Although Orange County’s Jessie Rees Foundation and Cincinnati’s Reid Rizzo Foundation run their organizations some 2200 miles apart, these nonprofits have one common goal of helping pediatric patients and their families when they need it most. Created in loving memory of Jessie Rees–who at 12 encouraged patients to Never Ever Give Up on beating cancer–and Reid Rizzo–who at 20 played baseball Without Fear after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy as an infant and told by doctors that he would never be able to participate in sports, family and friends of Jessie and Reid decided to start their respective groups after their loved ones were granted wings to heaven in 2012. Reid Rizzo in 2010 Recently Cincinnati Reds’ Skip Schumaker, Oakland Athletics’ Nick Punto and Colorado Rockies’ Nolan Arenado held a three-day winter baseball camp benefitting the Jesse Rees Foundation at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Overseen by Gauchos’ head coach Sommer McCartney and Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Kaitlin Sandeno–who serves as the National Spokesperson for the Jessie Rees Foundation, area youth had the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of playing the game from some of MLB’s best while supporting one of California’s favorite children charities. In addition, two lucky families won the auction for four packs of on-field meet-and-greet VIP ticket packages for upcoming Reds and A’s games graciously donated by Schumaker and Punto.
Closing in on 300,000 ‘likes’ on facebook, the Jesse Rees Foundation is asking everyone to give a holiday gift to Jesse with a ‘like’ and ‘share’ while visiting https://www.facebook.com/JessieReesFoundation. The mission of the Jessie Rees Foundation is to ensure every child fighting cancer has the resources and support to Never Ever Give Up! Tweet them HERE.
More likes = more awareness = more JOY for kids fighting cancer!! http://t.co/ud5kzDnlTc
The Reid Rizzo Foundation mission is to raise awareness of pediatric heart disease and support young patients and their families in dealing with the financial hardship of costly medical care. The Reid Rizzo Foundation’s goal is to help children live long and healthy lives while reaching their full potential Without Fear. Reid defied the odds of his prognosis and led a very normal childhood playing sports like baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey.“Reid Rizzo: Without Fear” portrait by Cincinnati sports artist/coach Chris Felix Nobody outside of Reid’s immediate family knew that he was living with cardiomyopathy. It wasn’t until after his passing that his condition was made public knowledge. Theologian Harold Kushner believes that although death may take a person physically from us, it cannot remove him from our souls and his presence will continue to educate and serve as a model to follow. Reid was an organ donor and his heart was donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Heart Institute to be utilized for medical research. Former coach Steve Fowler said, “Reid was fine young man who fought a handicap– for a guy who had heart problems since he was born. He cheated the odds for 20 years and had a huge heart for the game, loved playing. He refused to let it be a handicap to him. It has really inspired us to play with a lot of heart and dedication.”
Setting records at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, shortstop Reid Rizzo received a scholarship
to play at Lake Erie College in Ohio. Coach Fowler revealed what Rizzo’s college coach had told him about the 5’9″ ballplayer before Reid showed up to play summer league in 2012. “He told me: Reid loves the game and you are going to love him. He was a dirt hog who was always laying out for balls.” Often compared to Dodgers’ 2013 Heart and Hustle Award winner Nick Punto for his physical physique and hard play, Reid’s parents at first cautiously tried to steer their son away from the game, but Reid would have none of it. From the time he was four years old when he was hanging out in the dugout with baseball all-star father Tim, it was too late as Reid had baseball in his blood and was determined to pursue his dream of playing MLB. Embracing Jessie Rees’ “Never Ever Give Up” attitude, Reid was a fighter from day one. The Reid Rizzo Foundation lives on with the same approach. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ReidRizzoClassic to learn how you can do your part in helping pediatric heart patients and further cardiomyopathy studies. Please join the Reid Rizzo Foundation on Saturday, January 4th at Convivio, 2157 India Street in San Diego. Visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org or call 619-573-4140 for more details on this special night.
The late and great Italian American Reid Rizzo photographed shortly before his passing in 2012
while playing for the Madisonville Tradewater Pirates.The San Diego arts and Italian American communities are coming together by supporting the ongoing efforts of the Reid Rizzo Foundation in assisting pediatric heart patients and their families while meeting one of the creative forces behind the Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit at the Convivio Center in Little Italy. The annual fundraiser will take place on Saturday, January 4th when San Diego Italian American heart surgeon Dr. John Lamberti is honored for his miraculous work in saving lives and Cincinnati-based artist Chris Felix is recognized for his remarkable talent and valuable contribution to the very popular exhibition at the Convivio Center.Meet artist Chris Felix at Conivivio on January 4th.
In addition to commenting on his illustrations of Phil Rizzuto, Joey Votto and Reid Rizzo, internationally renowned sports artist Chris Felix will deliver a fascinating multimedia presentation on Italian American baseball prospect Reid Rizzo–whose life and promising MLB career were cut short by a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. As the former basketball and baseball coach for Rizzo, Chris has incredible insight into Reid’s inner strength and determination to live life without fear while defying the odds of competing against his peers.Chris Felix’s depiction of Reds’ Joey Votto (2012)
Having curated “Rooted Deep In the Soil of Cincinnati…A Passion for Baseball, Art and Inspiration” at Cincinnati’s Art on the Levee Gallery, Ohio native Chris Felix is no stranger to traveling exhibitions. His artwork has been featured at the Annual Art of Baseball Exhibition at the George Krevsky Gallery in San Francisco and has graced the walls of the James Fiorentino and Friends Exhibition at the National Art Museum of Sport in Indianapolis among other places. He has been
a freelance fine artist since 1997.
New painting just finished for upcoming book titled CINCINNATI REDS LEGENDS. Scheduled release 2015 pic.twitter.com/3NWSRCs9T1
Chris Felix captures Cincinnati’s Joey Votto (2007).
Well-known for his acrylic sports paintings, the graduate of the College of Art Advertising in Cincinnati first received recognition for his craft as a sixth grader at
St. William School when his pencil sketch of Johnny Bench won him
a Cincinnati Reds autographed baseball in a department store’s “Draw Your Favorite Reds Player” contest. Felix’s illustrious art career has included being a graphic designer, a scenery painter for major amusement parks, and a commissioned artist for Hasbro, Warner Brothers, the Topps Card Company and the Cincinnati Reds.Artist Chris Felix at work Featured in sportswriter Mike Shannon’s books–“Willie Mays: Art in the Outfield” and “Coming Back to Baseball: Cincinnati Astros and the Joys of Over 30 Play”–Felix’s artwork will be included in the upcoming “Cincinnati Reds Legends” book set for release in 2015. San Diegians will have a rare appearance to meet the gifted artist at the Convivio Center (2157 N. India Street) on Saturday night, January 4th at the Reid Rizzo Foundation’s Project 144 Fundraiser. Admission is free to the public for this special event featuring Chris Felix and Dr. John Lamberti. For more information, please visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.orgVisit Convivio during the holidays and help heart patients and their families with your donation.Reid Rizzo had Philippians 4:13 tattooed on his bicep, which his family did not realize until after his passing. His father Tim found great comfort in the passage.Those who cannot attend the event are encouraged to visit Convivio anytime during normal operating hours to participate in the Project 144 Fundraiser. In the spirit of giving during the holiday season, guests are encouraged to select an envelope numbered 1-144 and donate the corresponding dollar amount for a most worthy cause. Those living outside Southern California can also give to the Reid Rizzo Foundation by clicking HERE.
If you wish to mail a tax-deductible donation, make your check payable to: Reid Rizzo Foundation, P.O. Box 737, Harrison, Ohio 45030-0737.
Italian American Dr. John Lamberti joins the Reid Rizzo Foundation for
a celebration of life at San Diego’s Convivio Center on January 4, 2014. Reid Rizzo was a baseball player at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born with a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. His father Tim Rizzo said, “He really lived life and played sports without fear. He dealt with this heart condition in life and it never slowed him down. He never made excuses. He just went after his goals and lived his life to the fullest.” Two years ago after Reid reported to his collegiate baseball summer league team in Western Kentucky, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 21. His parents agreed to allow former La Salle baseball coach Chris Booth establish the Reid Rizzo Foundation to teach kids the game that their son loved most. Booth said, “He wasn’t the tallest and he wasn’t the biggest guy but I tell you what, people say he had the biggest heart. He played the game the right way.” In addition to helping families in need, the Reid Rizzo Foundation raises money for student scholarships at La Salle and cardiomyopathy research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.On display at Convivio Center’s Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibition,
“Reid Rizzo: Without Fear” is truly a masterpiece by renowned Cincinnati sports artist Chris Felix.Defying the odds, former LPGA player Mac Kline pursued her dreams because of savior Dr. Lamberti.Over 2200 miles west of Cincinnati, another believer of Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) by the name of MacKenzie Kline inspired young women athletes around the world with her miraculous story courtesy of Dr. Lamberti. “She was born with a heart defect that 30 years ago, we didn’t have good treatment for,” said Dr. Lamberti, surgeon at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Born with heterotaxy syndrome–meaning MacKenzie’s heart has one ventricle instead of two, without a spleen, and a transverse liver, Dr. Lamberti was her best chance of survival. He performed the first of three open heart surgeries on her when she was 11 weeks old with a follow-up at 23 months old and a third procedure as a teenager.
Bracelets from the Reid Rizzo Foundation It appears that the MacKenzie Kline story is just a tip of the iceberg for all of the families deeply indebted to Dr. Lamberti. On August 4, 2013, Luanna Kent McDowell wrote: “My daughter had an enlarged heart, and her aorta valve was barely working. She went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to San Diego Children’s Hospital on September 12, 1985. Four days later, Dr. Lamberti saved her life by doing a ‘NEW’ surgery called ‘the flap’ creating her a new aorta. He was a bit of a risk taker and saved her life. My daughter has not ever had another surgery because he used a new technique (28 years ago). She is now a teacher and has brought joy to all of the lives she has touched. No words can ever describe the gratitude I feel toward Dr. Lamberti. I thanked him then and thank him everyday as I pray for my daughter.”
Here is yet another true life testimonial on Dr. Lamberti. On May 23, 2013, Andrew Bayron wrote: “Dr. Lamberti saved my son’s life. Dr. Lamberti performed heart surgery that included addressing a hole in the heart and rebuilding it using cadaver donated heart tissue. My son was three months old and is presently running around my office at six years old. A modern miracle worker I can’t give better praise to such a man. Forever in his debt.” Dr. LambertiDr. Lamberti leads Rady Children’s Combined Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program, serving as the Eugene and Joyce Klein Director of the Heart Institute, as well as the Director of the combined Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery for Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, Children’s Specialists of San Diego, and the University of California, San Diego. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Lamberti has often been referred to as ‘A True Life Savior’ as he was on April 16, 2012, when a patient’s father wrote: “Fantastic doctor and a fantastic human being. He has always cared for my daughter over the past 11 years and she has done great ever since. He has performed open heart surgery on her twice, and she has always done fantastic.”
Perhaps the most moving story comes from a patient’s mother who acted on behalf of her husband’s wishes to honor the great Dr. John Lamberti. When Marcy Ohrnstein’s husband Matthew passed away at 57 on April 30, 2013, she wrote: “In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Rady Children’s Hospital https://www.helpsdkids.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=208. In the designation section, please choose ‘Heart Institute’ and in
the comments section indicate ‘at the discretion of Dr. Lamberti.’ Steven OhrnsteinDr. Lamberti is the surgeon who conducted our son Steven’s five heart surgeries. The kids and I agreed this is what Matthew would have wanted.” Patient Steven Ohrnstein, a graduate of San Diego State University, graciously offered his personal experience with Dr. John Lamberti. “It is a honor to even be thought of out of the tens of thousands of lives Dr. Lamberti has impacted. For it not for him–operating on me five out of five surgeries ranging from one day old to 21 years old–I most assuredly would not be here today. I’m a big advocate of Dr. Lamberti, Rady Children’s Hospital and helping other families get through what seems to be impossible.”
Two cities–Cincinnati and San Diego–have come together to raise awareness of pediatric heart disease while raising funds for patients and their families to combat the financial hardship of medical care so that recipients can live long and healthy lives while reaching their full potential. The traveling Cincinnati contingency includes Reid Rizzo’s parents, members of the Reid Rizzo Foundation, Dr. Michael Leadbetter, sports artist Chris Felix, and social media pro Lisa Siegal. The San Diego Italian American and Medical Professional Communities will host and honor the contributions of Dr. John Lamberti on this evening of fact, faith and hope at Convivio (2157 N. India Street in Little Italy) with the extraordinary Artists’ Tribute to Italian Americans in Baseball Exhibit providing an inspirational backdrop on Saturday, January 4, 2014. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.ConvivioSociety.org.
Lake Erie’s Reid Rizzo in 2012Everybody has heard about Chicago Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo and Washington Nationals President Mike Rizzo, but it’s never too late to learn about the legacy of Italian American Reid Rizzo. If it had not been for renowned sports artist Chris Felix, most baseball lovers would have never have known about the impact that Reid Rizzo had on so many lives. Having been commissioned by the Topps Card Company to do 10 paintings for the 2010 National Chicle Baseball Card set, which included the Cincinnati-based artist’s illustration of New York Yankees legend Phil Rizzuto, the similarities between “Scooter” and Reid Rizzo were evident. Both shortstops overcame their small physical attributes to become extraordinary athletes. When Chris Felix was asked to contribute his classic Rizzuto painting to the Artists’ Tribute to Italian American Baseball Exhibit at Convivio Center in San Diego, he suggested that Rizzo–a player who refused to give After setting single-season records as a Lake Erie College sophomore, the life and MLB dreams of 21-year-old Reid Rizzo were tragically cut short from his cardiomyopathy.up on his major league dreams–be included as well.
Southern California baseball fans attending the grand opening and Phil Rizzuto birthday celebration on September 25th at Convivio will be pleasantly surprised that the Chris Felix collection includes Phil Rizzuto, Joey Votto and Reid Rizzo. Felix knew Rizzo was something special early on since he been Reid’s baseball coach for nearly for a decade. As a three-month-old infant, Rizzo’s parents received catastrophic news that their newborn son had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition. Despite doctors telling the Rizzo family that he would never be able to run, ride a bike, or play sports, Reid defied the odds by playing baseball, football, basketball and hockey. As a freshman at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, he became one of the youngest players in history to earn a starting position on the varsity baseball team.Chris Felix (left) signed and donated his original prints to benefit the Reid Rizzo Foundation.Chris Felix’s acrylic painting of Reid Rizzo College scouts recruited one of La Salle’s all-time athletic heroes, and Rizzo received a baseball scholarship to Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. Just one month after completing a stellar sophomore campaign as the Storm’s starting shortstop and beginning Summer League play with the Madisonville Tradewater Pirates, Reid peacefully passed away in his sleep. Rizzo was an organ donor so his heart was donated to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Heart Institute for medical research. Reid accomplished all of his success without anyone outside of his family knowing that he was living with cardiomyopathy. Lake Erie College coach Brian McGee eulogized: “Reid lived life and played the game the right way. No matter what pitches life threw at Reid, he took his hacks, no matter how much pressure he faced in a day, he always came through in the clutch, no matter how dominating the situation was, he never feared Reid Rizzo wore #4 while at La Salle. failure, never backed down from the opposition, and persevered through any challenge in life. He lived with tenacity, passion, confidence, toughness, and compassion. That is remarkable about his life. He carried all emotions with him and wore them on his sleeve. He didn’t care what others thought. He did what he felt in his heart was right. He did things for himself and his loved ones. He never tried to live his life for the acceptance of others. He lived his life so he could accept himself. He lived with such a passion for life, never letting the day go by without taking advantage of its opportunities.” Artist and family friend Chris Felix said, “He was more concerned about his family’s well-being than his own. He never let his family nor anyone else feel sorry for what he had to endure during his 21 years of life. Reid’s dream was to play Major League Baseball and coach one day. He is remembered for his La Salle All-Star shortstop Reid Rizzo uncanny ability to make everyone feel special. Reid’s spirit lives on in each of those who knew him and in those who believe that all things are possible through Christ. Reid’s tattoos inspire many to live their lives to the fullest. His belief in family and his desire to be a positive role model for his younger sister and others exemplify who Reid was as a human being. Those who knew him believe his story to be inspirational.” Shortly after Reid’s passing, a few of his former coaches at La Salle High School decided to form a committee and hold a baseball tournament in Reid’s honor.
The idea blossomed into the creation of the Reid Rizzo Foundation. Since then, there have been
many successful fundraising events including an annual Reid Rizzo Day at the Reds’ Great American Ballpark. The Reid Rizzo Foundation was established to remember and honor the character, courage, strength, and vigor of Reid Rizzo.
The nonprofit’s goals include: provide financial assistance to those seeking to enhance their primary or secondary educational experience; enhance education, awareness and research relative to medical conditions that affect the cardiovascular system; and support athletic organizations wishing to enhance the support structure provided for the athletes they service. By clicking HERE, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Reid Rizzo Foundation.
Chris Felix will be featured in the Artists’ Tribute to Italian American Baseball at Convivio Center in San Diego beginning September 25th.Artists’ Tribute to Italian American Baseballshowcases original artwork, photographs, articles, uniforms, and other autographed one-of-a-kind artifacts. The exhibit officially opens to the public on Phil Rizzuto’s birthday, Wednesday, September 25th with a special 7 pm screening on Convivio’s big screen of Yankeeography, Volume Two featuring Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto. In addition to birthday cake being served to all attendees, baseball fans will have their first opportunity to see Chris Felix’s masterfully-crafted depiction of Phil Rizzuto as well as that of MLB All-Star Joey Votto and never-to-be-forgotten Reid Rizzo. Other notable artists participating in the exhibition include James Fiorentino, Vincent Scilla, John Giarrizzo, Vernon Wells Jr., Tom Richmond, Jeremy Nash, Rob Monte, and Zack D’Ulisse. The Convivio Center is located at 2157 India Street in San Diego. Call (619) 573-4140 for more information or click HERE for an updated calendar.
Although Orange County’s Jessie Rees Foundation and Cincinnati’s Reid Rizzo Foundation run their organizations some 2200 miles apart, these nonprofits have one common goal of helping pediatric patients and their families when they need it most. Created in loving memory of Jessie Rees–who at 12 encouraged patients to Never Ever Give Up on beating cancer–and Reid Rizzo–who at 20 played baseball Without Fear after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy as an infant and told by doctors that he would never be able to participate in sports, family and friends of Jessie and Reid decided to start their respective groups after their loved ones were granted wings to heaven in 2012. 
Closing in on 300,000 ‘likes’ on facebook, the Jesse Rees Foundation is asking everyone to give a holiday gift to Jesse with a ‘like’ and ‘share’ while visiting https://www.facebook.com/JessieReesFoundation. The mission of the Jessie Rees Foundation is to ensure every child fighting cancer has the resources and support to Never Ever Give Up! Tweet them HERE.
The Reid Rizzo Foundation mission is to raise awareness of pediatric heart disease and support young patients and their families in dealing with the financial hardship of costly medical care. The Reid Rizzo Foundation’s goal is to help children live long and healthy lives while reaching their full potential Without Fear. Reid defied the odds of his prognosis and led a very normal childhood playing sports like baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey.
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