We're learning more about the Red Land Little League Baseball Team's character. They may be stars on the diamond, but they're also making sure kids with cancer receive the support they need in Central Pennsylvania. They're teaming up with fans for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Northeastern's Marcus Josey has a bright future. He's received letters from Harvard and Yale to play football. But the athlete's success on the football field is on hold. Josey says, "It's upsetting when you hear the news you have leukemia."
Josey's on his first chemotherapy treatment at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. To help uplift him, the Mid-Atlantic Little League Champions from Red Land have a plan.
"This one hits home because it's kids raising money for kids with cancer," says "Pledge It" marketing director, John Paul Bennett. "Pledge It" is an online campaign that empowers teams to raise money for a cause. Red Land Little League team chose The Four Diamonds Fund
"It feels incredible especially since a lot of the high school and youth teams will raise money for themselves, but the most special campaigns are when kids want to raise money for different charities," says Bennett.
Greg Baiocchi is a social worker with The Four Diamond Fund. He says, "For them to realize how important it is to reach out to others in need and let them know this money they raise will stay right here at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital."
Josey says, "Just for them to think of us here at Hershey and Four diamonds it's amazing."
Josey has at least three more years of treatment here, but he's inspired by Red Land's team and hopes to offer some of his own advice, from one star athlete to another.
"Connect with the people you're around because you're never going to be in a setting like this again, where you have people from around the world playing baseball with you," says Josey.