Through my own personal experience, I fully understand the importance of building a life-long foundation for understanding, tolerance and compassion. Supporting Shadow Buddies programs throughout the communities in Kansas City and California has had a positive impact for both the care givers and patients, young and old. My Buddies are condition-specific dolls given to seriously ill and medically challenged children and adults to provide educational and emotional support.

The purpose of the Tony Gonzalez Foundation is to serve as a positive force in the lives of individuals in need, no matter their age, financial status, ethnic background, physical abilities or limitations.

Part of being a pro athlete is the responsibility of being a role model, which I honor and accept. I take pride in being the only NFL player to have my very own special Shadow Buddy. Designed to be "just like me" my Buddies are boys with medium skin tone and come in a Kansas City Chiefs hospital gown with my name and number 88 screened on the back. Injuries and illnesses can happen to anyone at anytime. My injury in 1998, for example, helps show children that even professional athletes like myself aren't invincible.

For my senior citizen friends, my Senior Buddies are very special and dear to my heart. These Buddies have gray hair, heart-shaped eyes and wear a big smile. My Senior Buddies touch the lives of many residents who are not able to have their families visit them on a regular basis. Shadow Buddies provide comfort and compassion to the seniors and help ease their fears and frustrations.

Shadow Buddies ^tm are medically condition specific dolls designed to be a friend, "just like me". Inspired by a young man who has endured over 35 major surgeries in his 16 years of life, the Buddies are given to seriously ill and medically challenged children to provide educational and emotional support.