Jeter being a class act

by BriGuy27 on Oct 27, 2009 11:35 AM EDT

Read this in the NY News today:

Little Jeter Villacis, the 16-month-old heart transplant patient named after the Yankees captain, will finally leave Montefiore Medical Center after two months in intensive care.

After reading about little Jeter in the Daily News, the shortstop sent him a Yankee care package with a heartfelt note of encouragement.

"Life is a daily challenge, some more challenging than others, but you are a true star for giving it your all and I strongly admire your strength and courage," Jeter wrote.

Along with the letter was a Yankees backpack stuffed full of goodies like a Yanks doll, team clothes, hats and a book.

The slugger also thanked little Jeter and his parents for supporting the team.

"It means a lot to me to have a strong supporting cast," he wrote. "You should know that I support and encourage you and your positive efforts as well."

Little Jeter's parents, Robert Villacis, 35, and Vanessa Franco, 23, handed the gifts to their little boy, which put a smile on the brave kid's face.

"We are very thankful that Jeter took time to write a letter and send us gifts," said Robert Villacis. "I did not expect this. I wish Jeter more luck in baseball so that he can continue helping children."

Little Jeter underwent a nine-hour surgery two weeks ago to replace his failing heart. His parents had feared the worst when doctors diagnosed the boy with a dangerously enlarged heart during a routine checkup in August.

He was admitted to Montefiore right away and has been there since. His surgeon, Dr. Samuel Weinstein, said yesterday the boy should make a complete recovery.

The dad lost his construction job during the two-month ordeal and moved his wife and 2-year-old son to a family shelter in the Bronx while he looks for work.

"It's a little nerve-racking, but I know we will be back on track," he said.

"Right now, what matters is that Jeter is getting better and that the other Jeter cares.

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Comments

Silly Derek

Doesn’t he know 16 month old babies can’t read? How’s the kid going to read his letter? And a book, no less?

OK, I am kidding. But the first thing I thought when I read this post was, maybe DJ should have sent the family some of his mega-millions to get by on while they’re living in a shelter, instead of a Yankees doll… Just saying…

by waw on Oct 27, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

I know you were kidding, but I LOL'd when I read ur comment.

Jeter=C.L.A.S.S

Champion
Likable or Lovable
American
Sports
Superstar

Tada!!!!! Corny,but it fits him….whaddaya want from me? LOL

------It's October,winning is what the Yankees do........let's just do it already

by ReggieARodJeter on Oct 27, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

jeter is the classy person, not just baseball player, in america

that was really a nice thing of jeter to do and im sure most althetes wouldnt do this. and it really annoys me that people say jeter isnt classy and the yankees arent, jeter is a class act in everything he does.

"Yes we lost and yes we are upset. But like all Champs we will bounce back."
Osi umenyiora

by donnybaseball23 on Oct 27, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

This is why

I love Derek Jeter. When he retires I may go into mourning. When you look at sports stars like TO and A-rod (till this year) and compare them to El capitan you realize what a great guy he is. He is the new Iron horse (no disrespect to Lou), a guy who goes out and does his job without any ridiculousness. He may be a tad short on Defense but anyone who criticizes him should be ready to feel the full wrath of all of Yankees country.

"Son, Nobody is half as good as Mickey Mantle"

by ntrokel on Oct 27, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions