjoys doing charity work, especially for children. He has hosted two charity bowling events to raise money and awareness for different charitable causes. The most recent bowling event benefitted Great Circle, a behavioral health organizations that provides counseling, crisis programs, support, and care to children and families with autism and other special needs.