MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Home Run for Life to be Celebrated on Wednesday, June 1st

Published on May 31, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


DAYTON, OH -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 10-year-old Ghiman McKinney during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, June 1, at 7 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Beloit Snappers 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.

GHIMAN'S STORY

Ghiman McKinney is a typical 10-year-old who loves to play sports and works hard in school to maintain straight A's. But Ghiman also works hard on another important subject - managing his weight.

Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. As many as two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. And approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents age 2-19 are obese. Due to poor eating habits starting when he was young, Ghiman was rapidly on his way to becoming a part of this statistic at a very young age.

Luckily, the doctors at Dayton Children's Medical Center detected Ghiman's potential health risk early and helped educate him on healthy alternatives to his current lifestyle. To Ghiman's credit, he was a very quick learner and began to work hand-in-hand with his dietician on applying the health education taught to him.

The lifestyle changes were challenging for both Ghiman and his family. "It was hard at first because we were so used to frying foods," Ghiman's grandmother Betty Parker explained. "We had to change our habits too, but I think it has made a positive impact on all of our lives. The entire family's health is improving along with his."

When Ghiman went back for a check-up six months later, he discovered that he had lost a considerable amount of body mass and was maintaining a much healthier weight for his age. He can now keep up with everyone else while playing sports and feels better overall.

Ghiman wants to share the nutrition knowledge he has learned with others when he gets older. "I want to be a doctor when I grow up because I want to help other people," Ghiman said. "I would like to work with kids and teach them how to live a healthier life just like me."

During an inning break, Ghiman will take a ceremonial lap around the bases, which will signify his "Home Run for Life". When he rounds third base, the Dragons players will be lined up to greet him as he makes his way towards the plate. As Ghiman crosses home, Dragons manager Delino DeShields will present him with a certificate making him an honorary Dayton Dragon.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Ghiman's life, including his mother, Sandra Parker, his grandmother Betty Parker, and his entire medical team from Dayton Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Ghiman as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 1.

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 (937) 228-2287, by email at dragons@daytondragons.com, or on the web at daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from May 31, 2011


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