Ahead of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Miami Marlins, in partnership with AutoNation, visited pediatric patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s alex’s place, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, on Aug. 20. As Marlins Manager Skip Schumaker and players Declan Cronin, Jesús Luzardo, and Max Meyer helped deliver gifts, it was a day to remember for everyone involved.

The group brought JoyJars for the patients, which were created by Schumaker’s family friend’s daughter during her battle with cancer. Filled with toys and activities, JoyJars encourage children fighting cancer to never ever give up and make them feel loved.

“I thought it was an awesome experience to go and hand out JoyJars,” said Luzardo. “It’s something that brings a lot of joy to these kids, and you can see their faces light up when they see Billy The Marlin, players, and Skip. I feel like the interaction is awesome for us to see and be a part of too.”

This reaction is what Schumaker hopes these types of events will elicit for his players.

“I think it’s really important to give back to your community,” said Schumaker. “I feel like the players need to understand that there’s more than just baseball. When you do something like this, it puts the baseball stuff into perspective. You come to these events thinking that you’re going to provide all this joy, which you do, but I think what you get in return is even more impactful.”

Throughout his career, Luzardo has made it a point of emphasis to participate in community events, whether it’s through the Miami Marlins Foundation, with Schumaker, or even on his own. Having the opportunity to do so in the area he grew up in only makes it that much more meaningful for him.

“It’s something that has always stood out to me since I was young, especially using the platform that we have now,” said Luzardo. “I feel like it’s so much easier to impact lives and get the word out for causes that we feel strongly about. Being from here, it’s the community I grew up in, so I’m always happy to help.”

“I’m really proud of Zeus,” said Schumaker. “He’s the one that has taken all of these young guys with him to do these community events and make them realize that they have a platform. You have a small window in this game and don’t know how long you’re going to be here in this game, but when you have a uniform, you can do more than just play on the field. You can do these things and impact the community in a positive way, and Zeus is the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to impacting the community.”

This particular visit had an immediate noticeable impact that will be long-lasting.

“For the kids to be able to see the players they look up to, the people who they want to be like, is unbelievable,” said Dr. Warren Alperstein. “This means a lot to the kids and the families. The families are appreciative, and we’re appreciative because it makes a world of a difference to our patients.”

Along with handing out JoyJars, the Miami Marlins Foundation also donated two Nintendo Switches, courtesy of AutoNation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, to alex’s place. The gaming consoles will serve as valuable sources of entertainment for countless children going through difficult times.

“It was an honor to team up with our partners from AutoNation and UHealth for an event that brought joy and hope to a deserving group of kids,” said David Oxfeld, Marlins Chief Commercial Officer. “Together, we wanted to put smiles on their faces and give them a special day to remember as they continue their courageous battles. We also appreciate Skip and our players taking the time to help leave a lasting impact on our community.”

The event served as an extension of the Marlins and AutoNation’s efforts to continue the fight against cancer and show support to those impacted by the disease. Through the Marlins Strikeout for Cancer program, every strikeout recorded by a Marlins pitcher this season results in a $25 donation to AutoNation’s DRV PNK initiative, which partners with cancer charities around the country to raise and donate millions of dollars for research and treatment.

“Spending time with the kids at alex’s place during our visit is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do,” said Coleman Edmunds, AutoNation Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. “It’s a privilege to bring a bit of joy to these brave children alongside our partners, the Miami Marlins and UHealth. Moments like these inspire us to keep pushing forward in our mission to make a difference.”