Over the last four months, Anthony Rizzo has shown that he’s a world champion on and off the field.
Rizzo, the three-time All-Star first baseman for the World Champion Chicago Cubs, recently reached out to 7th grader Henry Sembdner from Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin, Illinois, after he was severely beaten by a classmate.
Sembdner, who suffered facial fractures and brain injuries after allegedly bumping into a classmate, was contacted by Rizzo on Twitter:
“Heard you are a big Cubs fan Henry. When you are better I have a couple tickets and BP(batting practice) passes waiting for you at Wrigley. #StayStrong”
Heard you are a big @Cubs fan Henry. When you are better I have a couple tickets and BP passes waiting for you at Wrigley. #StayStrong https://t.co/VYDFPE9rY0
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 7, 2017
About a half hour later, Rizzo followed up with another tweet:
“Heard Henry’s school will be wearing Cubs gear tom to show their support. Wear ur gear & I’ll RT pics. Let’s all show our support. #StayStrong”
Heard Henry’s school will be wearing @Cubs gear tom to show their support Wear ur gear & I’ll RT pics.Let’s all show our support #StayStrong
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) February 7, 2017
Since then, an outpouring of emotion has been shown from Cubs fans across the country offering Henry their support:
Non stop love for Henry at his homeschool @ARizzo44 @Cubs #Henrystrong pic.twitter.com/VxGqs3PGNo
— Aaron Wafford (@Aaron_Wafford) February 7, 2017
@ARizzo44 a few of my 4th graders and I supporting Henry today! #GoCubs #Staystrong pic.twitter.com/HfTEq1tsrF
— Ben Riebock (@benriebock158) February 7, 2017
The support seems to have worked! According to Henry’s mother, he is now talking, eating and reading his ‘get well’ cards. The classmate who assaulted Henry has been taken into police custody, and it was reported that Henry is now back home.
This is why the Rainbow Rabbit organization strongly believes that lessons of tolerance, acceptance and respect for one another need to be taught at a young age. It’s too late to start anti-bullying programs in middle school or high school. The foundation has been set. Please help us spread the word!
If you want to stay posted on Henry’s condition you can check out the CaringBridge page and GoFundMe pages, which were set up to help Henry’s family with his medical bills.
Stay strong Henry, and cheers to you Anthony Rizzo and Cubs Nation!