At 14 years old, Andrea Jaeger became a professional tennis player. While she loved the time she spent winning on the court, she felt driven to do something more. After years of taking the tennis world by storm, Ms. Jaeger felt a calling to give back—and immediately began putting her money where her mouth was. When she was forced to make the choice between helping children in need or furthering her professional tennis career, helping children won. Donating her tennis earnings started her award-winning ways. Today, Andrea Jaeger has raised more than $135 million to support children living with cancer and children in need and is working to double that amount.
Humanitarian Career As the Founder and President of the Little Star Foundation, Ms. Jaeger has spent more than 36 years working to provide a better life for children with cancer and children in need. The Foundation provides pediatric cancer patients, their families, and their communities with long-term care, financial assistance, therapeutic play programs, medical support, education, and outreach care programs. The Little Star Foundation also provides support to children who are living with difficult life circumstances other than a cancer diagnosis. Andrea Jaeger's work in creating Little Star Foundation has provided hope to children facing unimaginable obstacles. Some of the ways the Little Star Foundation directly impacts children with cancer and others in need include: ●
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Jeff Crawford Scholarship: Named in memory of the brother of supermodel Cindy Crawford, the Jeff Crawford Scholarship provides financial support to children with cancer who have been accepted to accredited colleges and universities. Sports, Arts, Play, and Animal Therapy Programs: Cancer takes an irreversible toll on children and their families, and experiential therapy can support a child's emotional and physical journey through cancer treatment. Through sports, art, play, and interaction with animals in a safe environment, children with cancer get to remember what it's like to simply be a kid, all while reaping the benefits of carefully designed therapeutic programs. Financial Assistance: For many families, financial concerns create additional stress during a time when they need to fully focus on their child's well-being and treatment. The Little Star Foundation provides life-saving, life-enhancing, and basic living financial aid to families in need.
In addition to her work helping children with cancer and children in need, Ms. Jaeger is also dedicated to increasing the opportunities available for athletes to receive mental health support.
Athletic Career At just 16 years old, Andrea Jaeger was the #2-ranked professional tennis player in the world. Jaeger defeated Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and every other #1-ranked player by the time she was 16. While she's widely known for her prowess on the tennis court, she's even more renowned for her commitment to giving back, as she's donated all of her prize money to helping children in need.
Ms. Jaeger's athletic accomplishments include: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
#2 ranked professional tennis player in the world at the record-breaking age of 16 Finalist at Wimbledon Finalist at the French Open Youngest winner of the French Open Mixed Doubles Member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Tennis Team Member of winning U.S. Federation Cup and U.S. Wightman Cup Teams Wimbledon Legends participant 2019 and previous years
While Andrea Jaeger is widely known for her athletic prowess, she's accomplished even more in the humanitarian sector, working tirelessly to help children with cancer and children in need.
Education and Publications Jaeger also has a degree in Ministry Training and Theology and has studied zoology. Her love of God, animals, and helping children has been lifelong. In 2004 she wrote a spiritually uplifting book, First Service: Following God's Calling and Finding Life's Purpose, encouraging readers around the world to have their own inspiring relationship with God.
Awards Andrea Jaeger's athletic career and charitable work have both been highly celebrated both by world leaders and families in need. Known as both a Champion for Children and a Voice for Children, Ms. Jaeger once personally received a visit from Nelson Mandela to congratulate her on the work The Little Star had done to help children. Ms. Jaeger's awards include: ●
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The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award (first female recipient): The Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award recognizes a person who "demonstrates concern for mankind and exhibits the qualities of dedication, grace under pressure, personal sacrifice, compassion, hope, and dignity that characterize the promotion of human welfare and social reform." The Jefferson Award: Recipients are recognized for their unwavering commitment to public service. Mercedes Excellence Award: Ms. Jaeger received the honor for her "uncompromising devotion, compassion, and care for our children." Induction into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame: Jaeger took her place in the Hall of Fame along with other athlete-humanitarian phenoms, including David Robinson, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Arthur Ashe. Ronald McDonald House Charity Award of Excellence: Created to honor those who have made a significant difference in the lives of children. Jefferson Award of Excellence honored Andrea Jaeger in 2001. Past award recipients include former First Lady Barbara Bush, U.S. Army General, and Statesman Colin Powell, and performer Harry Belafonte.
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Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award: This recognition honors athletes who have both made significant athletic achievements and have shown a high level of commitment to charity. Jaeger was the Iba Award winner in 1999. NYJTL Leadership Award 2019 winner