BREAKING NEWS: Chicago Cubs Star Ian Happ and Wife Julie Mazur Donate $1 Million to Southern California Children’s Hospital That Once Saved His Life

Los Angeles, CA — Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ and his wife, Julie Mazur, have announced a $1 million donation to a Southern California children’s hospital that holds a deeply personal place in the couple’s hearts. The hospital, which treated Happ for a life-threatening illness when he was a toddler, is now the recipient of a gift aimed at saving countless other young lives.

The donation, revealed during a press event at the hospital on Wednesday morning, will fund critical pediatric care programs, state-of-the-art equipment, and family support services. For Happ, the moment was about far more than money—it was about honoring the place that gave him a second chance at life.

A Return to Where It All Began

As he stepped into the hospital where he once lay in intensive care more than two decades ago, Happ appeared both reflective and emotional. Now 30 and a key figure on the Cubs roster, he credits the hospital’s care team for helping shape the life he now leads.

“I wouldn’t be here today—on the field or anywhere—if it weren’t for this hospital and the people in it,” Happ said during his remarks. “They gave my family hope when things felt hopeless. They gave me life. Julie and I knew that we had to come full circle and give something back.”

Julie Mazur, who married Happ in 2023, said she had heard stories from Ian’s parents for years about the fight for his survival as a young child.

“It’s one thing to hear about it. But being here, seeing the space, meeting some of the people carrying on that legacy—it’s overwhelming,” she said. “This gift is about giving other families the same chance Ian had.”

From Hospital Gown to Big-League Uniform

Happ’s journey from a pediatric hospital bed to MLB stardom is the kind of story that transcends sports. Diagnosed with a severe respiratory condition at just two years old, he spent several weeks in critical care, surrounded by a medical team who fought tirelessly to stabilize his condition.

“The doctors told my parents they didn’t know what would happen,” Happ said quietly. “But they never gave up on me. That’s something I’ve carried with me every day of my life.”

Fast-forward three decades, and Happ is not only a Gold Glove winner and an All-Star outfielder, but a community-minded leader in the sport. Known for his thoughtful activism and charitable work—including environmental causes and animal welfare—this donation marks his most personal contribution to date.

A Gift That Will Save Lives

Hospital officials expressed profound gratitude for the Happ family’s generosity, noting that the donation will have both immediate and long-term impact. The funds will go toward expanding pediatric ICU capacity, acquiring advanced diagnostic equipment, and building out a new family support wing to provide on-site housing, counseling, and holistic care resources for parents and siblings.

“This is not just a donation—it’s a legacy,” said Dr. Angela Kim, Chief of Pediatric Medicine at the hospital. “Ian’s story of survival and success is a powerful symbol for every child and family who walks through our doors. His gift ensures that we can offer the same hope and healing to many more.”

Full Circle

While the Freemans and Freemans have often been in headlines for generous donations tied to personal causes, Ian Happ’s gesture underscores the deep roots athletes often have in the institutions that shaped them before fame.

During the event, Happ visited the pediatric wing and spent time with young patients currently undergoing treatment. One moment, in particular, stood out—when he handed a signed Cubs hat to a five-year-old boy recovering from pneumonia.

“I was you once,” Happ told him with a smile. “You’re stronger than you think.”

More Than Baseball

As the 2025 MLB season continues, Happ remains a cornerstone of the Cubs’ lineup and a fan favorite not just for his play, but for his heart. And now, with this donation, he and Julie are setting an example of how athletes can use their platform to create real, lasting change.

“There’s so much more to life than baseball,” Happ said. “But baseball gave me the voice and the opportunity to do this. If we can be a part of another child’s survival story, that’s a win greater than any we’ll have on the field.”