The Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Children’s will celebrate young patients, survivors and their families during a heartfelt Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, September 7. This is the team’s 13th season hosting this important awareness initiative, launched in 2013. The team’s success sparked Major League Baseball’s league-wide effort to raise childhood cancer awareness, launched in 2017 with MLB Together, dedicated to eradicating cancer as a disease affecting young people.
For the first time, the team will wear custom cleats designed by patients at Phoenix Children’s. The cleats were donated by numerous players and coaches; many of whom helped the kids decorate the shoes during a special hospital visit earlier this month. The shoes are currently up for auction through September 7 at dbacks.com/auction, with proceeds benefiting childhood cancer research programs.
During pregame, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will present a $100,000 donation to Phoenix Children’s in support of their critical programs and research efforts. Patients from Phoenix Children’s will join in unforgettable moments, including taking the field alongside D-backs players, serving as the “play ball” kid, participating in the “hot dog derby” and more.
Kaden Bell, a 17-year-old Queen Creek native who battled childhood cancer at the age of four, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Kaden now runs “Kaden’s PJ Days for Kids,” a fundraiser that benefits Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders.
The Foundation also donated 350 game tickets to patients and families from Camp Rainbow, ensuring they can join in on the celebration. The annual summer camp is for patients of Phoenix Children’s who have or have had cancer or a chronic blood disorder and gives campers the opportunity to enjoy fun and meaningful experiences with others in a supportive environment full of exciting activities and allows these kids and their families the opportunity to establish friendships and have fun.