Who We Are: Our Story and Our Commitment
The Rookie of the Year Foundation was established in 2023 by Curt and Dominica Flaitz after their youngest child, Rookie, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) just before his second birthday. The foundation is dedicated to shortening the treatment timeline for pediatric leukemia, ensuring that every child has the chance to celebrate each and every birthday happy & healthy.
The Flaitz family, always active and thriving, faced an unimaginable challenge when their youngest, Rookie, fell ill. Moving from city to city, they had always embraced life fully—until a single morning changed everything.
One morning, Rookie woke up with unusual symptoms. A trip to the hospital revealed a diagnosis that no family is prepared for: leukemia. This devastating news struck like a bolt from the blue, reshaping their lives in an instant.
Faced with adversity, the Flaitz family chose to fight back, channeling their energy and love for Rookie into creating the Rookie of the Year Foundation. Their mission: to help other families navigate the challenges of pediatric leukemia and to ensure every child can look forward to their next birthday.
The Flaitz family, always active and thriving, faced an unimaginable challenge when their youngest, Rookie, fell ill. Moving from city to city, they had always embraced life fully—until a single morning changed everything.
One morning, Rookie woke up with unusual symptoms. A trip to the hospital revealed a diagnosis that no family is prepared for: leukemia. This devastating news struck like a bolt from the blue, reshaping their lives in an instant.
Faced with adversity, the Flaitz family chose to fight back, channeling their energy and love for Rookie into creating the Rookie of the Year Foundation. Their mission: to help other families navigate the challenges of pediatric leukemia and to ensure every child can look forward to their next birthday.