Jonathan Papelbon might not have been the ideal player to have in the Phillies' clubhouse during their current rebuild.
The controversy that he brought both on and off the field caused Philadelphia fans to dislike the closer, even though he became the franchise's all-time saves leader this season.
The 11-year veteran's latest act however, which is most definitely filled with kindness, should not be ignored.
According to Washington Nationals' on-field reporter for MASN broadcasts, Dan Kolko, Papelbon and his family have donated $50,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to support his former teammate and pitching coach with the Boston Red Sox, Jon Lester and John Farrell, as well as others.
Jonathan Papelbon has donated $50,000 to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The gift will honor Jon Lester, Boston manager John Farrell & others.
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) September 18, 2015
In September 2006, Lester was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, otherwise known as lymph node cancer.
Three months later, the southpaw was pronounced cancer-free by doctors after undergoing four courses of chemotherapy.
Last month, Red Sox manager John Farrell announced that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphoma, and that he would subsequently 'leave the team immediately to undergo treatment'.
On their website, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society displays the following as their mission statement:
"The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. We are the voice for all blood cancer patients and we work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients."
Papelbon, 34, was traded to the Nationals on July 28 in exchange for minor leaguer Nick Pivetta.
To Jonathan, his wife Ashley, and the rest of his family: thank you.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
