MWL1 Dayton Dragons

Dragons to Celebrate Home Run for Life on Wednesday

Published on July 18, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


DAYTON, OH -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host seven-year-old Charlton Slader during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, July 20, at 7 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs 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.

CHARLTON'S STORY

Many kids his age spend a good deal of time watching TV or playing video games, but seven-year-old Charlton Slader devotes his time to being a Cub Scout. For the last year, Charlton has been earning badges and competing in derbies with the help of his father, Brian. Last summer, though, Charlton had to take an unforeseen time-out from scouting.

In July of 2010, Charlton came down with a fever and a cough. His mother, Charlotte, took him to Children's Medical Center to get checked out. Doctors noticed his lungs didn't sound right. X-rays revealed that Charlton had a baseball-sized tumor in his chest cavity that had been growing since he was born. Dr. Dole explained to Charlton and his family that he would need to go through additional testing to see if the tumor was cancerous. Although the radiologist believed the tumor was benign, there would be no certainty until it was removed and examined. "Before the surgery, they reassured us but also told us to be prepared for the worst," Charlotte said. "It was devastating to hear that.

Charlton had a four-hour surgery to remove the tumor which, happily, was benign. These days, he still heads back to Children's Medical Center every three months for check-ups.

Thankfully, Charlton has been able to start participating in Cub Scouts again and is very excited at the prospect of advancing next year. "Right now I am a tiger scout. Next year I will advance to wolf scout," Charlton said. "I really like it and want to keep going with it."

On Wednesday night, Nick will be joined at Fifth Third Field by his parents, Brian and Charlotte Slader, his brother Hayden and his medical team from Dayton Children's Medical Center.

During an inning break, Charlton 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 Charlton crosses home, Dragons manager Delino DeShields will present him with a certificate making him an honorary Dayton Dragon.

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