“I never knew about the lack of funding it received,
and because that’s so low, they’ve been using
treatments made for adults. But these are kids; their
little bodies can’t take that kind of treatment.”
Buster and Kristen Posey welcome the
attendees at the Buster Posey Foundation Gala.
December 2017/January 2018 53
“When I first found out I was going to meet with her, I was
pretty intimidated,” Kristen recalls. “This lady is brilliant, and
here I am, just wanting to help out in any way I can, so I didn’t
even know if I should open my mouth. I was worried she was
going to think I’m an idiot. But she was just so kind. She has been
amazing to get to know.”
In addition to the couple’s success raising much-needed funds,
Dr. Loh also sees great value in the work the Poseys have done
to support the kids spiritually, especially through their ongoing
monthly visits to the hospitals.
“I mean, yes, we give medicines, we give antibiotics, we give
chemotherapy, but that doesn’t say anything about the
power of an emotional visit and an inspiration for a kid
to say, ‘Wow! They came to visit me, and I’m going to
do my best to get better because maybe someday I can
be out there with them.’ I mean, that’s huge,” said Dr.
Loh in a foundation video.
A BALLPARK GALA
After spending a year visiting hospitals and learning
more about pediatric cancer, the Poseys officially announced
their commitment to fighting the disease in
the spring of 2016. To get started, the couple joined
forces with ESPN basketball sportscaster Dick Vitale,
who has helped raised millions for The V Foundation,
an organization that has been working to find a cure for
cancer since 1993.
In September 2016, the couple hosted a gala at
AT&T Park introducing the Buster and Kristen Posey
Fund. It seemed only natural to invite Cannon and his
family to the event, and Kristen and Melissa finally met
in person.
Cannon, who was having a blast meeting the players
and running the bases on the field, had also seen other
parts of his life take a turn for the better. He had been
declared NED (no evidence of disease), but because
neuroblastoma has a tendency to come back, he continued
chemotherapy for a while afterward. On this night,
after 3½ years of treatment, he was ready to take his last
chemotherapy dose, which consisted of four pills that
he swallowed right on the field, in the company of his parents, the
Poseys, Vitale and others at the gala.
Since then, the Poseys’ foundation has raised nearly $800,000
for the cause and is still going strong. The gala provided the main
source of funds, along with Toyota’s donation of a truck and sales
of a special Giants cap designed by New Era. It features a gold
ribbon for pediatric cancer awareness, and part of the proceeds
from the cap sales support pediatric cancer research.
Cannon and his family came out to San Francisco again this
September, when the Poseys helped him celebrate his first year
without chemotherapy and other treatments.
WINNING FANS IN THE W ARDS
Both Kristen and Buster continue to make their monthly visits to
pediatric cancer wards throughout the Bay Area, where they meet
the kids, learn about their illnesses and other challenges and pass
out gifts like signed hats, blankets and T-shirts.
During their visits, the Poseys get a firsthand view of patients’
experiences battling their cancers. And naturally, when you’re a
ANDY KUNO/S.F. GIANTS