Family establishes Angel 56 Foundation in memory of Jonathan Cote

North Delta Blue Jays alum Jonathan Cote passed away on May 29,, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Photo: Facebook

February 17, 2020

By Jonathan Hodgson

Canadian Baseball Network

The legacy of Jonathan Cote will continue to impact the lives of others walking similar paths as his in a tangible way.

Cote’s family recently announced the establishment of Angel 56 Foundation, created in honour of the former North Delta Blue Jays pitcher who passed away in 2018 from medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, at age 22.

The purpose of Angel 56 Foundation, named in reference to the jersey number that Cote wore with the Blue Jays, and later at Otero Junior College and Colorado Mesa University, is primarily to provide opportunities for young adults who have survived cancer or another life-threatening illness, to take a trip or have an experience that they would otherwise not have the means or opportunity for.

What Angel 56 Foundation aims to do for young adults, is similar in concept to the Children’s Wish Foundation, with a key distinguishing element being the target age demographic, which is 18 years of age and above.

Candice Cote, Jonathan’s mother offered this comment:

“The intention of the Angel 56 Foundation is to carry on Jonathan’s legacy. Jonathan loved baseball, but he was much more than just a baseball player; he was always there to help others,” Candice said. “I believe that young adults who have been faced with a life-threatening illness deserve and can benefit from the chance to take a trip or have a special experience.”

The foundation is currently fundraising. Additional outreach avenues for the foundation are under consideration as Jonathan’s family seeks to give back to the communities that were a large part of his life, and that he was an instrumental part of as well.

Cote’s journey was documented on the Canadian Baseball Network. Please click here to read previous stories.

The North Delta Blue Jays retired the number 56 in Cote’s honour last spring, in a pregame ceremony on opening day of the club’s 2019 BCPBL schedule last April. They also formed the Jonathan Cote North Delta Blue Jays Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded annually to the graduating Blue Jays player moving on to post-secondary education, who “meets the same high qualities and characteristics that Jonathan Cote exemplified.”