Elephant Rumblings: Hendu’s legacy of charity and service thrives

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Melissa Lockard at The Athletic put out an incredible piece about former A’s outfielder Dave Henderson, and how Hendu’s family is carrying forward his legacy of joy and kindness through the Always Having Fun Foundation (AHFF), which was founded in 2017, two years after Henderson’s untimely death at the age of 57.

AHFF raises money to fund research for a cure for a rare nervous disorder known as Angelman Syndrome. It affects about half a million people worldwide, including Dave’s eldest son, Chase, who has the same winning smile that his dad is remembered for.

Hendu devoted his life to caring for Chase after he was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome as a child in 1989, and the two became “inseparable” after Dave retired in 1994.

“They were best buds,” according to Hendu’s youngest son, Trent.

Hendu raised money for various organizations in the Angelman Syndrome community. The family hosted a golf tournament to support the cause for over a decade, and the event was revived as Hendu’s Golf Classic after the founding of AHFF.

The tournament’s proceeds are passed on to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), which funds research and works to raise awareness of the need for a cure.

If you’re in the need for a feel-good story to kick off your weekend, definitely check out Lockard’s full piece at The Athletic. There’s much more on the family’s efforts to support fast, and Hendu’s sons share some cherished memories of their dad, as both a player and a father.

Have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Polito: Dodgers take the series finale over Athletics 8-2 in Los Angeles
• Willis: Athletics recall Jonah Bride, select contract of Zach Neal
• Lockard: ‘It’s definitely left a mark on us’: Dave Henderson’s legacy lives on in his family’s foundation ($)

MLB News & Interest:

• Rosecrans and Stavenhagen: MLB post-deadline divisional reset: Which teams are now favorites for the stretch run? ($)
• Rosenthal: No winners after Tigers’ Eduardo Rodriguez blocked trade to the Dodgers ($)
• Sarris: Which teams added the most at the MLB trade deadline — by the numbers ($)
• McDonald and Franco: Yankees Place Domingo Germán On Restricted List Due To Alcohol Abuse
• McDonald: Yankees Place Anthony Rizzo On IL With Post-Concussion Syndrome
• McDonald: Twins Select Dallas Keuchel, Place Joe Ryan On IL
• Adams: Luke Voit Opts Out Of Mets Deal, Becomes Free Agent
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