It is described as a "Mission of Hope." Jon Goode, vice president of communications for the Lowell Spinners, and his wife, Lauren, launched the C2 Mission Foundation in March 2005. The organization was created to benefit children and families affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis. The Goodes' niece, Alison Thomas, suffers from cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The condition puts sufferers at high risk of bacterial chest infections and pneumonia, which can prove extremely difficult to treat. Jon Goode overcame cerebral palsy, which occurs at birth and causes physical disabilities, and it is difficult to tell he has the condition. "This is something I've wanted to do since I was in high school. I felt like now that I was in a position where, with my job and the contacts and resources that I have, we could use them to our advantage," Goode said. "I just feel very lucky that I was able to overcome the condition. There are so many people that aren't as fortunate. I see it as a responsibility to help and do anything I can to make a difference." The foundation supports fund-raising and charitable events, including online auctions of sports and entertainment memorabilia and a special "Fans' Press Conference." "We've been very lucky to get the support of different restaurants and sporting venues to hold auctions. The press conferences are the most popular events we've had. It gives fans a chance to meet and talk to local athletes," Goode explained. Other programs includes "Pick-Me-Up," a self-esteem and financial assistance program in which families of children with cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis make requests to the foundation that are handled on an individual basis. "This is probably my favorite aspect of the foundation," Goode said. "We get a chance to meet some of the families and provide some wonderful things for them. We've sent families to Disney World and bought bicycles for children. We even rented out a hall and had a birthday party with cake and balloons for a boy who'd never had a birthday party before." While the group's efforts have provided much assistance to families in need, the Goodes haven't stopped there. They have written Pitching with the Papelbons, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the foundation. The book traces the early baseball careers of the three Papelbon brothers -- Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan; right-hander Josh of the Class A Greenville Drive; and left-hander Jeremy of the Class A Peoria Chiefs. "I read children's books to my kids all the time and I know the Papelbon family very well. I thought it would be a really cool idea, and when I suggested it to the boys' mom, Sheila, she thought it was a great idea also," Goode said. "The chance to help the charity with this book was great. I really liked how the idea was geared towards kids, and it was very rewarding to be able to relive some of the memories of the boys growing up," Sheila Papelbon said. "I got a chance to make some suggestions about illustrations and comments in the book. It was a fun experience." The book teaches youngsters the importance of hard work and dedication, not just on the baseball field but in all aspects of life. "Practicing hard, listening to your coaches and being a good teammate are a few of the lessons we wanted to focus on," Goode said. "I met Jon when I played for Lowell last season and we became really good friends," Josh Papelbon said. "It's great to be able to put my name behind such a great cause on his behalf." "It was a nice opportunity to help the cause," Jeremy Papelbon added. "We understand how important the charity is and wanted to help any way we could." Pitching with the Papelbons will be available after Nov. 5. Pre-orders can be made by visiting www.pitchingwiththepapelbons.com. Steve Conley is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs. |
