Congratulations to Jake Burger, who was named the Players Trust's Most Valuable Philanthropist for May!
The Rangers infielder was awarded a $10,000 grant in support of his work helping individuals with Down syndrome and their families through the Burger Family Foundation. The Players Trust’s MVP award will be given six times this season to Players who demonstrate an altruistic spirit and positive social impact beyond the diamond. Congrats again, Jake!
@burgatron13 an @ashlyncarmela started the Burger Family Foundation after their daughter, Penelope, was born with Down syndrome on October 25, 2024. The foundation’s mission is to provide direct financial assistance for people with Down syndrome and their families.
As the Burgers and other families celebrate Mother’s Day, Ashlyn shares this message about individuals with Down syndrome:
“They’re extremely capable individuals, and they deserve to be in every room that everybody else is in … disability is its special ability to see the world through a different lens, (with) a little bit more joy. They deserve to be there as well.’’
This is what we mean when we say Down syndrome is cool.
It’s the joy. The honesty. The way they love without holding back.
March 21 3.21 Three copies of the 21st chromosome
A day that represents something so much bigger than a diagnosis.
Today we celebrate our daughter, our why, and this entire community.
We’d love to hear from you Why is Down syndrome cool? 💙
#DownSyndromeIsCool #WorldDownSyndromeDay #Trisomy21 #CelebrateDifferences #Inclusion BurgerFamilyFoundation 321
@burgatron13 continues to embrace every community he’s in. 💙
For the second consecutive year, Burger visited A New Leaf Housing Assistance Center in Surprise and provided dinner, played games and signed autographs for the residents.
There’s still time to join us at our ‘i have a voice’ Gala this Saturday! ✨
We’re proud to present the #GenerationG Hero Award to Jake and Ashlyn Burger, whose advocacy and openness as parents of a child with Down syndrome has inspired families across the country.
Ashlyn and her family will be in attendance to accept the award.
We’re also honored to recognize Fellowes Brands as our Corporate #GenerationG Hero Award recipient, celebrating their commitment to inclusion and supporting individuals of all abilities.
Join us for this unforgettable night filled with inspiring stories, incredible guests, and celebrations that lift every voice. Secure your tickets now at our link in bio.
Today marks one year since Penelope’s heart surgery—and a year of watching strength take shape in the smallest, bravest ways.
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Penelope represents so much more than a milestone. She’s a reminder to every parent sitting in waiting rooms, every family learning to live brave, and every friend walking alongside them: you are stronger than you think.
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To the families navigating heart journeys—seen and unseen—this day is for you too. Your courage matters. Your love carries weight. And your strength ripples far beyond what you can see.
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One year strong, Penelope.
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And to every heart in this community—we’re standing with you. 🤍
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#OneYearStrong #HeartWarrior #CHDAwareness #HeartMonth #CongenitalHeartDefect DownSyndromeAwareness DsIsCool EveryAbility HeartStrong StrongerTogether CommunityOverCompetition LoveAndBelonging LittleHeartsBigStrength HeartFamilies YouAreNotAlone
Most don’t know that baseball players spend nine straight months out of the year away from “home”- Those 3 precious months that aren’t spent at a ballpark, in a hotel room, or on a plane are coveted. That time spent out of the spotlight; that time spent at “home” is invaluable. So to take time to fly here, to drive here, to take time away from their families to take time away from “home” means more to us than words can ever express. The time that all of these individuals took out of their three months to show families just like ours, that they are worthy and wanted will never go unnoticed or under appreciated. We are so grateful and so thankful for all of those that participated in The Lucky Classic.
