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If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you likely have seen a barrage of links, posts and emails about my newest obsession: The "Slugging For Jude" Fantasy Baseball Leagues. I also know how large, generous and important the Fantasy Industry is to myself and so many others. So I am reaching out to all of you and requesting some help and support.
You see, this is more than Fantasy Baseball. This about one of my nearest and dearest friends who has a young son Jude. Jude was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was only 18-months old. He went through all of the treatment bravely, while avoiding so many things children blessed with normal health could enjoy. He was a warrior -- and the Leukemia vanished!
Unfortunately, at one of his last visits in December 2014, they discovered the cancer had returned. He is now looking at a month of hospitalization in February, and terrible treatments and pain, and an even longer journey ahead in his second battle with cancer.
To follow Jude's story with more information please check out his Caring Bridge.
So What Can You Do to Help?
- Aidan, Barbara, Jude and Finn.
I started thinking what if I were to create Fantasy Baseball Leagues and had the fees and league winnings be replaced by donations?
With this thought, "Slugging For Jude"was born. I know I am not alone in loving Fantasy Sports, but also looking for ways to play AND do some greater good. Cancer is expensive, as well as difficult for everyone involved, and if there is any way I can help alleviate some of that stress from the Anderson family -- we are going to do it.
How "Slugging For Jude" Works!
If you want to join a "Slugging For Jude" Fantasy Baseball league this year, you can let me know by signing up below in the contact form, or going here and signing up. Although, it is not required a league entry fee is strongly recommended. The league entry fee is unique, however, and will go directly to Jude's gofundme.com site, where 100-percent of the donations will go to Jude and his family. Donate what you can and as often as you want!
You also don't need to play in a league at all. You can make a donation in the Fantasy Industry name and not participate in the leagues.
Prizes are being donated for the leagues and the winners. That is another way to assist -- especially if you don't want to join a league. Perhaps you run a website that has SWAG (strategy guides, subscription services, cheatsheets, etc.), you can donate them and they will be used for prizes in this season's leagues. I assure you, if you do this, you will be promoted and recognized, including on SoCalledFantasyExperts.com, where we plan to give shout-outs. I have a list of other prize ideas on the site linked above, if you are interested. The more prizes the better.
It truly is a win/win. You can donate to a greater cause AND play in a full season-long Fantasy Baseball league against other great people while doing it.
I know Jude will defeat this cancer again, and if this is successful, we can continue to run leagues like this for another charity or individual! Let's do some good and play our favorite Fantasy Sport.
Please, if you have any questions or concerns let me know. Thanks for reading, and let's get ready for some Baseball!
Interest in Joining or Getting More Info?
Once sites open enrollment, league invites will be sent, and you can choose the type of league you would like to join.
Feel free to email me with any questions or interest in the Homers for Hope Leagues!