No Giving In
I met Leland at a Boston Red Sox game when I was first doing the Gettin’ in the GameSM (GIG) events for what is now CSL Behring. GIGs were an opportunity for me to talk to kids around the country about how I was able to overcome some obstacles from having hemophilia, and play professional sports.
When I went to Boston, speaking in front of people was a new thing for me, and I didn’t know whether telling them my story was going to make any difference. After I spoke, Leland and I talked for a while. I was impressed with how strong he is, especially after the trials and tribulations he’s been through. Some time after the trip to Boston, I received something from Leland. It was a paper he had written for school about how he considered me a role model, someone he looked up to who’s been a positive influence on him. That’s one of the great things about Leland; he reaches out to other people and lets them know how he feels. He’s just a really solid human being. I put that letter with my travel planner and have brought it with me on every trip since then. It inspires me to keep going, because I knew Leland will keep going—no matter what.
When I played professional baseball, my hemophilia wasn’t a huge obstacle because it’s mild. Leland has a lot of complications with his hemophilia, yet he joined the Little League. It was great that he was determined to get out there and play and be part of the team. Right away, he had a really bad bleed. Yet he put his uniform on and went out to every single game, whether he was on crutches or in a wheelchair. At the end of the season, he was able to play, and got a big hit for the team.
That was a huge inspiration to me. Leland was obviously in pain and having a hard time with obstacles that many people can’t even imagine, but he resolved to be part of the team. That tells you a lot about what kind of kid Leland is. He’s a living example of never giving up, believing in something, and staying committed to it.
Leland’s family is one of the reasons why he is such a great kid. His mom, Jane, is an amazingly strong woman, and Leland’s whole family never hesitates to be by his side when he needs help. The family has gone through stuff that you can’t put into words, but it’s brought them closer and they’ve become stronger because of it.
Leland’s character, his demeanor, and his attitude toward life definitely reflect how he handles his hemophilia and the struggles that he’s gone through. I know very few grown men who have gone through as much as he has at his young age. Leland continues to reach out to people and go to hemophilia events, whereas a lot of other people would just curl up and give in.
There’s no “give in” for that kid: He’s all fight. I think the world of Leland, and I’ve said a million times he’s a big inspiration to me. He’s an awesome kid who is going to do great things in his life. In fact, he already has.
