As a tennis player, Andrea Jaeger was a professional by the time she was 14. In spite of how much she enjoyed her victories on the court, she was inspired to achieve more. It was only natural for Ms. Jaeger, after years of dominating the tennis world, to feel a sense of obligation to give back, and she did just that. For her, it was a no-brainer when she had to choose between assisting children in need and pursuing her professional tennis career. She began her award-winning career by donating her tennis profits. After raising more than $135 million for children with cancer and those in need, Andrea Jaeger is now working to double that amount. Her goal?
Career in Humanitarianism
Ms. Jaeger has dedicated more than three decades of her life to improving the lives of children with cancer and those in need as the founder and president of the Little Star Foundation. We offer a variety of services to children and their families affected by cancer, including long-term care and financial assistance, as well as therapeutic play activities and other forms of medical help. There are many youngsters under the Little Star Foundation's care other than those diagnosed with cancer. To those whose lives were blighted by illness, Andrea Jaeger's Little Star Foundation has given them hope.
The Little Star Foundation has a direct influence on children with cancer and those in need through the following methods:.
The Jeff Crawford Scholarship is available to students who demonstrate financial need. It is named after Cindy Crawford's brother and grants financial aid to youngsters who have been admitted into approved schools and universities.
Programs in sports, the arts, recreation, and animal therapy: During a kid's treatment for cancer, the emotional and physical toll cancer treatment takes on the child and his or her family is irreparable. In a safe atmosphere, children with cancer can relive their childhood via sports, art, play, and interaction with animals, all while reaping the advantages of well tailored therapeutic programs.
Assistance with expenses: Financial worries can add to the stress of caring for a sick kid, especially if the family is already under a lot of financial strain. The Little Star Foundation helps families in need by providing life-saving, life-enhancing, and basic living financial aid.
For her part, Ms. Jaeger is committed to improving the number of possibilities for athletes to obtain mental health support.
Career in Sports
Andrea Jaeger was the world's second-ranked professional tennis player when she was barely 16 years old. By the time she was 16, Jaeger had beaten Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and every other top-ranked player in the world. Her tennis prowess is well-known, but she's even more famous for her charitable work, since she has given all of her prize money to organizations that aid children in need.
Her sports achievements include the following:
At the age of 16, he was the world's second-ranked professional tennis player.
Wimbledon semi-finalist
a former French Open quarterfinalist
The French Open Mixed Doubles Champion who was the youngest ever.
Member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Tennis Team. Won the Federation Cup and Wightman Cup with the U.S. tennis teams.
Participant in the 2019 and prior years of the Wimbledon Legends Tournament
And while Andrea Jaeger is generally recognized for her athletic talent, the humanitarian work she has done for children with cancer and those in need has been even more impressive.
Aims and Objectives
Theological studies and zoology are also among Jaeger's academic credentials. In her heart, there is a deep devotion to God, animals, and the welfare of children. With First Service: Following God's Calling and Finding Your Purpose, she encouraged people throughout the world to cultivate their own inspiring relationship with God in a spiritually uplifting book written in 2004.
Awards
Both international leaders and families in need have praised Andrea Jaeger's athletic achievements and charity endeavors. Mrs. Jaeger, known as a Champion for Children and a Voice for Children, once had Nelson Mandela come visit her and express his admiration for the work done by The Little Star.
Mrs. Jaeger's honors include:
The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award (first female recipient) honors a person who "demonstrates concern for mankind and exhibits the qualities of dedication, grace under pressure, personal sacrifice, compassion, hope, and dignity that characterize the promotion of human welfare and social reform. "
Recipients of the Jefferson Award are lauded for their unflinching dedication to the public good.
For her "uncompromising devotion, compassion, and care for our children," Mercedes Excellence Award recipient Ms. Jaeger was honored.
Athletes such as David Robinson, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Arthur Ashe were also inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame alongside Jaeger.
It was created to recognize those who have made a major impact on the lives of children.
Andrea Jaeger received the Jefferson Award of Excellence in 2001. Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Army General and Statesman Colin Powell, and entertainer Harry Belafonte have all received the prize in the past.
Citizen Athlete Henry P. Iba Award: Athletes who have excelled on the field of competition while also giving back to the community are given this distinction. In 1999, Jaeger was the recipient of the Iba Award.
This year's winner of the NYJTL Leadership Award