Boston Children Hospital Praises Tim and Stacy Wakefield
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MLB player Tim Wakefield’s widow, Stacy Wakefield, continued to give back to the community even as she fought her own battle with the disease.
According to the Associated Press, the Wakefields, along with their daughter Brianna, 18, made an annual Christmas visit to Boston’s Dana Farber Children’s Hospital to bring gifts to children battling cancer. (Stacy and Tim also had two children, Trevor, 20, and Brianna.)
"After Tim passed away, both Stacy and Brianna still wanted to celebrate Christmas," Lisa Scherber, the director of patient and family programs at Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, shared with AP on Thursday, February 29. Despite her initial doubts, Scherber agreed to see how it would go. To her surprise, the second week of December, Stacy and Brianna texted her asking if they could come in. They arrived at the Jimmy Fund Clinic with gifts for everyone.
Scherber observed that during a difficult time in her treatment, Stacy stayed in the background and allowed Brianna to take the lead.
Scherber spoke highly of Brianna, describing her as compassionate, caring, and gentle with the kids. He mentioned that although Brianna had experience in this field from her upbringing, this was the first time she was doing it independently, without her parents. After the event, Scherber noticed Stacy beaming with pride. He emphasized that Stacy understood the significance of Brianna's involvement and worked hard to facilitate it.
According to Scherber, Stacy's legacy revolves around her dedication to serving others.
"She always prioritized others," she said. "Her own happiness took a backseat to everyone else's. Stacy and Tim were a dynamic duo, always putting their hearts into everything they did. Their joy was infectious."
The Wakefield family announced on Wednesday, February 28, that Stacy had passed away after fighting cancer.
We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Stacy has passed away at her home in Massachusetts. Surrounded by family, friends, caretakers, and nurses, Stacy’s loss is truly unimaginable after saying goodbye to Tim just five months ago. Stacy will always be remembered as a strong, loving, thoughtful, and kind individual who was as down-to-earth as they come. We feel incredibly grateful to have had her in our lives, and find comfort in knowing she will be reunited with Tim, her true love.
The Wakefields would like to express their gratitude to Stacy’s doctors, nurses, and caretakers for their support and care during this difficult time.
We are deeply thankful for your incredible care and support. Your well wishes during these past months have meant the world to us. We kindly ask for some privacy as we navigate through this difficult time of loss.
Tim and Stacy chose to keep their health struggles private before their passing. However, Tim's ex-teammate Curt Schilling shared in September 2023, without their consent, that Tim had been fighting brain cancer and Stacy was battling pancreatic cancer.
After Schilling faced criticism for disclosing the Wakefields' personal issue, the Boston Red Sox released a statement on behalf of Tim and Stacy, requesting privacy for the family as they deal with an undisclosed illness.
In the subsequent month, Tim, who had been a pitcher for the Red Sox for 17 years, passed away at the age of 57.
The Red Sox expressed their deep sadness at the passing of Tim Wakefield in October 2023. They praised Wakefield for embodying goodness as a dedicated husband, father, teammate, broadcaster, and community leader. He made significant contributions to the game and the Red Sox Nation. The team extended their love and sympathy to Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family.
Tim and Stacy, who got married in 2002, leave behind their two children.
Editor's P/S:
The story of Stacy and Tim Wakefield is a testament to the power of love and giving back. Despite facing their own battles with cancer, they continued to spread joy and support to children fighting the same disease. Stacy's dedication to serving others, even during her own difficult time, is truly inspiring. Her legacy will live on through her daughter, Brianna, who has inherited her parents' compassionate spirit.
The Wakefield family's journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength in our loved ones and make a positive impact on the world. Their story is a celebration of life, family, and the human spirit.