Phillies, Nemours Children’s Health raise awareness for childhood cancer

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children battling cancer; plus Stand Up to Cancer in-game moment

Participants include Christie and Chris Phelan, who started Corey’s Promise foundation after losing their son Corey, a Phillies minor league pitcher, to cancer last year

In an effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer, the Phillies are hosting their seventh consecutive Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Nemours Children’s Health on Saturday, September 9, before that evening’s 6:05 p.m. game against the Marlins. Fans should be in their seats by 5:30 p.m. for the ballpark-wide Go Gold event, which will include heartwarming moments and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for families affected by cancer.

Participants include those who are receiving treatment from Nemours Children’s and other area hospitals, as well as those affiliated with the Kisses for Kyle Foundation, which assists families in the Delaware Valley region who are battling childhood cancer with a variety of programs, services and special events.

Also participating will be Christie and Chris Phelan, who started the Corey’s Promise foundation after losing their son Corey, a Phillies minor league pitcher, to cancer last October at the age of 20. The Phelan family will watch the game from a suite donated by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, a long-time supporter of the V Foundation for cancer research. Fans will also have the chance to support Corey’s Promise by purchasing T-shirts at the First Base Plaza, with monies raised to help families financially so they can dedicate more time to their child battling cancer.

In addition, the first 2,000 fans to purchase Theme Night tickets for this event will receive a voucher for an exclusive Phillies Go Gold hat courtesy of Nemours Children’s Health. That evening’s Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing will also benefit the Nemours Foundation. Plus, players and on-field personnel will wear gold ribbons and wristbands to support the cause. For more information, visit phillies.com.

LINEUP FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT PRESENTED BY NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

On-field, Pregame:

• Phillies Lineup of Courage: Local children who are battling or have battled cancer will take the field with players for the national anthem.
• PhanaVision Video – How Childhood Cancer has Affected the Phillies Family: Includes messages from second baseman Bryson Stott, who lost his high school best friend, Cooper Ricciardi, to cancer; Phillies bat boy Adam Crognale, who battled cancer when he was a teenager; and Christie and Chris Phelan.
• Go Gold Ribbon in Center Field: Held by family members whose children lost their battle to cancer, along with members of the Phillies front office and Nemours Children’s Health.
• Ceremonial Go Gold Home Run: Brynn Gregg (age 7, Springfield, Pa.) who is battling cancer and also the Phillies Ball Kid of the Month, will take a swing and “hit” a home run before rounding the bases in front of Phillies players.
• Ceremonial First Pitches:
  • Nemours Children’s Health patient Madison Handley (age 13, Lewes, Del.), which will be caught by Dr. Powell, who treated Madison during her battle with cancer.
  • Corey Phelan’s dad Chris, accompanied by his wife and sons.
  • Ella Blohm (age 4, Secana, Pa.), currently on treatment with high-risk, acute lymphocytic leukemia, representing Kisses for Kyle.
• More Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Chase Dolgos (age 15, Chestertown, Md.) will announce the Phillies lineup; Nolan O’Brien (age 8) and Daniel Testa (age 15, Lancaster, Pa.) will be an honorary public address announcer; and Gianna Negron (age 17) will be a guest DJ.

In-Game:

• 3^rd Inning Honorary Base Change: Will be made by Kaden Kiage (age 12).

• 5^th inning Phanatic Skit: Featuring Aiden Graham (age 6, North Pole, Alaska).

• 7^th Inning:

  • Stand Up To Cancer Moment: In the middle of the 7th inning, fans will be invited to stand and hold up a placard (located in seat cupholders) to show support for those who have been affected by cancer.
  • Singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”: Tyler Claussen (age 6, West Chester, Pa.); “Mighty Aaron” Kline (age 5, Mount Laurel, N.J.) and Charley Demaio (age 5, Manalapan, N.J.).
  • Dancing with Phanatic: Harry Silver (age 5), Freddy Burns (age 4) and Marshall Ross (age 9, Leola, Pa.).

ABOUT NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Nemours Children’s Health, the official Children’s Hospital of the Phillies, is one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours Children's also powers the world’s most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth.org.

The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org.