Chef Dave Pearson Medical Care Fund
Donation protected
Chef David Pearson’s Homecare Medical Fund
He goes by many names: Chef, David, Dave, Papa to his granddaughter Shayna. But to many athletes, managers, and other team members at Dodger Stadium, he goes by my favorite name Pops.
Chef David Pearson has been working for the Dodgers for 51 years, spreading his unflagging energy and enthusiasm with every meal. But today, as we sit in the car in front of the Stadium Club, he’s not gearing up to sprint around the bases in the kitchen. He’s taking a walk in his battle with lung cancer.
If you are lucky, you are one of the privileged people who has seen Dave in action during his 51-year tenure in the Dodger Stadium kitchen. Hopefully you got to enjoy one of his famous meals. Barring that, you may be one of the millions of fans who caught the beautifully written piece by Bill Plaschke on the cover of the Los Angeles Times sports page, or saw Dave’s TV appearance on My Grandma’s Ravioli, “A Home Run in the Kitchen. ”
Shayna and I have been lucky enough to enjoy visits with Pops to Dodger Stadium. I have fond memories of our family trips to the ballpark, but my favorite part of every game is when it is time to visit him in the Press Box dining room, where he has cooked another one of his famous meals for the press, the managers, and whichever VIPs are on hand that day. We could always count on his delicious food and his warm smile, beaming out from beneath his chef’s hat, perhaps standing beneath the sign that bears his moniker: “Dave’s Diner.” He always asks each person how they are doing and insists on an update on their children, spouse, and parents.
But on this August day, one of the hottest on record at Dodger Stadium, we were waiting for a wheelchair to arrive. After some disappointing news from the doctors that the Chemo hasn’t been working as he had hoped, Dave’s first thought on this blistering summer day was to head to the ballpark to watch the game. As soon as we got out of the car I could tell it would be a bittersweet visit. We were immediately intercepted by a fan that recognized him from the LA Times article, offering him good wishes and prayers. The lump in my throat never went away, and at the moment I’m not sure it ever will.
We went into the Press-box dining room where Vin Scully, Tommy Lasorda, Rick Monday and Charlie Steiner, and other old friends were surprised to see Pops back in his familiar domain. The joy, love, and support that poured into the room over the next hour was overwhelming. It is an hour I will never forget. Countless Dodgers employees and Dodger legends such as Fernando Venezuela lined up to greet Pops, take photos, and share their gratitude for all he has done for them. Sure, they noticed the oxygen tank that had hitched a ride with him on his wheelchair. They saw the plastic tubes draped around his ears and leading into his nose. But what stood out most was the sparkle in his eyes, a glimmer that refuses to die. They gripped his hand and feasted on the smile that still comes so naturally. This is the way life is now for Pops, but he still radiated his confidence and enthusiasm, spreading joy with every labored breath. Of course there were a few close friends who had few words, just a penetrating look and a knowing gaze, perhaps pondering the gratitude and respect that they have shared.
And then we all sat back and watched the Dodgers beat the Reds 8 to 3. We enjoyed the excitement, the camaraderie, and the good food that has always marked our visits there. But for me it wasn’t the four home runs the Dodgers hit that made the evening special. It was the chance to share a few precious moments with the man I call Pops in the place where he has always belonged.
His next phase of chemo is taking its toll. We need to make the house safe so he and his love of his life and devoted wife Sherry can continue to provide him with the home care that allows him to be comfortable. So for those of you who have been touched by Pops or want to “give one back to the team,” please consider helping Dave and Sherry with a small contribution.
· A phone call or a card
· A prayer or a good wish
· A monetary gift to help equip his home with safety features and conveniences
Shayna and I thank you for your support, and thank you Pops and Sherry for continuing to exhibit the strength, determination, and grace that have always been a hallmark of the Dodgers team.
He goes by many names: Chef, David, Dave, Papa to his granddaughter Shayna. But to many athletes, managers, and other team members at Dodger Stadium, he goes by my favorite name Pops.
Chef David Pearson has been working for the Dodgers for 51 years, spreading his unflagging energy and enthusiasm with every meal. But today, as we sit in the car in front of the Stadium Club, he’s not gearing up to sprint around the bases in the kitchen. He’s taking a walk in his battle with lung cancer.
If you are lucky, you are one of the privileged people who has seen Dave in action during his 51-year tenure in the Dodger Stadium kitchen. Hopefully you got to enjoy one of his famous meals. Barring that, you may be one of the millions of fans who caught the beautifully written piece by Bill Plaschke on the cover of the Los Angeles Times sports page, or saw Dave’s TV appearance on My Grandma’s Ravioli, “A Home Run in the Kitchen. ”
Shayna and I have been lucky enough to enjoy visits with Pops to Dodger Stadium. I have fond memories of our family trips to the ballpark, but my favorite part of every game is when it is time to visit him in the Press Box dining room, where he has cooked another one of his famous meals for the press, the managers, and whichever VIPs are on hand that day. We could always count on his delicious food and his warm smile, beaming out from beneath his chef’s hat, perhaps standing beneath the sign that bears his moniker: “Dave’s Diner.” He always asks each person how they are doing and insists on an update on their children, spouse, and parents.
But on this August day, one of the hottest on record at Dodger Stadium, we were waiting for a wheelchair to arrive. After some disappointing news from the doctors that the Chemo hasn’t been working as he had hoped, Dave’s first thought on this blistering summer day was to head to the ballpark to watch the game. As soon as we got out of the car I could tell it would be a bittersweet visit. We were immediately intercepted by a fan that recognized him from the LA Times article, offering him good wishes and prayers. The lump in my throat never went away, and at the moment I’m not sure it ever will.
We went into the Press-box dining room where Vin Scully, Tommy Lasorda, Rick Monday and Charlie Steiner, and other old friends were surprised to see Pops back in his familiar domain. The joy, love, and support that poured into the room over the next hour was overwhelming. It is an hour I will never forget. Countless Dodgers employees and Dodger legends such as Fernando Venezuela lined up to greet Pops, take photos, and share their gratitude for all he has done for them. Sure, they noticed the oxygen tank that had hitched a ride with him on his wheelchair. They saw the plastic tubes draped around his ears and leading into his nose. But what stood out most was the sparkle in his eyes, a glimmer that refuses to die. They gripped his hand and feasted on the smile that still comes so naturally. This is the way life is now for Pops, but he still radiated his confidence and enthusiasm, spreading joy with every labored breath. Of course there were a few close friends who had few words, just a penetrating look and a knowing gaze, perhaps pondering the gratitude and respect that they have shared.
And then we all sat back and watched the Dodgers beat the Reds 8 to 3. We enjoyed the excitement, the camaraderie, and the good food that has always marked our visits there. But for me it wasn’t the four home runs the Dodgers hit that made the evening special. It was the chance to share a few precious moments with the man I call Pops in the place where he has always belonged.
His next phase of chemo is taking its toll. We need to make the house safe so he and his love of his life and devoted wife Sherry can continue to provide him with the home care that allows him to be comfortable. So for those of you who have been touched by Pops or want to “give one back to the team,” please consider helping Dave and Sherry with a small contribution.
· A phone call or a card
· A prayer or a good wish
· A monetary gift to help equip his home with safety features and conveniences
Shayna and I thank you for your support, and thank you Pops and Sherry for continuing to exhibit the strength, determination, and grace that have always been a hallmark of the Dodgers team.
Organizer and beneficiary
Trisha Geyer
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Sherry & David Pearson
Beneficiary
