Red Sox, Jimmy Fund Bowl Strikes Cancer at Annual Fundraiser

Although Spring Training is still over a month away, members of the Boston Red Sox reported next door to Back Bay in the neighborhood of Fenway Park Saturday morning for a special type of duty: to help fight cancer.

For the sixth year in a row, the Boston Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund teamed up for their New Stars for Young stars Fundraiser at Jillian's on Ipswich Street.  The event features new members of the Sox teaming up with children and families undergoing cancer treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in a day filled with billiards, bowling and most importantly, fun.

"I'm looking forward to being up here in Boston and everything that comes along with it," said newly-acquired relief pitcher and Rhode Island native Dan Wheeler.  "This event is a great first step for me and enjoying what the Jimmy Fund has done. Meeting this kids is touching. Words can't describe how incredible they are."

Children had the chance to brush elbows with, and in some cases beat their favorite Sox players at the pool table and on the bowling alley.  Autograph sessions, auctions, raffles, music and food were just some of the activities enjoyed by all.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Dan Wheeler, Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald, Robert Coello, Jason Rice, Will Middlebrooks, Jeremy Hazelbaker, Ryan Larnway and Tim Federowicz were all in attendance for the Sox, and although they are new to Boston, they already understand the important relationship between the franchise and the Jimmy Fund.

"It's a great honor because I love kids and to be a part of this foundation is great," said Red Sox Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. "They have been through so much and to come out here and put a smile on their faces and have some fun and getting out of the hospital is a great thing," 

Despite the age difference between the players and children, there's no doubting the impact the kids have on the athletes, including Michael Shaw, an 8-year-old boy from Brockton who battled leukemia and is currently four years in remission and enjoying a life filled with video games, exercising, having fun and thinking about his future.

Shaw was just one of the many brave children with an incredible story at the fundraiser. 

"It feels awesome to be in remission," said Shaw.  "I had to fight hard and fought good and my biggest problem with it was staying in the hospital for three months. I want to be the one to find a cure."

Click here for more information on The Jimmy Fund.