Lindsay Dennis to Celebrate Home Run For Life Saturday with OKC Dodgers

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS conclude the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Lindsay Dennis, who sustained severe head and spinal cord injuries in a May 2016 car accident.

Dennis broke vertebrae at the top of her neck – an injury many people are unable to survive – and also suffered broken vertebrae in her middle back, fractured her ribs, endured swelling on her brain and experienced paralysis in her lower body.

She returned to teaching this month, about 15 months after her accident. Dennis currently relies on a wheelchair for mobility, but took her first steps after the accident this spring and continues her recovery thanks to the care she receives at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

Lindsay Dennis and her family were traveling from Moore to Shawnee in celebration after the last day of the school year in May 2016.

Dennis had recently accepted a teaching position in Shawnee and wanted to purchase a T-shirt from her new school and show her family where she would be working the following school year.

But her family of four never made it to Shawnee that day. The Dennis family minivan was stopped in traffic on the interstate when they were rear-ended by another vehicle traveling approximately 70 miles per hour.

The accident sent Dennis, her husband Daniel and their two young sons Parker and Noah to the hospital. Dennis remained in the hospital from May 20 until early June. The first time she regained consciousness after the accident was June 3. She awoke in a brace that enveloped her body in rigid plastic from her head to her waist and she learned her lower body was paralyzed.

She had to relearn how to do everything from sitting up to getting dressed. She also had to learn how to swallow, eat and drink once again.

When Dennis arrived at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center in June 2016, she was wearing the immobilizing brace over the top half of her body, had a tube in her stomach, faint voice and was completely dependent on others for her care.

“Being at Jim Thorpe they had so many resources and so many people that all you had to do was ask,” Dennis said. “I think they’ve seen just about everything. They really made it seem not so overwhelming because you could get lost in all of the feelings that you have to go through to get through something like this. They make it manageable.”

She stayed at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation as an inpatient through July 2016 and has since returned on a regular basis as an outpatient. The first time she took a step after her accident was in March 2017.

“I try not to let it get to me so much, but it was the first time ever at the end of therapy that I broke down in tears – and they were happy tears,” she said. “When all of this happened, you think it’s not going to be a possibility, and then it was a good possibility.”

Her focus recently has been on resuming her career and working full time as a high school English and journalism teacher – something she has been looking forward to for more than a year. She returned to the classroom earlier this month.

“It has been an interesting journey to say the least,” Dennis said. “You learn to appreciate a lot of small things that you really take for granted in the long run. You can focus all on the negative and all on the bad, but we’ve had a lot of blessings and a lot of amazing people and opportunities like this, that it makes you see the good in people.”

To read Dennis’ full story, visit okcdodgers.com.

The Dodgers open their final homestand of the 2017 regular season tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday featuring $2 soda, water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products. The series against Omaha continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday with Hometown Heroes Military Celebration Night presented by RSM and Folds of Honor. Fireworks presented by Francis Tuttle are scheduled to follow the game.

Watch Lindsay Dennis complete her “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Omaha. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Cody Bellinger T-shirt. The OKC Disc Dogs will also perform and fans will have the opportunity to bid on game-used, game-worn autographed OKC Dodgers memorabilia during the Clubhouse Collectibles silent auction presented by The Oklahoman. Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game against Omaha falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday.

The homestand then continues with a four-game series against the New Orleans Baby Cakes beginning at 7:05 p.m. Monday. The regular season concludes at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 against New Orleans on a $2 Thursday and special Throwback Thursday. Oklahoma City will take the field in Oklahoma City 89ers gear and the players’ and coaches’ jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation.

A very limited number of tickets remain for Friday and Saturday nights, but tickets for all of the other remaining home games of the regular season are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-1000, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

ACES TO HOST FAYE ELLIOT IN SAINT MARY’S “HOME RUN FOR LIFE” CEREMONY

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will host Saint Mary’s “Home Run for Life” ceremony for Faye Elliot, who was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the United States. The ceremony will occur on Friday, August 18 when the Aces take on the Sacramento River Cats at 7:05 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field.

After days of finding it difficult to breathe, Elliott was admitted into Saint Mary’s when it was discovered she had pneumonia followed by a diagnosis of COPD, a chronic disease that causes constriction of the airways. Weeks later, Elliot suffered a heart attack and her Saint Mary’s Cardiology providers inserted a stent to aid in healing.

Though there is no cure for the chronic illness, Elliot wants everyone to know that though the diagnosis has made her life different, life has not stopped; rather, it has shifted gears. She has quit smoking, and now practices yoga, a positive attitude, and breathing techniques to try to not be limited by the need of her oxygen tank.

Elliot explained, “You are only limited by what you decide you are going to do. It takes work and determination but it pays off in the end. I improve every day and I won’t stop at just a little improvement; I will keep working at being the best I can be.”

Since 2014, the Aces and Saint Mary’s have been partnered to showcase the “Home Run for Life” program. Once a month, a brave individual in the Northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. The ceremony tells the story of a battle against adversity. Individuals honored have overcome or are fighting a significant medical event in their life with the help of Saint Mary’s personnel.

Elliot will round the bases commemorating her “Home Run for Life” in the middle of the second inning Friday night. The Aces and River Cats players and staff will be lined up along each baseline to greet Elliot as she makes her way toward home plate while her story of adversity and triumph is publicly announced to the stadium crowd.

Greater Nevada Field gates open at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, August 18. Tickets are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club all season long on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Carter McNabb to Celebrate His Anthem Home Run for Life on August 16

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host eight-year old Carter McNabb during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Carter’s Story

When Carter McNabb was born, doctors and nurses commented on how “perfect” he was. However, when Carter was only seven days old, things changed. The hospital ran some routine tests and quickly diagnosed Carter with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. An inherited condition, it affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, the secretions become thick and sticky, which can prevent the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients, and can cause breathing issues.

Carter was hospitalized for the first time at 14 months of age. He spent 19 days in the hospital due to a severe bacterial infection. Since then, he’s been in and out of the hospital every six months on average due to other complications. Carter has a daily routine that includes taking more than 20 pills, receiving breathing treatments, and wearing a special vest that vibrates to help break up any thick mucus in his lungs.

Carter has a form of cystic fibrosis that still allows him to participate in many of the activities he enjoys. He loves playing basketball, baseball, swimming, and hanging out with his friends. From the outside, you would never know that Carter has breathing and digestive challenges.

Carter is now eight years old and will be in second grade at Whittier Elementary in the fall. He doesn’t allow cystic fibrosis to hold him back even though it’s not always easy. Carter has big dreams. “One day, I’d like to be a paleontologist,” Carter said. “I’m really into dinosaurs. They are cool!”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Carter’s life, including his parents Josh and Trista, siblings Kaden and Alana, Dr. Mueller, and his entire medical support team. Please join us in cheering on Carter as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on August 16.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Brian Elliot Jr. to Celebrate His Anthem Home Runs for Life on August 2

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year old Brian Elliot Jr. during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, August 2, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Brian’s Story

From the moment Brian was born, he had difficulties digesting formula. His pediatrician was concerned he wasn’t getting the appropriate nutrition he needed to thrive. The hospital ran some routine tests and quickly diagnosed Brian with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. An inherited condition, it affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, the secretions become thick and sticky, which can prevent the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients, among other things.

When Brian was younger, he was in the hospital for severe complications a few times. Four years ago, Brian had a surgical procedure to provide him with a feeding tube that helps his digestive issues. Since then, he has done well gaining weight and receiving adequate nutrition. In addition, Brian has a daily routine that includes breathing treatments and a special vest he wears that vibrates to assist in breaking up any thick mucus in his lungs.

Brian has a form of cystic fibrosis that allows him to participate in many of the activities he loves. He loves gym class at school and playing baseball like his favorite team, the Cincinnati Reds. From the outside, you would never know that Brian has breathing and digestive challenges.

Brian is now 13 years old and will be in eighth grade at Urbana Junior High in the fall. He doesn’t allow cystic fibrosis to keep him down. “It’s scary sometimes, but I never give up and keep fighting. It doesn’t hold me back,” Brian said. One day, Brian would like to be a police officer so he can help better his community.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Brian’s life, including his parents Kenny and Melissa, siblings Dylan and Madalene, Dr. Wolf, and his entire medical support team. Please join us in cheering on Brian as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on August 2.dayton dragons

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Erik Macke to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS continue the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Friday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Erik Macke, who was involved in a high-speed motorcycle accident that led to a fractured spine, partial paralysis and amputation of his lower left leg.

Originally expected to be confined to a wheelchair, Macke, now 23, has mastered driving, began walking with a prosthetic and arm crutches and also started a successful leathercrafting business.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

Motorcycles were always part of Macke’s life and he started taking long distance trips across the country at age 18.

He was recently married with a daughter on the way in July 2015 when a motorcycle ride changed his life. Macke was involved in an accident and taken to the hospital with a fractured spine and severe damage to his left leg.

He underwent surgery to fuse his spine and his leg had to be amputated above the knee. He remained in the intensive care unit for one week before being moved to Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center for three weeks of inpatient therapy.

Due to his spinal cord injury, Macke lost all function from his waist down for about six months. He required the assistance of two people to get in and out of bed and to his wheelchair. He also needed assistance sitting up and completing routine daily activities.

Macke worked hard to build his upper body strength and sitting balance and left his first stay at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation as a wheelchair user in August 2015. Macke continued his hard work, learning how to drive with adaptive hand controls and mastering other daily tasks through numerous hours of outpatient therapy.

A year later, Macke returned to Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation for three weeks to begin inpatient prosthetic therapy. With a new prosthetic leg and the use of forearm crutches, Macke learned to stand and walk.

“Getting to stand tall again was one of the greatest feelings,” Macke said.

Macke said he had a great experience with the staff and care he received at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation and now works as a peer mentor there, encouraging young spinal cord injury patients.

“I feel very blessed and thankful for my recovery so far,” Macke said. “I believe a positive mind helps with positive healing. Life’s too short to not be happy all the time. We all have problems going on in life, but if everyone takes a minute and thinks about all the blessings around them then you realize there is nothing to worry about.”

His daughter is now 1 1/2 years old and he and his wife Emily are expecting a baby boy in October.

During his recovery, Macke started a business called Macke Leatherworks and now works fulltime as a leathersmith crafting various leather products such as wallets, belts, purses, keychains and more, selling them both locally and online.

“Leather work was an escape for me through some of the worst times in my recovery,” Macke said. “It has been a great success so far and I can’t thank my customers enough for that.”

To read Macke’s full story, visit okcdodgers.com.

Watch Erik Macke complete his “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Friday’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Reno Aces at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans through the gates receive an OKC Dodgers blanket presented by New Amsterdam. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game presented by Francis Tuttle.

The Dodgers continue their current eight-game homestand tonight at 7:05 against Reno. The teams meet again at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda, water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

The Dodgers remain at home through Tuesday, Aug. 1, including a four-game series against the Tacoma Rainiers starting at 7:05 p.m. Saturday in Bricktown.

For tickets or additional information, please call (405) 218-1000, go online to okcdodgers.com or visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

ACES TO HOST BABY JAYLIN IN ST. MARY’S “HOME RUN FOR LIFE” CEREMONY

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will host Saint Mary’s “Home Run for Life” ceremony, featuring Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, director of Saint Mary’s Urgent Care, and her newborn baby daughter Jaylin, who was born with a rare heart defect. The ceremony will occur on Friday, June 23 when the Aces take on the Tacoma Rainiers at 7:05 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field.

Since 2014, the Aces and Saint Mary’s have been partnered to showcase the “Home Run for Life” program. Once a month, a brave individual in the Northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. The ceremony tells the story of a battle against adversity. Individuals honored have overcome or are battling a significant medical event in their life with the help of St. Mary’s personnel.

Anxious for the arrival of a new baby girl to her family, Dr. Curry-Winchell assumed she would be born without any health-related issues, just like her first child. However, shortly after delivery, newborn baby Jaylin received the diagnosis of a rare heart defect that is essentially a “door” between her right to left atrium.

Hearing ‘your daughter has a heart defect’ isn’t something that Dr. Curry-Winchell expected to hear after delivering her second child. Jaylin’s cardiac defect was initially found due to a standard recommendation to evaluate for cardiac disease based on Dr. Curry-Winchell’s history of lupus and a clotting disorder.

A recent follow-up appointment revealed that the defect is still present in Jaylin, which will require additional monitoring. Despite Jaylin’s current condition, life still operates as normal as possible for Dr. Curry-Winchell and her family. She highly advocates individuals to know their family history and obtain health screens based on that information. Because of Jaylin’s diagnosis, she plans to raise both her children to know what it means to be heart-healthy.

Dr. Curry-Winchell and Baby Jaylin will round the bases commemorating her “Home Run for Life” in the middle of the second inning Friday night. The Reno Aces and Tacoma Rainiers players and staff will be lined up along each baseline to greet both of them as they make their way toward home plate while her story of is publicly announced to the stadium crowd.

Greater Nevada Field gates open at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Tickets are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club all season long on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Staci Johnson to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Saturday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS continue the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Staci Johnson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 36.

Johnson was proactive in her treatment after discovering an unusual lump in early 2016, and embraced positivity throughout her treatment at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute and INTEGRIS Comprehensive Breast Center.

The Bethany resident is now in remission, back to work and enjoying her time with her husband Mike and sons Hunter, 9, and Wyatt, 5, with a fresh perspective.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

In January 2016, Johnson noticed an unusual lump after exiting the shower. She made an appointment with her physician, but didn’t give it much thought otherwise as she had no history of breast cancer in her family.

An ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy followed in the coming weeks at the INTEGRIS Comprehensive Breast Center, and in February 2016, Johnson was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.

She allowed herself to be distraught for the next two days, but then decided that to beat this, she needed to keep a positive mimndset throughout the coming months.

“For the most part I didn’t let it get me down. I was very positive,” she said. “I had that initial couple of days, but then I just thought: ‘Nope we’re going to get this taken care of.'”

She started her first chemotherapy treatment March 10, 2016 at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute and had eight rounds of chemotherapy total that lasted into July.

“They didn’t waste any time which is a blessing because they just took over,” Johnson said. “Your brain is muddled. There is so much information being fed to you that you just kind of follow the path and I knew I was in good hands.”

Her first four rounds of chemotherapy were strong and came every two weeks. She started to lose her hair before her second treatment and asked her husband to help shave her head. The last four rounds of chemo came every three weeks.

Exhaustion, aches and pains followed each round. She would go in for chemo on Thursdays and return to work on Tuesdays. Some days were more difficult than others.

She had surgery in September and then radiation treatments in November and December. She received the encouraging news that she was in remission in the fall of 2016.

Throughout her treatments, appointments and recovery, positivity and support enveloped her.

Johnson said the staff at INTEGRIS Cancer Institute became part of her family because of the encouragement and outstanding care they offered.

Her friends and family offered other forms of support, bringing food to her family, helping with shopping and assisting in keeping her sons’ lives as normal as possible through it all.

“It’s just so amazing that when you need it, there is so much compassion,” Johnson said.

Her illness initially forced her to slow down. But slowing down also brought her a new perspective and is a practice she continues today.

“Just being willing to say no and making certain things the priority and cherishing the moments you do have,” Johnson said. “That was my big thing. Those things you do pick to do with your friends and family, just cherishing them because life is so short.”

To read Johnson’s full story, visit okcdodgers.com. Watch Staci Johnson complete her “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers open a seven-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. Friday and fireworks are scheduled to follow the game. The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday’s 6:05 p.m. game falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday filled with family-oriented activities, including pregame player autographs and kids can run the bases after the game.

The homestand continues with a four-game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers starting at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. A Field Trip Day game follows at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, June 14.

Thursday, June 15’s 7:05 p.m. game against Omaha falls on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda, water and beer from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the homestand finale that starts at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 16 against Omaha.

For tickets or additional information, please call (405) 218-1000, go online to okcdodgers.com or visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Antonio and Sydnei Copher Celebrate their Anthem Home Runs for Life on June 14

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 14-year-old Antonio Copher and his 13-year old sister Sydnei for an Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 14-year-old Antonio Copher and his 13-year old sister Sydnei for an Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 14, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Antonio and Sydnei’s Story

Antonio Copher is in the eighth grade, and his sister Sydnei is in the seventh grade at East Dayton Christian School. Both Copher children are very artistic and have big dreams for the future. Antonio is active in choir and plays piano. He’d like to work for a tech company in the future or pursue a career in music. Sydnei loves dance, theatre, and playing the violin, and wants to be an anesthesiologist. Staying active is important for them, but it isn’t always easy. Both Copher children were diagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells (which are normally round and flexible) are sticky, hard, and shaped like crescent moons. Some of the complications associated with sickle cell may include chronic pain, susceptibility to infection, organ damage, and stroke.

Because of sickle cell, the Copher children grew up with a chronic achy feeling, mostly in their backs. They took medication every day for the pain but still had to make visits to the hospital when it became unbearable.

Sickle cell is a lifelong disease, but Antonio, Sydnei, and their family are diligent about managing their condition. They don’t make trips to the hospital nearly as much anymore, and most of their treatment can be done either at home or at the doctor’s office.

Today, Antonio and Sydnei continue to stay active, eat right, drink plenty of water, and pay close attention to what their bodies tell them. Their parents have taught them how to take ownership of their treatment and learn how to cope with their condition. “You have to fight through the worst days to get to the best days,” Sydnei explained. Antonio said, “I don’t think of myself as being different…Things happen for a reason, and you should work to prepare yourself for the future – or even the next few minutes.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Antonio and Sydnei’s lives, including their parents Antonio Sr. and Synthia and their specialist Dr. Dole. Please join us in cheering them on as they complete their Anthem Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 14.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

ACES TO HOST “HOME RUN FOR LIFE” CEREMONY JUNE 2

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces will host Saint Mary’s “Home Run for Life” ceremony, featuring Jamie Jost, who battled breast cancer, on Friday, June 2 when the Aces take on the Las Vegas 51s at 7:05 p.m. at Greater Nevada Field.

Since 2014, the Aces and Saint Mary’s have been partnered to showcase the “Home Run for Life” program. Once a month, a brave individual in the Northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the base lines. The ceremony symbolizes the end of a battle against adversity. Individuals honored had overcome a significant medical event in their life with the help of St. Mary’s personnel.

Jost received her recommended screening mammogram at the age of 40, and that is when her doctor noticed some suspicious areas in her right breast. Just one month after her 40th birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After 17 weeks of dose-dense chemotherapy and radiation treatment started earlier this week, Jost is proud to share she currently has no cancer in her body.

She received her care from breast radiologist Dr. Chivonne Harrigal of Saint Mary’s and they urge women to get screened because Mammography Saves Lives.

Jost will round the bases commemorating her “Home Run for Life” in the middle of the second inning Friday night. The Reno Aces and Las Vegas 51s players and staff will be lined up along each base line to greet Jost as she makes her way toward home plate while her story of adversity and triumph is publicly announced to the stadium crowd.

Greater Nevada Field gates open at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, June 2. Tickets are on-sale now at www.renoaces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. Follow the club all season long on Twitter (@Aces) or like the team on Facebook.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Alex Hilgeford Celebrates Home Run for Life May 31

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 14-year-old Alex Hilgeford during the unique Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m., when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Cubs at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region who are battling serious medical conditions with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each honoree gets to take a lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd cheers them on.

Alex’s Story

Alex Hilgeford is an active 8th grader at St. Helen’s Catholic School. He spends his time camping, fishing, and hunting. His favorite passion is wheelchair basketball. While he sounds like a typical kid, Alex’s journey to this point has been far from typical.

In January of 2002, Alex was born with some unusual physical features. He had webbing behind both knees, a club foot, a cleft palate, and his tongue was attached to the roof of his mouth.

Alex immediately underwent testing in the neonatal intensive care unit so doctors could plan the next steps in his care. Because his symptoms were so rare, it took nearly eighteen months before Alex could be officially diagnosed with Popliteal Pterygium (Pop-la-teal Ter-ridge-e-um) syndrome.

Popliteal Pterygium syndrome is a very rare condition that affects the development of the skin and face. Individuals like Alex who have Popliteal Pterygium syndrome could be born with a host of issues such as a cleft lip, a cleft palate, and webs of skin behind their knees.

After diagnosis, Alex faced more than a dozen surgeries. The first surgery came when Alex was only three days old and continued until he was nine.

Following those surgeries, Alex still faced issues using his right leg. Dr. Albert told Alex and his family that amputating his leg and fitting him with a prosthetic was a good option to increase Alex’s mobility. So, at the age of 7, Alex made the incredibly courageous decision to go through with the amputation.

Alex’s decision has been the right choice for him, allowing him to lead an active lifestyle. He loves playing wheelchair basketball and hopes to make the 2024 Paralympics. For the past three years, he has joined the Amputee Coalition at Camp Joy, a camp that helps kids with limb loss and limb indifference enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. He’s looking forward to the day when he can give back to the camp by volunteering as a camp counselor.

“I want kids to understand that whatever your situation, it’s not going to last forever,” Alex said. “You will come out okay on the other side. This isn’t the end of the road…It’s just a bump along the way.”

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Alex’s life, including his parents Mindy and Drew, his siblings Eric and Kate, all extended family, Dr. Albert, and his entire medical team. Please join us in cheering on Alex as he completes his Anthem Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 31.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Brandi Rutherford to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS continue the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Friday, May 12 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Brandi Rutherford, who received a life-saving heart transplant at the age of 32.

Rutherford was in dire health in the spring of 2015 and on a waiting list for a heart transplant. Thanks to the generous spirit of a young Oklahoma Army National Guardsman named Teddy Keys, and the care she received at the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Baptist Medical Center, her life was saved.

Now two years later and emboldened with a new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work. She volunteers her time to speak about her journey and encourage others to continue the gift of organ donation that gave her a new lease on life.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

Rutherford’s health quickly deteriorated in December 2014 as she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, meaning her heart’s pumping chamber was stretched and not able to contract normally to pump blood properly. Her heart was functioning at about 10 percent. She was eventually diagnosed with congestive heart failure at the end of 2014.

“I was being treated for that and eventually they told me I’d never recover and I’d need a heart transplant,” she said. “It was very shocking.”

She was admitted to the intensive care unit at INTEGRIS where she awaited a new heart in March 2015. Complications arose in late April 2015, leading to emergency surgery and having a stent inserted into her artery.

That same night, on April 27, 2015, Teddy Keys died tragically at the age of 21 in a motorcycle accident near Tulsa.

Keys was an organ donor and was able to donate his bones, tissues and other organs, in part, to his excellent physical health that the athlete and active outdoorsman maintained throughout his life.

The following morning, Rutherford learned of a perfect match for a heart. That night she underwent a five-hour transplant surgery, receiving her new heart April 29, 2015.

“I woke up in ICU and the heart was so strong that I remember my doctor saying, ‘Brandi, you got one beast of a heart,'” she recalled. “I remember the heart beat being so strong that I could feel it beat and then I could hear it in my ears all night long. It was a welcoming sound for sure.”

As she recovered from her surgery, Rutherford sought information about her donor. She had heard about Keys’ tragic accident near her hometown and started to match up their timelines. She turned to social media to try to connect the missing dots. She checked her heart rate one night before climbing into bed and it was at 77 beats per minute. Then she started looking at Facebook photos of Keys and his family.

“My heart started beating out of control,” she said. “My fingertips felt like they were on fire and tears were streaming down. I went to go take my heart rate and it had jumped to 114.”

She knew in that moment she had found her donor. It was as if Keys’ heart, now her heart, was reacting to the images of his family on the screen. That was all the confirmation she needed. Later she received a letter from Keys’ step-mother, who said that seven individuals were helped by Keys, including Rutherford. She learned about Keys, his love for the outdoors, his strong faith and all-around good nature, and that he grew up in the same county as her family, about 30 minutes away in the town of Oologah. Their families eventually met to have dinner and celebrate Keys. She remains in touch with his family via social media and they even have shared holidays together.

Now two years after receiving her new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work in Texarkana, Texas. She volunteers for LifeShare of Oklahoma, serving as a vibrant example of what is possible through organ donation.

“I think giving is the best thing,” Rutherford said. “So, to give the gift of life, what a way to go out. Of course, I encourage everybody to be an organ donor.”

Watch Brandi Rutherford complete her “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Fresno Grizzlies. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game, presented by True Sky Credit Union. Interview requests for Rutherford, as well as INTEGRIS or Dodgers personnel can be made through the Dodgers communications department.

The Dodgers open an eight-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The game against Fresno falls on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda (21 ounces), bottled water (20 ounces) and beer (16 ounces) from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

Fans can enjoy Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Fresno with a Braum’s Friends and Family 4 Pack. This special ticket package includes four tickets, as well as four Braum’s combo meal vouchers and four OKC Dodgers hats for as low as $39.99 per package. The first 2,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a free hat.

Sunday afternoon’s 2:05 p.m. game against Fresno is a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday filled with family-oriented activities everyone can enjoy. The OKC Dodgers wrap up their homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, May 18 against the Sacramento River Cats on a $2 Thursday.

For tickets or additional information, please call (405) 218-1000, go online to okcdodgers.com or visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive. Season ticket packages and group outings are also still available for the OKC Dodgers’ 2017 season. Call (405) 218-1000 to speak to a ticket representative.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Teague Moore to Celebrate “Home Life For Life” Saturday with OKC Dodgers

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health open the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Saturday, April 8 as part of Opening Weekend at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Teague Moore, who suffered severe burns in a house fire at the age of 4.

Moore, from Chickasha, was burned over 40 percent of his body during the fire that destroyed his family’s home. He would endure 14 surgeries in a span of less than six months to help his skin and body heal, including seven surgeries at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Today, almost two years after the fire, Moore is in kindergarten and enjoying life as an energetic 6-year-old thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

On a warm, rainy evening in June 2015, a fire ignited in the garage of the Moore family home where the young boy was playing with his pet dog Ranger. Moore got caught in the flames and screamed for his mother. Shelby Moore rushed from the kitchen into the garage to save her son, instinctively rolling him on the ground to put out the flames that had quickly enveloped him.

He was transported by ambulance to emergency care in Oklahoma City and later that night traveled by MediFlight on a plane to a Texas hospital.

“Things were touch-and-go in the beginning,” Shelby Moore said. “We did not know if he would survive for the first 12 days.”

After spending a total of 48 days out of state, including 32 days in intensive care, 28 days on a ventilator and enduring seven surgeries, he returned home to Oklahoma.

Upon returning to Oklahoma, Teague spent approximately two more months in the hospital during two stays at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. When he was first admitted to the Paul Silverstein Burn Center, Teague underwent sedated dressing changings and cleanings on his wounds every few days and was fed through a tube and IV to help improve his nutrition levels as his body healed.

Once he was healthy enough for additional surgery, Teague had three major grafting sessions and was placed on a ventilator to help him heal. A few months later, he returned to INTEGRIS for additional corrective surgeries.

Shelby Moore praised the care her son received at INTEGRIS, in both the pediatric unit and the burn center.

“When we got to Baptist, everyone – I mean everyone down to the kitchen staff – was so kind and patient,” Shelby Moore said. “They almost went at his pace. The nurses and staff truly started the healing process, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. They are some of the most amazing people I have ever encountered in my life. They became family.”

Shelby Moore, her oldest son Trace, and Ranger were fortunate to not suffer significant physical injuries from the fire, but the injuries to Teague and loss of their family home and belongings took mental tolls on all. The staff at INTEGRIS aided them as well.

“They are equipped to treat not only the burn patient, but the burn families,” Shelby Moore said. “Everyone in the family is injured, not just the child that was burned.

“They healed us.”

The family moved into a new house in Chickasha in the fall of 2016 and they regularly return to INTEGRIS on an outpatient basis to ensure Teague’s grafts are growing with him. Shelby Moore describes her son Teague’s physical scars as “intense,” but said he does not have any physical limitations due to his injuries.

“I hope he never changes,” Shelby Moore said. “I hope he stays brave and fearless. And I hope he uses it to show the world that it doesn’t matter what you look like – that it’s your brain and soul that does amazing things.

“He is the bravest and most strong person I know.”

To read Moore’s full story, visit okcdodgers.com. Interview requests for the family of Moore, as well as INTEGRIS or Dodgers personnel can be made through the Dodgers communications department.

The OKC Dodgers open the 2017 season with a five-game home series against the Iowa Cubs. Opening Weekend begins at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Thursday featuring $2 select beer, soda and water from our line of Pepsi and Budweiser products. Fireworks will follow Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game. Watch Teague Moore complete his “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Saturday’s game. The first 2,000 fans through the gates Saturday will also receive a 2017 magnetic schedule. Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game marks the first Chaparral Energy Family Sunday of the season. The series then wraps up with an 11:05 a.m. game Monday. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, please call (405) 218-1000 or visit okcdodgers.com.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dragons Team Up For “Home Run For Life”

Parker McCalip will celebrate her Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, May 6

Dayton, Ohio — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Parker McCalip during the unique “Home Run for Life” program on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton region a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they battle serious medical conditions. Each honoree gets to take a symbolic home run lap around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd provides a standing ovation.

Parker’s Story

When Parker was just eight years old, her second grade teacher noticed she was having frequent staring spells during school. Parker’s parents had feared something was wrong based on similar behaviors at home and took action once someone outside the family noticed her symptoms, as well.

The family’s pediatrician referred Parker to the neurology department at Dayton Children’s Hospital where she received an EEG, a test to detect abnormalities related to electrical activity of the brain. Parker was quickly diagnosed with epilepsy that included absence (petit mal) seizures. Absence seizures cause a short period of “blanking out” or staring into space.

Immediately, Parker started medication to get her condition under control. “I thought I wasn’t normal because no other kid I knew had to take medicine,” Parker said. As she got older and started to wean off the medication due to significant improvement, her situation suddenly became worse.

In August of 2009, Parker had her first grand mal seizure. These seizures are much more serious than absence seizures; they can involve violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. These more severe seizures continued through April 2012 for Parker. Fortunately, she hasn’t had once since then and is seizure free.

Parker is now 13 years old and in eighth grade at Oakwood Junior High School. Her epilepsy is something that she will have to manage her entire life, but it’s not going to stop her from achieving her goals. “I love science, inventing things and working with computers. When I grow up I want to be an engineer and a game designer,” Parker said.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Parker’s life, including her parents Ben and Jenny, Dr. Roer, Dr. Kumar, and the entire medical team at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Please join us in cheering on Parker as she completes her Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 6.

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Dayton Dragons. Click here to view the original story.

Kela Robinson Celebrates “Home Run For Life” Opening Night with the OKC Dodgers

Young Mother is First Oklahoman to Benefit from New INTEGRIS ECMO Life Support Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health proudly begin the 2015 “Home Run for Life” series on Opening Night Thursday, April 9 during the Dodgers’ game against the Round Rock Express at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Dodgers and INTEGRIS will recognize Shaquile “Kela” Robinson, a young mother who became the first patient in the state of Oklahoma to undergo a new specialized life support program at INTEGRIS that utilizes extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

“Home Run For Life” recognizes people in the Oklahoma City area who, with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals, have overcome a significant medical event. Honorees are recognized during a Dodgers’ game and take a home run “lap” around the bases, symbolizing the end of their battle against adversity.

“We are so pleased to continue the ‘Home Run For Life’ series with our partner INTEGRIS Health,” Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Throughout the season, ‘Home Run For Life’ allows us to feature several extraordinary individuals from the local community who summoned a great deal of tenacity and courage to get where they are today.”

Robinson, 21, began experiencing chest pains shortly after the birth of her son in June 2014. Breathing became difficult and she fatigued so easily she was unable to hold her newborn baby.

Doctors soon discovered her heart was working at just 10 percent capacity. Her condition continued to worsen, despite the implantation of a defibrillator. She developed pneumonia and coughed up blood. Her heart and lungs were shutting down and Robinson’s life was in immediate danger.

A newly created specialized life support program at INTEGRIS Health saved the Oklahoma City resident’s life.

INTEGRIS became the first hospital in Oklahoma to establish an ECMO program for adults facing imminent death caused by heart or respiratory failure. Robinson was the first patient to benefit from the INTEGRIS program.

“I had no idea what ECMO was, but I know it saved my life,” Robinson said.

The last-resort lifesaving technique provides both cardiac and respiratory support oxygen to patients whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or damaged they can no longer serve their function, such as after a heart attack, cardio surgery, pulmonary embolism, near drowning or lung-related issues like flu or pneumonia.

ECMO therapy continually pumps blood from the patient via a tube to a membrane oxygenator that imitates the gas exchange process of the lungs, removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen before returning the blood to the patient.

The therapy aims to allow the heart and lungs to rest and recover while the machine does the work. Once the heart and or lungs have healed, and can function on their own, the support of the ECMO machine is gradually removed.

Doctors told Robinson’s family that if they didn’t try the ECMO therapy, death was the only alternative.

“Given those odds, we chose life,” Robinson’s mom, Kerri Harkey, said.

ECMO technology has traditionally been used to support underdeveloped hearts and lungs in premature babies. Medical adaptations and advancements have led to increased, and extended, adult usage.

Robinson was on the ECMO device for seven days. Once her heart and lungs were strong enough to tolerate the medications she needed to stabilize her condition, she was removed from the therapy. She then received a left ventricular assist device, known as a heart pump.

ECMO saved Robinson’s life, and the new INTEGRIS therapy gave her the chance to move forward with her now 10-month-old son, Thomas.

Come see Shaquile “Kela” Robinson complete her “Home Run For Life,” following the third inning of the OKC Dodgers’ Opening Night game Thursday, April 9 against the Round Rock Express. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Click here to view the original story.

Memorial Children’s Hospital and Your South Bend Silver Hawks Partner for Home Run for Life

South-Bend-Silver-Hawks-2014Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks will celebrate Aileen Corona during a special celebration ceremony, Home Run for Life, on Friday, June 13th.

 The celebration will take place in the middle of the 3rd inning at Four Winds Field.   Your Silver Hawks, along with the Lake County Captains, will line the field to join in on the ceremony as Aileen rounds the bases. Upon completing the celebratory home run, Silver Hawks’ Manager, Mark Haley will present her with a personalized Silver Hawks jersey. Home Run for Life celebrates and honors children who have battled serious medical conditions. Each child is honored and takes a home run lap around the bases during a Silver Hawks home game.

Memorial-Childrens-HospitalAt the closing of the celebration staff and volunteers from Memorial Children’s Hospital will pass around donation buckets. Please consider giving a donation to help enhance the care children can receive right here in your community.

 Aileen’s Story

When Aileen Corona first arrived at Memorial Children’s Hospital after a diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), she was sad, shy, uncertain and unable to cope with being apart from her mom during long hospital stays.

 “Aileen would shed many tears the nights her mom, Noemi, couldn’t be with her,” says Julie Kowalenko, a charge nurse for Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “At times we would have to call mom at work so Aileen could talk with her. I began to notice how Aileen always had her nails done, and to help make her more comfortable and at ease, I would comment on how nice they looked.”

 Julie, known in Pediatrics as an “Ambassador of Fun,” suggested setting up a nail salon for Aileen.

 “I told Aileen – ‘You could really do something for us because nurses notoriously have the worst nails and our nails need your help!'”

 Aileen’s eyes sparkled at the suggestion. With the help of Child Life Specialist Liz Eash, a pink and purple glittery sign announced Aileen’s Nail Salon was open for business on the sixth floor of MCH.

 The first of its kind, nurses and patients regularly visit the salon to have their nails painted by the budding nail expert. But first, they have to obtain a ticket from the reception area.

 “The tickets have a purpose,” Julie says. “For every five tickets, Aileen gets to pick out a prize.”

 Thanks to the salon’s customers and repeat customers, Aileen has earned plenty of tickets and taken home some real goodies, including an MP3 player.

 “I’ve painted a lot of nails and picked out several prizes,” Aileen says. “I walk the halls and know everyone by name and what their favorite nail color is. The children’s hospital is a happier place to me because the nurses have helped me feel at home.”

 Since the nail salon opened, Aileen’s tears and fears have been replaced with joy, as well as newfound perseverance because of a lengthy course of treatment that comes with Osteosarcoma.

 “Despite having to endure dozens of chemo treatments, she has actually blossomed into our little social butterfly on the floor,” Julie says. “She is an amazing, wonderful girl. I think she has done more for me than I’ve done for her.”

 When Aileen was first diagnosed, her dad, Alejandro, took the news especially hard since he recently battled and overcame Leukemia.

 “It was really hard because I knew what was ahead of her,” he says. “But we have an incredible thing in Memorial Children’s Hospital. The nurses have done more than we could have hoped for to keep our daughter’s energy and spirits up. MCH keeps kids strong.”

 With three more treatments to go, Aileen excitedly anticipates a shopping trip with her family to Mall of America to celebrate an intense cancer journey and her victory over the disease.

 Aileen will leave MCH with an experience that has given her more than a nail salon and prizes, but expert care and memories that inspire her to become a pediatric nurse one day.

 “I love kids and love being around kids, so I want to become a nurse,” she says. In the meantime, Aileen has a colorful childhood left to enjoy, painting nails along the way.

 Please join Memorial Children’s Hospital and your Silver Hawks in cheering on Aileen as she completes her Home Run for Life at Four Winds Field on June 13th . For more information about Memorial Children’s Hospital and Pinwheel Heroes like Aileen, visit qualityoflife.org/childrenshospital .

This article originally appeared on the official website of the South Bend Cubs. Click here to view the original story.