Sports Fans Smash Fundraising Goal For Late ESPN Reporter's Son

CHICAGO — Veteran ESPN reporter Jeff Dickerson, who was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, died Tuesday. He was 44.

He is survived by an 11-year-old son, Parker, whose mother died from a rare form of cancer two years ago.

By Wednesday, more than 7,500 sports fans and friends of the beloved Bears beat reporter donated more than $426,000 to a GoFundMe campaign setup by Dickerson's sister-in-law to benefit Parker. An anonymous donor also pledged to match every $1 raised for Parker with a donation of up to $60,000 to The V Foundation, where Dickerson served as a board member.

"Many people have reached out wanting to know how they can support Parker. We set up this fund to do exactly that. Please know that every dollar raised will directly support Parker’s education, health and welfare … and yes, his athletics. Parker will continue to be surrounded by many fans — doting grandparents Sandy & George, Grandma Patty, aunts, uncles and cousins," Jen Etling Hobin wrote.

"We hope this fund becomes a lasting tribute to a loving father, son, a great brother-in-law, uncle, professional, coach, colleague and friend."

Dickerson, a Buffalo Grove High School graduate who attended the University of Illinois, got his start covering the Bears for ESPN in 2001, first on radio and then online. He hosted the "Dickerson and Hood" show on ESPN 1000 and worked as a sports reporter for ABC 7, ESPN reported.

Chicago sports reporters posted tributes honoring Dickerson, who many counted as more than a colleague.

"JD was my friend, my neighbor, and my mentor — and not just as a reporter, but as a father. ... 'Unfair' doesn't even begin to describe the hand Parker has been dealt, but I assure you we are all going to continue to love him and support him," NBC Bears reporter Adam Hoge posted on Twitter. "He's Jeff and Caitlin's son, which means he already has more strength than the rest of us."

To make a donation to "Parker's Fund" click here.

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