The Dayton Dragon’s and Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield sponsor a program that gives children in the Dayton region a once in a life time experience while they are in the midst of battling a serious medical condition. The program named The Anthem Home Run for Life gives the honoree ( A deserving kid) a chance to take a home run lap around the bases at Fifth Third Field during the game. The usually sold out crowd cheers them on, the home run horn is sounded and the child is given a certificate proclaiming them a member of the Dayton Dragons after they step on home plate. Often they are given a signed ball, bat or other gifts from each team. Both teams line up along the first and third base lines and the players offer high fives to the honoree during his or her run. The recipient also has their picture taken with players and mascots from the Dragons.
These kids truly deserve this moment. Some of the past participants have battled life threatening Bone disease, Leukemia, Advanced Child Diabetes, Chronic Heart Disease and Cystic Fibrosis just to name a few. The courage and joy they show as the make a run around the bases is heartwarming to see and having witnessed it first hand I can tell you the audience is filled with emotion (some were brought to tears).
Many of these kids have spent much of their childhood being in and out of the hospital and the program gives them a positive moment and some extra inspiration as they continue to fight a difficult childhood disease.
I spent my share of time in the hospital after having major Heart Surgery when I was a young boy and I can tell you first hand that a program like this means the world to these kids.
This program occurs each baseball season, so if you know a child that is battling a serious medical condition and that would be a deserving candidate to participate in Anthem’s Home Run for Life, please contact either
Anthem or the Dayton Dragons. www.anthem.com or www.daytondragons.com
