The David DeJesus Family Foundation was created by Chicago Cubs outfielder David DeJesus and his wife Kim DeJesus in order to help families in crisis in Chicago and in parts of the world where people lack basic human needs. We are committed to help alleviate suffering for those that face devastation due to illness, poverty or disaster as well as those who seek a voice to be heard. In particular, we have been actively involved in the fight against ALS, the dreadful Lou Gehrig's disease, as we have seen firsthand the devastation it causes. We ask you to join our team and help us spread the message of comfort in the face of crisis. Let’s work together to bring hope and aid to the sick, impoverished and distressed.
The David DeJesus Family Foundation provides comfort and aid to families in crisis who suffer from illness, poverty or disaster and lack access to basic human needs.
David grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey and started playing baseball at the age of four. Like many kids, his childhood dream was to play in the big leagues. He was thrilled when he was drafted right out of high school by the New York Mets. However, at 18 years old, David felt he would be better prepared playing college ball first. He declined the offer to play for Rutgers University. David's team won The Big East conference two out of the three years he played and was subsequently drafted in 2000 after his junior year by the Kansas City Royals. His childhood dream came true when he was called up to the big leagues in September 2003. During his rookie year in 2004, he was player of the year for the Royals. He enjoyed many years with the Royals until 2010 when he was traded to the Oakland A's where he played the season 2011. David signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs for 2012-13. While he is thankful for every team he has played for, he especially loves being a Cub. Having set roots down in the Chicagoland area with his wife Kim DeJesus, there's nothing like playing for his hometown team. When not on the field, David enjoys working out, being a dad, spending time with his family and going to church.
The DDFF has been active in the fight against ALS. David and Kim first learned about ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, when their friend Brian was diagnosed in 2010. After researching his condition, they were stunned by the severity and cruelty of ALS on patients and their families. They couldn't help but get involved with the fight...not only for Brian's sake, but for every person and family fighting this battle. While baseball legend Lou Gehrig died of ALS in 1941, there is still no cure or effective treatment to date. David and Kim believe there is a cure and through the DDFF, they will focus on raising awareness and funds for research and treatment while also educating the public that this disease can affect anyone at anytime.
Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed and every 90 minutes someone dies from ALS. Once diagnosed, a patient is given 3-5 years to live while their body quickly deteriorates. They lose their ability to move, speak and eventually become paralyzed until they can only move their eyes. Eventually the disease finally takes away the ability to breathe. The most difficult part about this disease is that it does not affect your brain. Therefore, ALS patients are essentially trapped in a body that does not work, yet are fully aware of everything that is happening to them. While this degeneration occurs, family members must witness the struggle every day of their loved ones.
We feel no family should have to endure this disease so we are actively engaged in the fight against ALS with events that shed light on this disease and raise dollars to help fund treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
Our Mission
The David DeJesus Family Foundation provides comfort and aid to families in crisis who suffer from illness, poverty or disaster and lack access to basic human needs.
David DeJesus
David grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey and started playing baseball at the age of four. Like many kids, his childhood dream was to play in the big leagues. He was thrilled when he was drafted right out of high school by the New York Mets. However, at 18 years old, David felt he would be better prepared playing college ball first. He declined the offer to play for Rutgers University. David's team won The Big East conference two out of the three years he played and was subsequently drafted in 2000 after his junior year by the Kansas City Royals. His childhood dream came true when he was called up to the big leagues in September 2003. During his rookie year in 2004, he was player of the year for the Royals. He enjoyed many years with the Royals until 2010 when he was traded to the Oakland A's where he played the season 2011. David signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs for 2012-13. While he is thankful for every team he has played for, he especially loves being a Cub. Having set roots down in the Chicagoland area with his wife Kim DeJesus, there's nothing like playing for his hometown team. When not on the field, David enjoys working out, being a dad, spending time with his family and going to church.
Why ALS?
The DDFF has been active in the fight against ALS. David and Kim first learned about ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, when their friend Brian was diagnosed in 2010. After researching his condition, they were stunned by the severity and cruelty of ALS on patients and their families. They couldn't help but get involved with the fight...not only for Brian's sake, but for every person and family fighting this battle. While baseball legend Lou Gehrig died of ALS in 1941, there is still no cure or effective treatment to date. David and Kim believe there is a cure and through the DDFF, they will focus on raising awareness and funds for research and treatment while also educating the public that this disease can affect anyone at anytime.
Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed and every 90 minutes someone dies from ALS. Once diagnosed, a patient is given 3-5 years to live while their body quickly deteriorates. They lose their ability to move, speak and eventually become paralyzed until they can only move their eyes. Eventually the disease finally takes away the ability to breathe. The most difficult part about this disease is that it does not affect your brain. Therefore, ALS patients are essentially trapped in a body that does not work, yet are fully aware of everything that is happening to them. While this degeneration occurs, family members must witness the struggle every day of their loved ones.
We feel no family should have to endure this disease so we are actively engaged in the fight against ALS with events that shed light on this disease and raise dollars to help fund treatment and, ultimately, a cure.
The David DeJesus Family Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.