featured-image

Pelicans Graphic Designer Leo Freeman Presented NBA Values of the Game Award

January 20, 2015

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Pelicans graphic designer Leo Freeman was presented the annual NBA Values of the Game Award on Monday, Jan. 11 at the league’s annual sales and marketing meetings in Miami, Fla.

The award is given annually by the NBA to an individual from one team who truly exemplifies the values of the league. Candidates are nominated by each team with the winner being selected by a panel of league office executives. The NBA recognizes that the values of our game, including teamwork, sacrifice, discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship are worthy of broad application beyond our sport, and work diligently to promote their adoption.

Nominated by his co-workers, Freeman is known for his positive attitude and would be best described as happy, relaxed, faithful and incredibly optimistic. He works passionately and patiently with all members of the team to deliver design concepts that truly convey the goal of each department or sponsor. It is only when you learn his story, which he rarely shares, that you appreciate how incredible this is.

Freeman started with the team in 2006, the same year he married his wife, Audrey. While on their honeymoon, Audrey started displaying strange symptoms which quickly evolved. After many doctors’ visits, tests and misdiagnoses, she was finally delivered the devastating news that she suffered from a very rare autoimmune disorder known as Devic’s Disease, which has left Audrey unable to walk or see. Very few realize that before he ever arrives at work, Leo’s day has started with getting his wife out of bed, bathing her, getting her dressed and feeding her. The Freemans have no family locally to assist, but are able to manage with limited caregiver service during the week and several volunteers from their church that stop in to check on her. When he leaves work, Freeman takes care of the home, as well as cooks all of the couples’ meals.

It wasn’t until his wife suggested starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an experimental treatment that the word spread. Initially created to see if this was a sign on the direction they should take with Audrey’s treatment, they were hopeful after eight or nine months they would be close to their modest $12,000 goal. Little did they know, their story would spread and touch many - the Pelicans and Saints staffs have come together and already raised nearly $11,000.

“We are very proud to have one of our Pelicans employees be recognized by the NBA, especially a long-time, hard-working staff member like Leo,” said President Dennis Lauscha. “Leo truly embodies all of the characteristics that the league looks for in awarding the NBA Values of the Game recognition. We are also happy to have the opportunity to support Leo as we know the challenges he and Audrey face on a daily basis. Their optimism is inspiring for everyone in our organization and throughout the NBA community.”

“Being presented with the NBA Vales of the Game Award was quite an honor, and I would like to thank the NBA board of executive and team management for making this opportunity possible. I have had a tremendous amount of support from so many people throughout the years that has made it easier to be the best possible caregiver and husband to my wife,” Freeman said. “I would like to thank all the volunteers that have helped with everything from doing my wife’s hair and reading to her, and our wonderful church family that's always there when we need them. I’m also thankful for my co-workers and management team that have been sensitive and gracious to our situation throughout the years, for my mother-in-law who has been a special strength in difficult times, for all the prayers and encouragement from extended family and friends and for my lovely wife who’s positive attitude, winning smile and relentless faith in God has been my example and strength.”

Freeman will also be recognized at an upcoming Pelicans home game. For more information on Leo and Audrey’s journey and Devic’s Disease, visit https://www.gofundme.com/hr5ri0.