My foundation focuses on assisting
with emotional and educational
support by helping medically
challenged children through the
Shadow Buddies Foundation, and
providing support for the
disadvantaged youth through The
Boys and Girls Club.
Through my own personal
experience, I fully understand the
importance of building a life-long
foundation for understanding,
tolerance and compassion.
Supporting Shadow Buddies
programs throughout the
communities in Kansas City and
California has had a positive impact
for both the care givers and
patients, young and old. My
Buddies are condition-specific dolls
given to seriously ill and medically
challenged children and adults to
provide educational and emotional
support.
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* The purpose of the Tony
Gonzalez Foundation is to serve
as a positive force in the lives of
individuals in need, no matter
their age, financial status, ethnic
background, physical abilities or
limitations.
Part of being a pro athlete is the responsibility of
being a role model, which I honor and accept. I take
pride in being the only NFL player to have my very
own special Shadow Buddy. Designed to be "just
like me" my Buddies are boys with medium skin
tone and come in a Kansas City Chiefs hospital
gown with my name and number 88 screened on the
back. Injuries and illnesses can happen to anyone
at anytime.  My injury in 1998, for example, helps
show children that even
professional athletes
like myself aren't
invincible.
For my senior citizen
friends, my Senior
Buddies are very special
and dear to my heart.
These Buddies have gray hair, heart-shaped eyes
and wear a big smile. My Senior Buddies touch the
lives of many residents who are not able to have
their families visit them on a regular basis. Shadow
Buddies provide comfort and compassion to the
seniors and help ease their fears and frustrations.
Shadow Buddiestm are
medically condition specific dolls designed to be a friend, "just like me".
Inspired by a young man who has endured over 35 major surgeries in his 16
years of life, the Buddies are given to seriously ill and medically
challenged children to provide educational and emotional support.
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