Brewers Mission 162 to Send Ben Rouse to All 162 Brewers Games in 2012

MILWAUKEE – Season seat holder Ben Rouse has a dream to attend all 162 Brewers games in one season. In 2012, at the age of 25, he is "retiring early," following his dream, and embarking on a quest he has dubbed "Brewers Mission 162." Rouse reached out to the Brewers, and they are pitching in to help support him on the mission.

Rouse is not your average Brewers fan. In April 2007, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He underwent treatment and it went into remission before it relapsed in 2009, and the search for a bone marrow donor began. The search resulted in Rouse receiving a matching umbilical cord blood transplant on Oct. 2, 2009. 

Rouse is healthy again and looking forward to what life has to offer. This has led Rouse to include a focus on raising awareness for the organization “Be The Match ®,” in his Brewers Mission 162 travels. Be The Match operates the world’s largest listing of potential marrow donors and donated cord blood units.

The Brewers are supporting Rouse and his mission by upgrading his current 2012 season ticket package so he can attend all 81 regular season home games.  The Brewers will also provide him with one game ticket to every road game, a per diem for food and beverage for all 162 games, as well as Brewers licensed apparel. 

“Ben is a remarkable young man with a great story to tell,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “When Ben approached us, he was not asking for assistance. But as we listened to his plans, we realized we could help carry his message to a larger audience and make critical differences to the lives of many.” 

Throughout his mission, fans will be encouraged to visit www.bethematchfoundation.org/ben,  a site created by Be The Match Foundation for people to make a financial contribution and learn more about the cause.

"It took a near death experience to make me realize that you only live once, and if you want to do something, you should do it now,” Rouse said. “My initial goal was to attend all 162 games, but the interest and support the Brewers have shown has inspired me to make this bigger than myself. If only one person joins the donor registry or makes a donation because of me, it would make this journey worth it. I have always admired people who found a way to make a difference, and I feel as though this mission has presented me with an opportunity to do just that."

Rouse will participate in broadcast appearances on FOX Sports Wisconsin during the season to discuss Brewers Mission 162. He will also write a blog about his experience for Brewers.com. 

“We are proud to work with Ben and support our shared mission to help all patients in need of a marrow transplant,” said Christine Fleming, president, Be The Match Foundation. “His amazing journey is an inspiration for us all.”

Originally from Fort Atkinson, Wis., and now a resident of Madison, Rouse graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in economics.  He has attended 278 Brewers games in his life, including 50 on the road.

About Be The Match^®

Be The Match helps patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other diseases who need a marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant. People can join the Be The Match Registry^® – the world’s largest listing of potential marrow donors and donated cord blood units – contribute financially and volunteer. Patients and their families can also turn to Be The Match for support and resources before, during and after transplant. Be The Match is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program^® (NMDP), a nonprofit organization that matches patients with donors, educates health care professionals and conducts research so more lives can be saved. For more information, visit BeTheMatch.org or call (800) MARROW-2.