In a remarkable act of generosity and hometown pride, Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ and his wife, Julie Mazur, have made headlines across the nation by donating $1 million to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The donation, which was officially announced this morning during a press conference held on the hospital campus, will support pediatric cancer research, family support programs, and upgraded patient care facilities in one of the Midwest’s leading children’s hospitals.
Ian Happ, a fan favorite and longtime fixture of the Cubs organization, took the stage alongside his wife and hospital administrators to share why this cause hits so close to home. The couple, who have spent years working quietly behind the scenes with various community programs, said the donation is about creating long-lasting, positive impact where it’s needed most.
“We are incredibly grateful for everything Chicago has given to us—not just professionally, but personally,” said Happ, as reporters gathered. “This city is our home. Julie and I wanted to do something that could make a real difference for the families and children who rely on this hospital every single day.”
Julie Mazur, a public health advocate and former healthcare researcher, also spoke, adding, “It’s not just about writing a check. It’s about making sure kids have access to the best care possible, and that families never feel like they’re facing the fight alone. We hope this donation helps ease that burden, even just a little.”
The donation comes at a crucial time. Lurie Children’s Hospital recently launched a $200 million fundraising initiative to expand its cancer treatment and research facilities. Happ and Mazur’s contribution marks the largest single donation from a professional athlete in the hospital’s history and is already inspiring others within the Cubs organization and beyond to step up.
Team President Jed Hoyer praised Happ during a pregame media availability. “Ian’s leadership on the field is one thing. But what he and Julie have done today is something much bigger. They’ve used their platform in the most meaningful way possible—to help others. That’s what being a Cub is all about.”
Teammates and fans alike have flooded social media with messages of admiration and support. And while Happ’s clutch home runs and highlight-reel catches have earned him accolades throughout his career, today’s headline belongs to something far more powerful than anything that happens on the diamond.
This donation reflects a legacy far greater than stats or trophies. It’s a legacy rooted in compassion, empathy, and responsibility—values that Ian Happ and Julie Mazur are now championing in the most tangible way. It’s no wonder that Chicago is calling this one of the most inspiring stories in recent sports memory.
For families facing the hardest moments of their lives, this gift is more than a number. It’s hope. And in Chicago, hope has always had a home—whether at Wrigley Field or within the walls of a children’s hospital. Thanks to the Happs, that home just got a little stronger.