May 23, 2013
90
Games Today




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

May 24, 2012 - Midwest League (MWL) Dayton Dragons

Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 10-year-old Alex Bean during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, May 30th, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the South Bend Silverhawks 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.

ALEX'S STORY

Ten-year-old Alex Bean enjoys going to school each day. From math to science to reading, Alex likes it all and is diligent about getting his school work done on time. That diligence has become very important in his life both in and out of school since he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

When Alex was just under a year old, his parents noticed that he was always thirsty and seemed to get dehydrated quickly. He was constantly fussy and couldn't keep fluids down. Doctors confirmed what Alex's parents had already guessed, that Alex had type 1 diabetes.

Stacey and Ethan Bean were quickly trained how to measure their son's blood sugars and how to maintain healthy levels by giving him insulin shots eight times a day.

This routine continued until his second birthday when Dr. Pfeifer at Children's Medical Center set Alex up with an insulin pump. The pump contains the insulin needed to maintain his sugar levels after he eats. He still has to get his finger pricked up to ten times a day to measure and make sure his blood sugars are where they need to be.

Although he has to remain diligent every day about what he consumes and taking his insulin, Alex is a happy ten-year-old. "I love to play outside with my best friend Naumaan," Alex said with a big smile. "We make up lots of games and even go to Tae Kwon Do classes together."

During an inning break, Alex 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 Alex 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 Alex's life, including his parents Stacey and Ethan, his sister Meredith, his best friend Naumann, Dr. Pfeifer and the entire medical team at Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Alex as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 30th.

• Discuss this story on the Midwest League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us


Midwest League Stories from May 24, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.