Keeper of The Game launches “Justin’s Love” programming

The Keeper of The Game Foundation is proud to launch “Justin’s Love” programming to provide financial assistance for medically fragile children who become hospitalized. The initiative is in honor of Justin Nelson, who lost a courageous battle with several ailments at the age of 20 in September of 2022.

Justin’s Love will also be known as “J12” programming because Justin’s favorite number was 12 and the official logo is in his favorite color, maroon.

Justin was a huge baseball fan and was introduced to Keeper of The Game in the summer of 2022 at Sugar Land Space Cowboys game where he met Keeper of The Game Founder James Vilade. Thanks to Ryan Vilade, who was in town playing for the Albuquerque Isotopes at the time, Justin was treated to some new merchandise in the team shop. He later received some Keeper gear.

“As our foundation moves forward to embrace the needs of those who need us most, it is an honor to announce Justin’s Love,” James Vilade said. “The goal of J12 is to provide financial support for the families as they fight with their loved ones to return home.”

The first family to receive support from J12 is the Carlton family (Lionel, Kimberly, Tyson, Toby and Tanyon). Tanyon, who is also known as Tan Tan Superman and has been a Keeper athlete since the foundation’s first day in 2014, has been battling illnesses in and out of the hospital for the past year.

“J12 was inspired from the loving memory of Justin and the continued fight of Tanyon,” Vilade added. “We stand proud to embrace our medically fragile brothers and sisters. Thank you to the Nelson and Carlton families for allowing us to stand by your side. We are a strong team together – Justin’s Love forever.”

Justin’s parents, Jason and Kim, know the impact J12 will have on countless families.

“Typical hospitalizations for medically fragile children tend to be longer than anyone can plan,” Jason Nelson said. “Being familiar with extra costs associated with hospital stays, Justin’s Love will help offset that financial burden by supplying funds to help with meals, parking and other extra expenses that are not covered by insurance or other means. This initiative reflects the heart of Keeper of The Game – using baseball to reach the community and engage special needs families.”

To make a contribution to Justin’s Love programming, please click here.