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2011 New York Yankees HOPE Week Kicks Off

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - The New York Yankees have kicked off their annual HOPE Week activities.

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The curtain went up at the Brooks Atkinson Threatre on Monday and the jaws dropped on the mouths of the members of Daniel's Music Foundation, which provides free music instruction to people with disabilities.

Four of the Yankees were standing before them, including Nick Swisher.

"To be able to come here and to help these kids out, even if it's for one day, even for half an hour, just to come out here, put a smile on somebody's face, let them know, 'Hey, we got some people thinking about you.' It's just an amazing feeling for all of us," said Swisher.

Lifelong Yankees fan Daniel Trush, the foundation's namesake, suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm when he was 12-years-old.

"It was totally amazing to think that the Yankees would take the time out of their busy schedules to come to our little foundation," Trush told WCBS 880 reporter Kelly Waldron.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli had an impromptu jam session with Braulio Thorne, a member of Daniel's Music Foundation, on drums.

"I'm happy. I like to see people happy and then, you know, music for me, it moves everything," said Cervelli.

"Actually, I had an idea that some special guests were coming, but I had no idea that it was going to be the Yankees," said Trush.

Also there were Yankees Hector Noesi and Chris Dickerson.

HOPE stands for Helping Others Persevere & Excel.

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