Wade Pacely, Jr.'s Home Run for Life
June 23, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
South Bend Cubs News Release
Five-year-old Wade Pacely, Jr. is the youngest of five children. Though Wade's mother, Tina, will tell you his energy level is at a 10 and tops them all.
Just two weeks after being born, Wade was diagnosed with hydrocephalus which causes a buildup of excess spinal fluid in the brain.
Baby Wade also experienced bleeding on both sides of his brain.
"As a mother you know something wasn't right. It was the worst day of our lives," said Tina.
Dr. Daniel Fulkerson, now a pediatric surgeon with Beacon Medical Group, performed the initial surgery on Wade in Indianapolis when he was 15 days old.
There, Wade spent the next 2 months in the NICU. The weekly six-hour commutes from South Bend were taking a toll on the family.
"What a journey. They told us he'd never be normal. Wouldn't walk or talk on time. Would need a feeding tube for the rest of his life. We didn't listen. We knew in our hearts that he would be the most amazing kid with absolutely no issues."
In July of 2019, Wade needed shunt replacement surgery. The family again turned to Dr. Fulkerson, who had moved to Michiana to join the medical team at Beacon a year earlier.
"He saved my son's life," said Tina. "I would give them my life for what they did for my son."
Today, Wade is a thriving, young energetic basketball fan who Tina acknowledges as their true miracle child.
Thank you to Horizon Transport for sponsoring this week's Home Run for Life game. Every dollar raised during the game will be matched by Horizon Transport and will benefit Beacon Children's Hospital. Horizon Transport, a highly respected leader in the RV world, is dedicated to the health and well-being of the children in our area. To make a donation, please click here.
Beacon Children's Hospital is Michiana's only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital designed just for kids!
Home Run for Life 2022 Dates
Friday, June 10 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, June 24 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, July 8 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, July 29 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, August 19 - 7:05 p.m.
Friday, September 2 - 7:05 p.m.
Midwest League Stories from June 23, 2022
- 'Caps Rally for Improbable Victory - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Bandits' Bats Quieted by Woodruff, T-Rats in First Half Finale - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Walk-Off Homer Sinks Chiefs in First-Half Finale - Peoria Chiefs
- Captains Dominate Dragons, Demolish Three Home Runs - Lake County Captains
- Woodruff Sharp in Rehab Start as Rattlers' Win - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Clutch Carp Close First Half with 10-Inning Win - Beloit Sky Carp
- Cedar Rapids Falls 3-2 in Heartbreaker - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Nuts Close Out First Half With 10-Inning Loss - Lansing Lugnuts
- Dragons Lose First Half Finale, Open Second Half at Home Friday Night - Dayton Dragons
- TinCaps Blank Loons in First Half Finale - Great Lakes Loons
- TinCaps Finish First Half on High Note - Fort Wayne TinCaps
- TinCaps Game Information: June 23 vs. Great Lakes - Fort Wayne TinCaps
- Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Homestand Highlights: June 28 to July 3 - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Wade Pacely, Jr.'s Home Run for Life - South Bend Cubs
- Dragons Post-Game Fireworks Show Set for Saturday, Presented by Associated Builders and Contractors - Dayton Dragons
- Dayton Dragons GameDay Notes for Thursday - Dayton Dragons
- Hall Promoted, Owen Makes Return - Lansing Lugnuts
- Captains Split Doubleheader with Dayton, in 15 Total Innings Played - Lake County Captains
- Bandits Lose Late Lead, Win Streak on Wednesday - Quad Cities River Bandits
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.
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