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Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, have donated $1 million to Southern California Children’s Hospital, where his son was treated for several weeks in 2024.
Freeman is giving $1 million to Orange County Children’s Hospital, a medical facility where his son Maximus has recovered from a severe case of Gillan-Balle syndrome.
Maximus was admitted last summer to treat rare autoimmune disorders, including spending more than a week in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit.
Freddie Freeman admits applause from plate fans after returning to the lineup after missing the game with his son and his family, who were hospitalized in the first innings at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on August 5, 2024. (Getty Images)
He was intubated, put on a ventilator, suffered from temporary paralysis almost throughout his body, and was forced to relearn how to walk essentially.
In a statement provided to ESPN, Freeman said that the family’s regular trips to PICU had lasting impact on him and his wife.
“Looking at every room on Pik every day, Chelsea and I had a deep impact. I knew doctors, nurses, care teams, and saw how they appeared every day to bring healing and hope to our children and their families,” Freeman said. “Choc Saved Maximus’ Life.”
A two-time World Series champion and eight-time MLB All-Star, Freeman missed several games in the middle of the 2024 season to be with his family during his son’s recovery. The team allowed him to miss as much time as needed, he was greeted by the fans with a standing ovation from the fans, and his teammates wore official warm-up gear that reads #maxstrong.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman wears the “#maxstrong” T-shirt before playing a regular season game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on August 5, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Getty Images)
Freeman’s raucous 2024 MLB season ultimately led to his second World Series championship, and was named the most valuable player in the World Series.
Meanwhile, Maximus is back for repairs. In March, Chelsea Freeman provided an update on his recovery, announcing that the now 4-year-old had regained reflexes in both his legs and feet, exceeding his pre-diagnosis weight.
Los Angeles Dodgers base-handed Freddie Freeman watches with his wife, Chelsea and his sons at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 18, 2022, before an MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Getty Images)
“He’s recovering 80%,” Chelsea said after the test that March. “I can’t express my gratitude for these improvements… Life slowly and normally. I now realize how precious health is. That’s what it’s all about. If you’re a parent with special needs, I don’t have any words about how unbelievable you are.”
Freddie and Chelsea Freeman have Max’s twin brothers, Brandon, and his older brother Charlie, as well as two other sons.
Freddie Freeman continues to be a leader on and off the Dodgers’ field. He currently boasts the top batting average and OPS in the National League, and is one of the key offensive engines for the 32-21 Defending World Series champions.
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