New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and his wife Laura Posada have transformed their personal family struggle into a successful nonprofit that helps thousands of families around the globe overcome the difficulties of Craniosynostosis.
In 1999, Jorge married Laura Posada, an attorney from Puerto Rico. Just ten days after the birth of their son Jorge Luis, they were given a terrifying diagnosis of Craniosynostosis, a congenital birth defect characterized by the premature closure of the bones in the skull. Jorge Luis endured eight surgeries to correct the condition. Today, Jorge Luis is about to celebrate his 11th birthday and his future is bright.
In the fall of 2000, the Posada family created The Jorge Posada Foundation to promote awareness about Craniosynostosis and provide emotional and financial assistance to the many families with children affected by this condition through its Mentors Program. The organization provides grants to a number of partner medical centers to help underwrite a portion of the costs of initial surgeries and encourages further research of Craniosynostosis.
Jorge, Laura and their two children, Jorge Luis and Paulina, dedicate their time and energy to creating awareness through events with the Foundation and through educational outreach efforts.
Jorge has received a number of awards on and off the field for his incredible commitment to family and philanthropy. In 2000, he received the Thurman Munson Award for his baseball accomplishments and philanthropic work in New York. From 2000 to 2003 he was awarded the Silver Slugger Award. He was also named one of the Diamond Dad’s Founding Fathers in 2003 and was nominated for a Roberto Clemente Award in 2005 and in 2007 was named one of the finalists. More recently, Jorge received the 2007 Bart Giamatti “Caring” Award from MLB’s Baseball Assistance Team. Jorge was also honored with the 2006 Mentor of the Year Award from Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. and Fashion Delivers, and both Jorge and Laura further received the 2006 Puerto Rican Family Foundation Excellence Award for their commitment to children, especially those affected by Craniosynostosis. Laura also received the Commitment to Family Award from the Girls and Boys Town of New York in 2007.
This November, charitybuzz has partnered with The Jorge Posada Foudation for the third year in a row to raise funds to help the organization broaden their sphere of care around the country and world. Dozens of auction items and experiences are on the auction block, including incredible donations from Kevin Connolly, Tim McGraw, Cher, George Lopez, James Blake, Chris Evert, and Judith Ripka. Jorge Posada is also auctioning the rare chance to meet him before a game at Yankees Stadium, including access to batting practice and four tickets in the family section. Bidding is open at charitybuzz through November 17th.
Jorge and Laura Posada truly know the value of family, philanthropy and giving back every day, which is why they’re our doGOODERS of the week! We’re proud to help hem raise funds for their incredible organization.
CLICK HERE to view the article at charitybuzz.com.
The Jorge Posada Foundation
*Disclaimer: This web site should not be viewed as advice on the treatment and/or diagnosis of Craniosynostosis or any other medical condition.
Advice on the treatment or care of a child suffering from CS should be obtained only through consultation with a physician who has examined that child
or is familiar with that child's medical history.