Texas Rangers pitcher, Jake Diekman, and his fiancée, Amanda Soltero, announced the creation of their nonprofit Gut It Out Foundation on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
The inspiration for Gut It Out comes from Diekman’s recent recovery from a surgery to treat his ulcerative colitis, with the name being a mantra of Diekman’s.
According to a news release, 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.”
“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,” Diekman said in the release. “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 and improvements to the community.”
Diekman’s surgery to treat his IBD took place in three parts, starting in January 2017. The treatment required colorectal surgeon Robert Cima, Ph.D., at Mayo Clinic to remove Diekman’s diseased large intestine and rectum, using his small intestine to create a bypass to the anus.
Diekman talked to the FWBP about his illness in April. Read about it here.
Gut It Out will support improving the quality of life for people with IBD, and will focus on education, research, pediatric care and support groups, according to the release.
The day-to-day operations of the Foundation will be managed by Diekman’s agency, the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
Gut It Out’s first fundraiser will benefit IBD research at Mayo Clinic, chosen to thank the organization for Diekman’s successful surgery and recovery. Donations will be accepted online at www.gutitoutfoundation.org.
Gut It Out T-Shirts created by Diekman and Athletes Brand will be available on Aug. 21 at www.athletesbrand.com and will benefit Diekman’s foundation.