The Turner’s Passion for Pediatric Cancer Research
Trea and Kristen Turner hosted some special guests at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 25. With his partnership through the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Trea welcomed pediatric cancer patients from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to watch his Phillies defeat the Baltimore Orioles, 4-3.
The Turners hold a special place in their hearts for pediatric cancer. After breaking into Major League Baseball, the Turners had been pondering the impact they wanted to make. They knew they wanted to make an impact philanthropically, but were seeking the right organization, and mission, to partner with.
One night, they came across Jim Valvano’s speech on ESPN. That was it.
“My wife and I were sitting on the couch, and it happened to be Jimmy V Week,” Trea said. “His speech popped up and we looked at it each other and that was it. We both love kids as well and pediatric cancer is big for us. It was kind of sitting in front of us the whole time.”
Trea (NC State baseball 2012-14) and Kristen (NC State gymnastics 2011-14) share an alma mater with Jim. They had heard of his coaching legacy, and the work of the V Foundation, while at NC State. To them, the V Foundation was the partner, and the mission of funding revolutionary cancer research is what made the most sense.
Since deciding to be partners with the V Foundation, the Turners have assisted in raising money to fund pediatric research grants through the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.
When Trea signed with the Philadelphia Phillies this off-season, the Turners quickly showed interest in getting involved with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). CHOP is one of the 72 NCI-designated cancer research facilities and a common recipient of V Foundation grants. He hopes to continue to partner with the V Foundation and host members of the CHOP community throughout the season.
