MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Dragons, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Team up for "Home Run for Life"

Published on April 16, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host five-year-old Jayden Norvell during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Quad Cities River Bandits 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.

JAYDEN'S STORY

At five years old, the biggest challenges in Jayden Norvell's life are deciding which game to play at recess with his friends and when he can get to the roller skating rink next. Just a few years ago, though, he faced much more serious issues.

When Jayden was born in March of 2008, his mother, Shavon, was ecstatic with her healthy baby. After a few hours, though, she and the staff at Children's Medical Center noticed that something might be wrong with her son. Within the first 48 hours after birth, newborns are supposed to experience a bowel movement, but that wasn't happening for Jayden. Medical staff performed several procedures to cleanse his system, but they didn't help.

Jayden was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease, a disorder affecting the large intestine caused by improper muscle movement in the bowel. At only four months of age, Dr. Christians performed surgery to remove Jayden's entire large intestine as well as part of his colon.

Around Jayden's first birthday, his body started operating without medical assistance. He still goes to Children's Medical Center for routine check-ups, but these visits have become fewer and fewer. Although Jayden is more susceptible to viruses and gets dehydrated easily, he is healthy and feels stronger every day.

Aside from occasional trips to the hospital, Jayden leads the life of a typical five-year-old. "I love roller skating," Jayden said excitedly. "I also like to fish with my dad. I have my own fishing pole!"

During an inning break, Jayden 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 Jayden crosses home, Dragons manager Delino DeShields will present him with a certificate making him an honorary Dayton Dragon and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will present him with an engraved bat.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Jayden's life, including his parents Shavon and Tavio, his sisters Lashae and Demi, Dr. Christians, and the entire medical team from Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Jayden as he completes his Home Run for Life on April 19.

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Midwest League Stories from April 16, 2012


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