MWL1 Dayton Dragons

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

August 9, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


DAYTON, OH-Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host ten-year-old Bailey Allen during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, August 11, at 7 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Field.

The "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. Every honoree has received excellent medical attention from their support team, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance.

BAILEY'S STORY

Bailey Allen's smile and bubbly personality can brighten any room. A typical ten-year-old, Bailey is bounding with energy. You would never guess in her young life that she has fought and overcome a serious medical condition.

At the age of 6 months, her mother felt a lump on the bottom of Bailey's foot. She immediately took her to a pediatrician who diagnosed the tumor as congenital fibro sarcoma, a serious form of cancer.

After going through a series of surgeries to remove the tumor, Bailey is now proud to say that she has been cancer free for nine years. Bailey still goes to Children's Medical Center on a routine basis for check up appointments and testing.

Even though Bailey is cancer free, she is still very concerned about others who are currently battling serious illnesses.

In addition to being an Ambassador for Children's Medical Center, Bailey has also donated her hair to Locks of Love. She also has dreams of one day working in health care as a doctor or nurse so she can help others who are in the same position she was.

This past winter, Bailey raised $120 when she hosted a Christmas party encouraging her friends to bring money instead of a present to exchange. Once her friends arrived, Bailey told them about "Emily's Beads of Courage," a charity where children who are facing a serious illness create a necklace to remember their journey.

Each bead color represents a milestone achieved by that child during their fight against illness. She told them the story of how she had cancer and showed her friends the two necklaces she created when she was going through treatment.

In her free time, Bailey also enjoys playing soccer, softball and basketball and hanging out with her friends.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Bailey's life, including her parents Angie and Chris, her half-brother Jack, grandparents Tony and Brenda Reed and Barb Allen, Dr. Broxson, Dr. Albers, nurses Kate, Robbie, and Jani, and her entire medical team from Children's Medical Center. Join us in cheering on Bailey as she completes her Home Run for Life.

During an inning break, Bailey will take a ceremonial lap around the bases signifying her "Home Run for Life." When she rounds third base, the Dayton Dragons players will be lined up to greet Bailey as she makes her way toward home plate. Upon crossing the plate, Bailey will be greeted by Dragons manager Todd Benzinger, who will present her with a certificate making her an honorary Dayton Dragon. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio President Erin Hoeflinger will present her with a personalized bat.

Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, or find the Dragons on the Web at daytondragons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 9, 2010


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