The David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation


DONATE
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Our Sponsors
  • Our Impact
    • Immediate Impact
    • Patient Support
  • Events
    • Complementary Healing
    • Giants’ Strike Out Fear Day
    • Golf Tournament 2017
    • Golf Tournament 2016
    • Golf Tournament 2015
    • 2014 4th Annual Golf Tournament
    • Golf Tournament 2012
    • Golf Tournament 2011
  • Blog and News
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
    • Strike Out Fear in the News
    • Press
  • Resources
    • From Fear to Hope
    • Support a Loved One
    • Prepare for Treatment
    • Cancer Information
    • Complementary Care
    • Financial and Insurance
  • Contact

Our Story

“You desire to know the art of living my friend?
It is contained in one phrase: make use of suffering.”

~ Henri Frederic Amiel

our-story-1
David and Will Clark, Circa 1986

For over 30 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of running a TV camera next to a big league dugout. It’s been my passion, my pride, my art, and my craft. And, I’ve learned from every one of my colleagues, in uniform and not, that anything is possible when we come together as a team. The challenges we face as individuals – not just from our opponents, but from our own internal doubts and fears – become surmountable when we know we are not alone.

These lessons came home to me in November, 2010, when I was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. I got the news just 24 hours after the San Francisco Giants, the team I’ve worked closely with for 30 seasons, held a parade celebrating their World Series championship. In one day, my world turned from glowing color to flat black and white.

 

 

Our story Photo
Giants’ third base coach Tim Flannery with David in the dugout at AT&T Park

I was facing a deadly disease, under a paralyzing shadow cast by fear. I dreaded the agonizing chemo and radiation treatments. I feared losing the physical strength I had taken for granted. I worried about my ability to work and care for my loved ones. At one of my lowest points, I made a promise to God that if I were to survive, I would make a difference in the lives of people fighting cancer. The more time I spent in the cancer clinic – feeling my own fear, and that of other patients whose lives hung in the balance – my new teammates – the more I understood the contribution I could make.

If we could support each other to overcome fear and keep hope alive, we would increase our chances of winning against all odds. Inspired by the great teams and true champions I’ve come to know over the last 30 years, I created a Foundation with a mission to nurture hope and healing in people affected by cancer and, most importantly, to let them know they are not alone.

In tribute to the Giants’ 2010 team that battled through constant adversity to achieve the sweetest of victories, the Foundation was originally called The David Benzer Torture Cancer Foundation. As the organization grew, and our mission and goals developed, we realized that our name did not truly convey our purpose. In 2015, we became The David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation – because our aim is not simply to beat back the disease, but to address the fear and doubt that immobilize patients, holding them back from facing cancer with a positive, empowered attitude.

 

Download

SPONSORS

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors. Please patronize these businesses and let them know how much their generosity means to the Foundation.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT

Make an Immediate Impact in the life of a person fighting cancer by making a donation to the Strike Out Fear Foundation.

EVENTS

Join us for events throughout the year both in person and online. Find information on our annual golf tournament and fundraising activities.

RESOURCES

Find information on the non-medical support required to navigate a diagnosis of cancer and links to cancer information, and patient support.

Copyright © 2023 The David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation, Inc.

A 501(3)(c) non-profit public charity

 

The David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation
info@strikeoutfear.org
650 704-3868