Uri Berenguer
1995 MAX Fellow
Patrick F. Gavin School (now closed), Boston, MA
In 1995, Uri courageously shared his story as a cancer survivor. The MAXCourage experience propelled him to become a spokesperson for the Jimmy Fund—and in some ways, shaped his future career. At our 25th Anniversary Gala, Uri shared:
“I now understand how much my teacher Ms. Ward’s persistence for me to share my story has influenced my life. After reluctantly writing my essay, I never looked at my situation the same. That essay jump-started my career. I went on to become somewhat of a spokesperson for the Jimmy Fund and the battle against cancer. Newspaper articles, TV and radio appearances, and many speaking engagements followed. I continued my education at Boston Latin Academy and then Northeastern University. I’ve ran the Boston Marathon on three separate occasions, raising money for the Dana-Farber. I became the youngest broadcaster in Major League Baseball. I’ve hosted local, national, and international talk shows. I’ve broadcasted three Red Sox world series championships, and just completed my 15th season as the Spanish voice of the Boston Red Sox.”
Today, Uri continues to provide play-by-play commentary for the Boston Red Sox Spanish Beisbol Network.
Read more about Uri at https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/18/sports/othersports/a-mothers-stubbornness-provides-a-reason-to-run.html
Uri’s Essay
Maureen Ward, Teacher
Patrick F. Gavin School
“I try to keep on with my life. I think this is my courage.”
I think I have had courage from about the age of four. That was when I had to come to the United States with my mother. I came without knowing any English. I didn’t even know enough English to say “hi”. I came to the United States to be treated for bone cancer. I would often see my mother cry because of my illness. I didn’t understand this. For eight years now, I have been here receiving treatments. I’ve seen plenty of kids suffer and even die in the same hospital where I go. I am not one of them, yet. I did have to pass lots of hard times in the hospital but I keep on fighting for my life. Now I am 13 years old and I’m in remission. I play baseball, soccer and basketball. I even get into fights sometimes. I try to keep on with my life. I think this is my courage.