During the summer of 1998, Joel Stephens was battling colon cancer after being diagnosed the year before. The 22-year-old Baltimore Orioles minor league baseball player had received extensive treatment and his cancer was in remission when he made a courageous attempt to return to baseball that summer with the Frederick Keys. His goal was to get one more professional at-bat with the local team at Harry Grove Stadium. While he was building his strength to reach his goal, after several weeks, Joel’s cancer returned. The Elmira, N.Y. native died on September 30, 1998.
Less than two years later, the Frederick Keys honored Joel’s memory by establishing a fund with The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Now called The Frederick Keys Care Fund, it provides financial support to Frederick County youth programs with preference given to those serving youth with disabilities, youth who have serious or terminal illness, and youth who are coping with the loss of a loved one.
Joel’s love for children, particularly those with health-related issues, disabilities, difficult home situations, or suffering a loss, inspired the establishment of the memorial fund. His courage, character, and commitment to community service were admired by the Keys organization and those traits are reflected in how the fund helps local organizations today.
In this last year, the fund has provided grants to several organizations including Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County, YMCA of Frederick County, Blessings in a Backpack, Crossed Bridges and Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP). This fund has distributed close to $140,000 in grants since it was created.
Joel Stephens’ courage, spirit, honesty, and integrity have made a lasting impression on the Frederick Keys organization and those who knew him. While his life ended too soon, the fund that honors his memory will have a positive impact on the lives of youth and young adults in Frederick County for generations to come.
This article was originally published on Jan. 17, 2020 and was updated in 2024 to include current grant information.