Those familiar with major league sports will recognize the name Dave Dravecky, a standout pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in the 1980s. During his seventh year as a pitcher with Major League Baseball, however, a cancerous desmoid tumor was discovered in Dave’s pitching arm. The next few years were a whirlwind of surgeries, radiation, pain and depression, all in the glaring light of the media. Eventually, Dave’s arm was amputated to stop the spread of the cancer and save his life. Through it all, Dave Dravecky’s faith in God provided the anchor he needed in the midst of the storm.
In 1991 Dave Dravecky and his wife Jan founded the Outreach of Hopeministry in response to the thousands of letters and requests they received from hurting people encouraged by the Draveckys’ faith. The mission of the ministry is to offer comfort, encouragement and hope through Jesus Christ to those who suffer from cancer, amputation or serious illness. The mission is accomplished by offering prayer support, referral services and resources for those who are suffering and their families.
Dave and Jan Dravecky are also the best selling authors of eight inspirational books as well as the publishers of The Encourager, a national magazine that addresses the emotional and spiritual aspects of suffering. Along with Joni Eareckson Tada, the Draveckys were general editors of The Encouragement Bible, a specialty version of the NIV Bible. In addition, Dave has co-authored two books on baseball, Play Balland Called Up.