(NewsNation) — An emotional postgame interview has brought Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Pete Fairbanks and his worthy cause to national consciousness.
Fairbanks and his wife, Lydia, lost their infant daughter after 19 weeks and six days gestation due to Turner Syndrome, a disorder caused by a missing chromosome that almost always results in miscarriage.
Since then, they’ve turned their heartbreak into a healing mission by partnering with the Turner Syndrome Foundation, spreading awareness about the condition which affects roughly one in every 2,000 women.
After Turner Syndrome Foundation Day at Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field, Fairbanks grew emotional when asked about his departed daughter postgame Sunday.
When asked by reporter Tricia Whitaker if he could feel Ellis’ presence while on the mound, Fairbanks said; “Definitely felt a piece [of her] out there. So you know, I’ll take that.”
Following his interview going viral, donations to their fundraiser in honor of Ellis toward the Turner Syndrome Foundation poured in.
Bids for the experience of building Lego with Fairbanks also skyrocketed, with the winner paying $1,505. Net proceeds go the Turner Syndrome Foundation (TSF).
“Strikeouts for Ellis” shirts are also available, with the TSF benefitting from sales.
Fairbanks’ wife, Lydia spoke to NewsNation about the outpouring of emotion and donations in the aftermath.
“I’m so happy how it turned out and obviously after Peter’s interview, it was amazing seeing the auction bids go way up and just see everyone’s support coming from all around,” Lydia Fairbanks said.
“So many of the shirt sizes sold out and we’re working on restocking and so we’re kind of still dealing with some of the chaos now but obviously all good things. So yeah, it was just amazing to see it come full circle.”