The Tyler Foundation is grateful for the support of Ogasawara sensyu, MVP player for the Yomiuri Giants. We are thankful for his generosity both in visiting with the children in the hospital and in providing donations to the Shine On! House From the Heart Campaign. Ogasawara sensyu helped cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Shine On! House in June, 2009. The children were all smiles as they were given gifts of toys made out of Ogasawara sensyu’s old bats. He joined them in a treasure hunt that day too! Below read Ogasawara sensyu’s message.
Me and the Tyler Foundation
I visited NCCHD at the first time on the day, very hot summer, 2008. I was impressed by the work done by Kimberly and other Tyler Foundation staff. Above all, I remember I was encouraged by the smile of children who welcomed me. I would like to support by what I can do, even if it is a little for everyone to Shine On!
Michihiro Ogasawara, Yomiuri Giants
Below are photos of Ogasawara sensyu’s visits to the hospital at the request of the Tyler Foundation.
- Visit in August, 2008
- Visit in November, 2008
Regarding Ogasawara sensyu’s support, president of the Tyler Foundation, Kimberly Forsythe commented,
“Ogasawara sensyu has been absolutely great. So sensitive, so completely understanding of what we’re trying to do, and so very selfless."
The Tyler Foundation is making effort for better activities by his support.
Thank you very much, Ogasawara sensyu!
Shine On! House Officially Opens with Special Guest,
Yomiuri Giants Ogasawara
On June 23, 2009 the Tyler Foundation celebrated the official opening of the Shine On! House with a visit from MVP Ogasawara-senshu of the Yomiuri Giants. There was a ribbon cutting by Ogasawara, Kim Forsythe, Executive Director of the Tyler Foundation, and, of course, the children! There were also gifts from Ogasawara made from his old bats, and a treasure hunt game with Ogasawara and the children. Patients, their siblings and parents joined the fun! The Shine On! House – a complete support facility for kids with cancer and their families - has been a year in the making. We are so very grateful for Mr. Ogasawara, our sponsors, donors and volunteers for making this dream a reality!
To learn more about the Shine On! House click here.
To see press coverage of the event in Japanese click here.
Ogasawara Honored with the Golden Spirit Award
The Tyler Foundation is very pleased to announce that Michihiro Ogasawara, first base MVP player for the Yomiuri Giants, has been honored with the Golden Spirit Award for his giving spirit and contributions to the Tyler Foundation. The Golden Spirit Award was established by The Hochi Shinbun eleven years ago to recognize the community activities of individuals involved in Japanese professional baseball. Modeled after the Roberto Clemente Award for Major League Baseball, the Golden Spirit Award can be thought of as an “outside stadium MVP” award!
Ogasawara, who is one of biggest individual supporters of the Tyler Foundation, received the “Golden Spirit Award,” for activities such as his visits to the National Childhood Cancer and Health Development (NCCHD) where he brings smiles and gifts to the pediatric cancer ward and for his generous donations of Shine On! House needs such as a washing machine. Ogasawara’s recognition because of his great effort and support for Tyler Foundation was a thrill for us.
We give a heart-felt congratulations and thank you to Ogasawara on his Golden Spirit Award.
Click here for Webpage of Yomiuri Kyojin about this ceremony.(Japanese only)