Jake Diekman Creates Gut It Out Foundation to Benefit IBD Community
(Photo Credit: Kelly Gavin, Texas Rangers)
Texas Rangers pitcher, Jake Diekman, and his fiancée, Amanda Soltero, are proud to announce the creation of “Gut It Out Foundation,” a nonprofit organization with the mission to connect patients and caregivers through education and inspiration in order to strengthen relationships and resources in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community.
The organization’s name is inspired by Diekman’s mantra: ‘Gut It Out’, which he embodied as he recently recovered from a three-part surgery to treat his ulcerative colitis.
“I opened up about living with ulcerative colitis over two years ago and I never imagined the impact that it would have on my life,” said Diekman. “I’ve learned how powerful it is to bring people together, online and in person, to talk about the good and the bad of IBD. I will continue to do that through the Foundation and I know it can be a catalyst for solutions or improvements to the community.”
Managed by Diekman’s agency, Beverly Hills Sports Council (BHSC), the Foundation will support organizations and efforts dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in the IBD community, focusing on education, research, pediatric care and support groups.
For its inaugural fundraiser, the Gut It Out Foundation will accept online donations at www.gutitoutfoundation.org to benefit IBD research at Mayo Clinic. Diekman chose the Mayo Clinic to thank the organization for playing a major role in the success of his J-pouch surgery, recovery and upcoming return to the mound.
Over three surgeries starting in January 2017, Mayo Clinic colorectal surgeon Dr. Robert Cima removed Diekman’s diseased large intestine and rectum and used his small intestine to create a bypass to the anus. Few professional athletes have dealt with a similar surgery; the most notable athlete case is former San Diego Chargers kicker Rolf Benirschke in 1979.
In addition, the Foundation will benefit from the third design of the ‘Gut It Out’ t-shirt co-created by Jake Diekman and Athletes Brand, which will launch on August 21, 2017 on www.athletesbrand.com.
About Jake Diekman
Jake Diekman is a left-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, who most recently played an important role as a relief pitcher during the Rangers’ 2016 postseason run. In 2014, Jake became just the third reliever in Philadelphia Phillies’ history to strike out 100 batters in a season. Originally from Wymore, Nebraska, Diekman was drafted out of Cloud Community College in the 2007 MLB Draft. Off the field, Jake is known for being a vocal advocate for IBD patients. He is active on Twitter (@JakeDiekman), Instagram (@JakeDiekman41) and Facebook (@OfficialJakeDiekman).
About Gut It Out Foundation
Gut It Out Foundation, Inc. (“Gut It Out”) is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players’ Philanthropy Fund (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178), a Maryland charitable trust recognized by the IRS with federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3). Contributions to Gut It Out are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Founded in August 2017 by Jake Diekman and his fiancée, Amanda Soltero, the Foundation’s mission is to connect patients and caregivers through education and inspiration in order to strengthen relationships and resources in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community. The day-to-day operations of the Foundation will be managed by Beverly Hills Sports Council (BHSC). For more information, please visit www.gutitoutfoundation.org or connect on Facebook (@gutitoutfoundation) and Instagram (@gutitout).
