During the month of April 2015, the Miami Marlins’ star infielder, Dee Gordon, teamed with the Blechman Foundation to raise awareness of PD and funding for PD research.  Gordon encouraged fans to pledge funds for every base that he stole that month.  The Challenge’s slogan was “Help Us Dee-Feat Parkinson’s Disease.” We like to say that those who took the pledge helped to “Dee-feat” PD one stolen base at a time.

The connection in April between the Stolen Base Challenge and PD was a natural.  April was National Parkinson’s Awareness month and the start of the Major League Baseball season.  Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder, and stealing bases requires fast movement.  Parkinson’s disease steals away the ability of its victims to move, and Dee Gordon is among the very best at stealing bases in baseball.

The Challenge exceeded the Foundation’s wildest expectations, and Dee Gordon was nothing short of sensational in his support of the effort. Dee stole 8 bases in April, the Challenge attracted individual and corporate support, and over 80 people took the pledge to raise more than $12,000.  The Challenge attracted national and local media attention, including TV coverage in the New York and Miami markets, and newspaper articles as well.

You can watch the TV coverage and read the articles in the Press Center on this web site.

You can learn more about Dee Gordon’s baseball career here. During the 2015 season, Gordon led the National League in stolen bases, batting average, and hits, was selected as an All Star, and won a Gold Glove for fielding at second base. He became the first National League player since Jackie Robinson to lead the league in batting average and stolen bases. And the Marlins selected Gordon as the team’s nominee for Major League Baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for his humanitarian work. You can learn more about Gordon’s impressive baseball career here.

The Foundation is grateful for the support of Dee Gordon and his professional managers; the Miami Marlins; the media that covered the Challenge; and the numerous people and companies who supported the Challenge in ways large and small.  Every one of those people played a part in making the Challenge a success and, most importantly, helping to raise awareness about PD and funds for important research regarding neuroprotection for PD patients.  The Blechman Foundation is most grateful for your support.