When Chris Reitsma isn't throwing fastballs for the Atlanta Braves, he's busy pitching relief for chronically ill children and their families.

His Reitsma's Relievers Foundation recently launched Chris' Locker, a program to benefit young patients at the Emory Children's Center in Atlanta. The center, a not-forpro fit institution, is Georgia's largest multispecialty pediatric physicians group.

"Some of our families come from hundreds of miles away, because there isn't a pediatric specialist for their child's disease or condition near them," said Dr. Larry Greenbaum, a pediatric nephrologist.

When a child has a chronic illness or disability, it can stretch a family's budget, especially with gas prices so high, Greenbaum explained. "Chris' Locker is definitely going to give our families a boost," he said.

With funds raised from golf tournaments, silent auctions and other charitable events, Reitsma's Relievers plans to fill backpacks with parking vouchers (for clinic appointments), food vouchers for nearby restaurants, gas cards, some small toys and clothing. The group is aiming for a $100 to $200 value in each backpack.

"When these kids and families are going through so much, we wanted to make their lives a little bit easier," Reitsma said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I have had and want to give back by helping children in need. Emory Children's Center seemed like a great place to start."

The foundation hosted a silent auction for supporters to help fill Chris' Locker and held "A Night at the Ball Park" for young patients to meet the ballplayer last month.

"Life has thrown these children a curveball in the form of a debilitating disease, but we want to create some hope so that they can achieve their own dreams," Reitsma said.

Greenbaum said that the locker full of toys would be a welcome addition to his visits with young patients. He juggles at the beginning of visits to break the ice with patients.

"I love working with kids and if you can get them relaxed in the beginning, you can get a true blood pressure reading," he said. Greenbaum called Reitsma's support "fantastic," and he looks forward to having the locker as a resource.

"It sets such a great example when people who can, do something," he said. "For some patients whose families are struggling with medical costs, they may not have gotten a toy in a year. It's going to make a difference."