Lester details NVRQT campaign years after beating cancer
In 2006 at the age of 22, Jon Lesterwas in a position most kids can only dream about. He had entered his first season for the Pawtucket Red Sox, the last step before making the major leagues. He had been signed by the Sox organization to travel across the country from Tacoma, Wash., at the age of 18. Then he was diagnosed with cancer, and everything started to fall apart.
Seven years later, the big lefty is now gearing up for his seventh major league season. He has enjoyed a sparkling career that boasts one of the highest winning percentages of all active starters, a World Series ring and a no-hitter.
But most importantly, Lester won his battle against cancer, and he decided to help others do the same. In May of 2012, Lester announced the NVRQT (short for never quit) campaign, which raises awareness and aid for children’s cancer research.
CBS Sports has the story surrounding the beginning efforts of Lester’s campaign.
“Once your son comes into the world and you look at him, and imagine him to go through what I went through, it’s heartbreaking,” said Lester, who has a young son with his wife, Farrah. “That was another reason for me getting involved with this; I couldn’t imagine him being in a hospital bed getting the drugs I got. Any way that we can help raise money so kids can get this treatment as painless and easy as possible, the better.”
The NVRQT foundation has done a considerable amount of work in terms of raising funds for pediatric cancer research and strengthening the spirits of children with cancer and their families. Jon Lester adds his own unique touch by making the symbol of the foundation a pure, white baseball embossed with the letters “NVRQT.” Recently, Lester wrote about his campaign on Boston.com.
“The NVRQT (never quit) message, delivered on a baseball (or a wristband or patch) gives the kids something to hold on to and inspire them to fight today and get back on the field with friends as soon as possible,” Lester said.
With the work of men like Jon Lester who work tirelessly on and off the field our world can be a little brighter, and more hopeful. Lester could have let his battle with cancer get him down. Instead, one year after being diagnosed, he pitched the Sox to a World Series title and has risen up to become the team’s ace. Hopefully, with the work of his charity, he can impart that same strength and perseverance to children throughout the Boston area.
