While Eloy Jimenez's 2021 campaign got started late because of an injury he suffered in spring training, it hasn't taken long for him to make an impact. In just his second game of action, back in late July, Jimenez belted a three-run home run in the eighth inning to give the White Sox the lead. He has continued to hit well since, slashing .323/.338/.662 to this point in the season.
His effort has been an inspiring one, but Jimenez couldn't do it without being inspired by someone else. That source of inspiration? 12-year-old Brady Nelson, who is battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer that is rarely found in children. Constant and severe headaches led Brady to go to the emergency room in the beginning of December 2020, and it was then that the diagnosis was made. Radiation and chemotherapy soon followed.
"I’m just trying to get back to playing, but he’s battling for his life," Jiménez told MLB.com. "That’s the way he helped me."
In fact, the aforementioned three-run bomb that kicked off Jimenez's season was dedicated to Brady after the White Sox star was told of the 12-year-old's courageous battle. And on Tuesday night, a few weeks after that emotional blast, the pair got a chance to meet at Guaranteed Rate Field.
If you'd like to learn more about Brady and help contribute to his cause, there is a GoFundMe page that has raised $103,758 to this point, exceeding the initial goal of $100,000 in support of the Nelson family.
"We appreciate any support you can contribute to Brady and his family," reads the page, organized by Brady's aunt and uncle. "Our goal is to allow Brady's Mom and Dad to stay home, and be together as a family right now, without the worry of medical bills, mortgage payments and to keep their family comfortable and healthy. We know many have been financially affected by COVID-19, and even if you cannot support this cause financially, we would love for you to help us spread the word and share on social media.
"Every little bit counts and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"
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