The Chandler Foundation Courage Awards
The Foundation recognized and honored athletes who have been inspirational in facing the challenges of cancer.
The Bob Chandler Courage Award, depicting two hands catching a heart was designed and fabricated by Carlson & Company, Los Angeles, CA.
To jumpstart its beginning to serve as a memorial to those who continue to fight against cancer, the Foundation recognized and honored three athletes who were inspirational in facing the challenges of cancer. The Bob Chandler Courage Award, depicting two hands catching a heart, was presented to Rod Carew in 1997, Eric Davis in 1998, and to Scott Hamilton in 1999.
Rod Carew
Rod Carew, in his illustrious 19 year career in major league baseball with the California Angels and Minnesota Twins, was selected to 18 All Star teams and was the all-time All Star vote leader. He was named the American League’s Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, and in 1991, was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame. In 1996, Carew’s youngest daughter, Michelle, lost her battle to fight leukemia. Together they had inspired the prayers of a nation and made millions of people aware of the need for organ donors.
Eric Davis
Eric Davis, began his major league baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds, setting many National league records and voted the most valuable player twice. At 35 years of age, he returned to to the Baltimore Oriole’s lineup in September of 1996 after undergoing surgery for colon cancer the previous June. While still receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments, Davis played the final weeks of the regular season and was heroic in the American League championship series, the fifth game of which was highlighted by his game winning home run. From the moment he was diagnosed, Davis maintained a positive attitude and actively raised money for cancer research and organizing fundraisers for John Hopkins Hospital and UCLA.
Scott Hamilton
Scott Hamilton, a world-class championship figure skater, won the Olympic gold medal in 1984, held World Champion titles in 1981, 1982, and 1984, and was the U.S. National Champion in 1981, 1982, and 1983. He was a headliner for Ice Capades, Festival of Ice, and many other live and telecast performances during his twelve year professional skating career. He was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as well as the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Hamilton demonstrated courage and enormous generosity in sharing his struggle with testicular cancer with the public in order to educator and inform. By witnessing his fortitude and determination, he reminded us of what we can all accomplish with the right attitude and focus. Over the years, Hamilton has dedicated much of his time to numerous humanitarian endeavors.