Jack Clark: designated hitter against leukemia.

Designated hitter Jack Clark may have a multi-million dollar career with the Boston Red Sox, and he may own the Tom "Mongoose" McEwen drag racing team, but he doesn't define himself by his career or calculate his worth on his image. "It's not fame or fortune that make you who you are--it's the love you have for your family, the respect and the appreciation of every little thing life has to offer that carry you through the rest of your life," he said.

This sense of dignity and down-to-earth perspective is apparent in many things he does, including the drag racing team he owns and directs. When he put the team together with his childhood drag racing hero Tom "Mongoose" McEwen, it was important, he said, to take care that the image represented on and off the track is of winners, of people who always give the best performance possible. "I wanted the association to be first-class, because when people see the car, it represents many things--baseball, my sponsors, my wife and children, and myself."

When Clark teamed up with Tom McEwen, he got the commitment to excellence that he required, and the Society gained a volunteer. McEwen, who lost his son Jamie to leukemia in 1978, has been as LSA volunteer for years. His efforts on behalf of the Society include visiting children in hospitals in cities where he's racing, where he gives out race car pins and photos, and a healthy dose of encouragement. "It helps boost the kids' morale," he said.

"They love talking about race cars...it helps take their minds off their problems. I enjoy seeing the smiles on their face."

McEwen believes that if 1991 technology had been available in 1978, he wouldn't have lost his son. "(Today) many of them walk away. That's why I need to do it, and to raise money."

"He makes us all realize how fortunate we are to have what we have," Clark said. "He's very down-to-earth, and a really quality person. It would be kind of hard to work so closely with him and not become involved (with the LSA); it's very important to him."

When Clark joined the Society's volunteer team, it gained a valuable spokesman. His efforts generate awareness of leukemia and related diseases, and support for patients. But just as important is his message of courage and optimism. He urges those striken with leukemia to "never give up. When things look their worst, you've got to remember that you're not the only one that feels this bad, many others in the world ...