MWL1 Dayton Dragons

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

Published on June 22, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 17-year-old Cameron Schwab during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Tuesday, June 26th, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains 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.

CAMERON'S STORY

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Schwab has a unique hobby. He loves to ride motorcycles. Cameron and his dad ride as often as they can, and he really likes going fast. When Cameron was only three years old, though, he wasn't able to move too fast.

When he was three, Cameron woke up one morning with a very swollen face. His parents took him to Children's Medical Center where Dr. Canessa diagnosed him with Nephrotic Syndrome, a disorder that caused his kidneys to leak large amounts of protein. Cameron's kidneys were retaining sodium and water and passing protein, causing his body to swell. It is unknown what triggered this disease in Cameron.

Once diagnosed, Cameron was put on several medications and given infusions to increase his protein levels. After the swelling went down, Cameron was able to go home but had to return to Children's Medical Center every month to have blood work done.

As doctors began to wean him off some of the medications, he suffered several relapses during which he would swell up and his muscles would tighten. Thankfully, Cameron has been relapse-free since 2009.

Cameron hopes that one day he will be cured of Nephrotic Syndrome. He still has to take daily medications but does not let this affect his motorcycle time. "My dad taught me how to ride," Cameron said. "I like it because it's a different hobby. I think I am going to get to pick a new bike soon too!"

During an inning break, Cameron 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 Cameron 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 Cameron's life, including his parents Todd and Ellen, his brother Carson, Dr. Canessa and the entire medical team at Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Cameron as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 26th.

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