Yankees bringing HOPE to XP kids
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 24, 2009 
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By now you have heard of HOPE Week. What’s going on right now is pretty special.
The Yankees today are hosting a group of kids and teenagers from the XP Society’s Camp Sundown in Craryville, N.Y. Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder that prevents individuals from going outside in sunlight. Any UV light causes burns and most patients do not live beyond the age of 20.
The kids and their parents watched the game from a suite and for most of them, it was the first big-league game they had ever seen. Now the the group is taking part in a carnival right on the field.
There’s food, a bouncy castle, PlayStation on the big scoreboard, Whiffleball games, soccer games, etc. A bunch of Yankees — including Jorge Posada, A.J. Burnett, Jose Molina, Alfredo Aceves, Brett Gardner and Cody Ransom — are on the field taking part. I also noticed Brian Cashman, Lonn Trost and others there along with Jason Zillo and his staff.
It’s 1:48 a.m. For XP patients, this is the only time of the day they can be outside. They’ll leave the Bronx in two hours to make sure they get back to their camp before sunrise.
The Yankees are really distinguishing themselves as an organization this week. These activities go beyond community service, this is really caring about other people.
Outstanding.
Man, on the field and off, the Yankees are doing things the right way in 2009.
Just keep it up; can’t wait for October.
That’s really something. I was at the game tonight (yes, all of it), and they kept showing the kids on the scoreboard…and those kids just looked so happy to be outside, at the game, even in the crappy weather.
great to hear..
that is really great, they can really bring enjoyment to people..
thanks peter………..
Wow – good for the Yanks and good for the kids that they get a treat like this. It’s times like these that you realize how lucky you are to be healthy – these kids are so brave and the parents so strong.
GF from the other thread, I’ll bet that was a fake SJ. I’m sure the real one would not have given up on Phil as a prospect so soon……..
>PlayStation on the big scoreboard
Suddenly, mothers fast asleep shouted a collective, “Don’t sit too close, you’ll ruin your eyes!”
I’m sad they lost the extra couple of hours the rain delay cost them.
Things like this really make a person feel proud to be a Yankee fan. Win or lose, making another person happy is what makes a difference.
Awesome job by the Yankees. Kudos to the Steinbrenner family and everyone involved in organizing and participating in these events.
And coincidentally, or perhaps not, they are playing their best baseball of the year as they do all of this stuff.
Betsy,
Nope, that was the real SJ. He echoed those sentiments a number of times after that night.
Of course, I respect SJ and his opinion because I agree with him about 90% of the time.
But he sometimes gets something stuck in his craw and goes WAY overboard.
Hughes in May and Joba the last few weeks are the perfect examples of that.
Right Feinsand, lol ………..another mediot. I thought he was better than the others, but nope – just another in the long line of sportswriters who somehow get by without a brain:
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/yankees/
BTW, great job by the Yankee organization with this entire week.
They’ve really gone the extra mile with everything they’ve done.
That’s one thing the Stenbrenners have always been big on and don’t get enough credit for it.
What you give comes back to you tenfold.
I hope they can find time to do another Hope Week later in the season. Can’t beat the good karma.
GF, I recall SJ being frustrated with Phil, but saying he was through as a prospect? Just that one time – and I think that was a troll.
I happen to agree with him on Joba. I think you have the right approach in general (patience), but we’ve already been through this before. I have not liked Joba’s approach at all…….There’s no excuse for any player, rookie or veteran, to be out of shape….and the stubbornness?
I personally disagreed strongly with CB’s theory that Phil’s “soft” upbringing contributed to his struggles……IMO, it’s as simple as Phil being a kid.
Tough night for the red sox watching the yanks move another 1/2 game up. Rays are now 6.5 games behind.
Chamberlain >>>>>>>>>> Bucholtz
Hughes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bard
I was at the game tonight, waited out the rain and stayed until the last pitch. the yankees present themselves as an a#1, top of the list, king of the hill organization with things such as HOPE week and the difference they are making to organizations as camp sundown. can’t forget the product they are putting on the field is pretty damn good too =D
love these stories…best organization in sports
The Yankees are Awesome
Betsy.
Cheese steak? If so, where and please rate it 1-10.
Hope time is going lightly in Philly.
Congrats all on the 7 game winning streak. It is a great feeling when your team is on a roll.
-dennis
I’m proud of the Yankees!
I know they are not seeking national attention, but I was ESPN, MLB Network, and other media outlets would pick up on this and give the Yankees their due propers.
lol at the former Met catching Mark Buehrle’s perfect game
Is there another franchise that’s had as many of its former pitchers throw no-hitters (Nolan Ryan, Doc Gooden, David Cone) after they’ve left than the Mets? Without ever having anyone throw one while a Met.
Nick in SF
July 24th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Is there another franchise that’s had as many of its former pitchers throw no-hitters (Nolan Ryan, Doc Gooden, David Cone) after they’ve left than the Mets? Without ever having anyone throw one while a Met.
————————————————————
Add Tom Seaver and Mike Scott to that group.
It’s reasons like HOPE week that cause me to lose it when people talk bad about the Yankees. The Yanks do more for society than most teams put together. Not only in revenue for MLB and stimulating the economy, but in giving back to the community and our country and truly making a difference with their efforts. Evil Empire, my ass.
I just got back now from the game. That was rough. I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t offer tickets to another game for the people that stayed for that one. 3 hour delay + sitting in rain for the entire game is not much fun.
Well done Yanks – wonder what John Henry thinks.
Great Stuff ! Great job Yanks ! !
Anyone notice that Cody Ransom is at all of these events? I think its great that he’s doing it, don’t get me wrong. Maybe its just because he’s not one of the “stars” so he has more flexibility. Or he truly cares about doing all this community service (which I would also believe)
That wasn’t me GF. That was an imposter.
I will gladly stand behind the stuff I said about Phil earlier in the year. Such as, he needed to show more guts out there.
That quote you dug up? Not me.
It’s a wonderful thing the Yankees are doing.
It’s good of you to recognize the fundamental humanity and decency involved in their gesture Pete.
What a touching story and a world class display again by the Yankees…..I have a feeling this season is going to end the same as 26 of the past seasons have!
GO YANKS!!!
Did I read that correctly? 1:48am and so many players are out there on the field with these kids.
Outstanding.
I was at the game last night as well. It was really nice that they gave those kids a lot of attention. I looked up XP and its said there avg lifespan is until 20. It really makes you take things in life for granted. I’m glad the Yankees went out of there way and made an enjoyable experience for those kids. I also thinked those kids had help with those triva questions since they never been to a game before. Besides who wants to see a kid not win a prize. Best part is they watched the best team in the AL do what they do best. WIN.
Nice to Sundown get some attention. I teach my HS students about this disorder (among others) when we cover genetics, and show them a short film about Camp Sundown as its a local institution. It is such a rare and obscure disorder tht I am a little surprised to see them get this sort of attention, but I am very happy for it.
gotta say, this HOPE week is much more than i thought when i first heard about it.
amazing stuff they are doing. makes me ever prouder to support this team!
simply amazing