Mets donate $700G to battle blood cancers

The Mets presented representatives of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with $700,000 that will help with their mission prior to a game on Tuesday, June 5.
The partnership between The Mets and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was formed because the team’s owners wanted to express support for family friends who are battling blood cancers. The funds were raised on April 9 at a dinner attended by about 800 people following opening day at Shea Stadium.
Michael Osso, the society’s executive director, said that the money will be for general operating support and will assist with the main components of their mission, three of which are research, advocacy efforts and patient services.
“Their philanthropic efforts for our cause have meant an enormous amount to the Society and to all the people that are battling blood cancers all around the world,” Osso said. “Their efforts have helped us fulfill our mission and we’re incredibly grateful.”
Mets pitcher John Maine and mascot Mr. Met were on hand to present the check to representatives of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, including Kate Davis, a pediatric cancer survivor.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will work with the Mets more in July when, for the third year, they bring pediatric cancer patients to Shea Stadium. The children will get to go on the field, work with the grounds keepers and participate in clinics with the coaches.
Osso also said that the team is interested in participating with a similar fundraising dinner next year.
Of his goals for the future partnership with the Mets, society board member Chuck Baker, a partner with the law firm Paul Hastings, said he hopes “to continue to have the Mets as sponsors of the Leukemia Society because it’s through their generosity that we’re able to raise so much money for the cause.”
For more information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit www.lls.org/nyc.