Sports
Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman Donates $1 Million to Children’s Hospital That Saved His Son’s Life
MLB champion and his wife Chelsea give back to the hospital where their son Maximus fought Guillain-Barré syndrome: “CHOC saved our child’s life,” says the Dodgers’ All-Star.
In a heartwarming act of gratitude and philanthropy, Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and his wife Chelsea Freeman have donated $1 million to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) — the very facility that nursed their son Maximus back to health after a terrifying medical ordeal last year.
The couple’s generous donation, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, is not just a token of appreciation, but a powerful testament to the resilience of a family and the tireless dedication of medical professionals. The Freemans’ son, Maximus, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that left him temporarily paralyzed, intubated, and dependent on machines for survival during a critical stay in CHOC’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in 2024.
According to the World Series MVP, the experience deeply moved the couple as they witnessed the harsh realities of pediatric care firsthand. “Seeing every room full in the PICU each and every day impacted Chelsea and I deeply,” Freeman shared in a statement. “Getting to know the doctors, nurses, and care teams and seeing how they show up each day to bring healing and hope to kids and their families was inspiring. CHOC saved Maximus’ life.”
The Dodgers’ first baseman, known not only for his powerful swing but also his steady leadership, had stepped away from baseball during the 2024 season to be by his son’s side. His absence was met with unwavering support — fans honored him with a standing ovation upon his return, and teammates wore warm-up gear reading #MaxStrong, symbolizing unity and support for the Freeman family.
Maximus, now 4 years old, continues his recovery journey with remarkable strength. As of March 2025, Chelsea Freeman revealed that he had regained significant reflexes in his legs and surpassed his pre-diagnosis weight. “He is 80% recovered,” she shared on social media. “Life has slowly started to feel more normal. I realize how precious health is now. It is everything.”
Freeman’s contributions to the community go far beyond the baseball diamond. Prior to this donation, the couple gave $300,000 towards wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles earlier this year and previously contributed $125,000 to local charities while Freeman was with the Atlanta Braves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two-time World Series champion remains an instrumental figure in Major League Baseball, currently leading the National League in batting average and OPS. But for many, it’s this act of compassion that solidifies his role as a hero off the field.
As the Dodgers chase yet another title, Freeman reminds us all that championship spirit isn’t just about home runs — sometimes, it’s about giving back to the places and people who helped you when it mattered most.