MWL1 Dayton Dragons

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

Published on May 16, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Awa Onwudiwe during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps 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.

Awo's Story

Thirteen-year-old Awo Onwudiwe is a seventh grader at Tower Heights Middle School. Her favorite subject is French, and when she's not busy with school she enjoys acting, singing and gymnastics. Awo has an infectious smile, a positive attitude, and a contagious personality. But it hasn't always been easy for her. Before Awo was born her parents found out that she would have sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells (which are normally round and flexible), are sticky, hard and shaped like crescent moons. Some of the complications associated with sickle cell may include chronic pain, susceptibility to infection, organ damage, and stroke.

Awo was fairly healthy during her first seven years of life. She experienced only minor pain associated with sickle cell. However, when she was in second grade, her condition worsened and she ended up in the hospital for a week at a time on several occasions due to serious complications including intense knee pain and acute chest syndrome. Eventually, Awo required a blood transfusion.

Since she turned nine, Awo has been taking ownership of her own treatment and learning how to cope with her condition. She knows what medicines she has to take every day and how to be proactive if she feels her pain getting worse. "The pain is hard to describe, but it sort of feels like when you stub your toe and it just keeps getting worse," Awo said. "No matter what, I try not to let my disease prevent me from doing what I want to do, and stay positive. Once I'm done being sick, I just get back to doing what I want to do."

Sickle cell is a lifelong disease, but Awo and her family continue to manage her condition. Typically, Awo has pain about three times a month that can usually be managed with treatments at home. As long as she doesn't experience any major complications, Awo needs a doctor visit every six months. Her mother, Mamle, who is a physician, is working with Awo's doctor in assisting adults who have sickle cell to receive the same focused treatment that is currently available to children.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Awo's life, including her parents Mamle and Ebere, her specialist Dr. Dole and the entire medical team at Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Awo as she completes her Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 23.

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Midwest League Stories from May 16, 2013


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