After being rocked by the death of long-time ESPN reporter Jeff Dickerson earlier in the week, the Chicago sports communities have rallied to raise over $1 million for the 43-year-old’s family.
Dickerson, a 20-year reporter of the Chicago Bears, died on Tuesday after a yearlong battle with colon cancer. To make matters worse, the tragic turn of events was preceded by the passing of Dickerson’s wife, Caitlin, in 2019 at age 36 due to complications from melanoma. The couple is survived by their 11-year-old son, Parker, who is now at the forefront of a new fundraiser.
A GoFundMe page, which has since been called “Parker’s Fund”, was created by Parker’s aunt to support the child’s education, health, welfare, and love for athletics. The original goal for the fundraiser was set at $100,000, but has since been shattered thanks to the more than 14,500 donors.
Among the notable names contributing include White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and family, who joined the movement on Friday with a $5,000 donation. Other prominent members of the Chicago sports landscape who’ve pitched in include Tom Ricketts, Andy Dalton, Anthony Rizzo, Jed Hoyer, Theo Epstein, Tom Waddle, Charles Leno Jr., the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, and the Loyola Men’s Basketball Team.
The Bears also led the charge of several NFL teams – including the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Football Team – to deliver a $25,000 donation.
There’s no question that Dickerson impacted nearly every single person he came in contact with. An overwhelming outpouring of support on social media following his death showed the magnitude of his kindness and professionalism in a life that was taken far too soon.
To donate to Parker’s Fund, please click here for the official GoFundMe page.
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Featured Photo: ESPN
