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The Orioles Recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness

September 5, 2020

Major League Baseball is dedicating Saturday, Sept. 5, to childhood cancer awareness in recognition of September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Over 11,000 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States.

As an extension of Major League Baseball’s relationship with Starlight Children’s Foundation, 15 clubs across the league, including the Orioles, have been selected to receive team-logoed “Starlight Brave Gowns.” The Orioles and Starlight branded gowns, designed to be a more comfortable alternative to traditional hospital gowns, will be donated to the University of Maryland’s Children Hospital. Hospitals in our area have gowns on their “wish lists” and the Orioles are proud to be able to provide an allotment.

Each year, Orioles players interact with members of the Birdland Community who are battling childhood cancer. This year to support childhood cancer awareness, the Orioles invited 7-year-old Andrew Lowman to throw out the virtual first pitch before Saturday’s game. They also invited 13-year-old Garrett, who is currently being treated by University of Maryland’s Children Hospital, to read the starting lineup.

Hayden Semans and Trey Mancini

Earlier this year, Orioles infielder/outfielder Trey Mancini surprised Hayden Semans, a recent fifth grade graduate, with a surprise Zoom video call.

During his fourth grade year, Hayden was given news much heavier than any child should ever receive. His doctors discovered a cancerous tumor on his brain stem, sending him into emergency surgery. Hayden spent the majority of fourth grade recovering from the surgery and attending physical therapy. His doctors were successful in removing most his tumor, and he began chemotherapy. Unfortunately, it was discovered that Hayden’s tumor has since grown, but despite all these challenges, Hayden showed up every day for fifth grade. He was honored as a Birdland Community Hero earlier this season, recognized as one of “The Fighters” in our community.

Hayden is an extremely passionate Orioles fan and impresses others with his knowledge of the players and the sport. His loved ones have described him as very bright, compassionate, athletic, and strong. A teacher at his school even declared him as “one of the bravest children I have ever had the honor of knowing.”

Mo Gaba

One of Birdland’s most well-known fans, Mo Gaba first captured the hearts of Orioles fans in 2015, at just nine years old, when he started frequently calling into 105.7 The Fan. His knowledge of sports -- specifically of his favorite Baltimore teams -- was unparalleled. His colorful opinions would entertain the listeners and hosts alike.

Despite losing his eyesight due to a malignant tumor when he was just 9 months old and battling cancer four times in his 14 years of life, his infectious laughter and joie de vivre quickly captivated local sports fans and callers.

As Mo became a familiar name and voice throughout Baltimore, he developed close relationships with some of his favorite Orioles. Recently, Orioles players joined Mo’s friends and family to line up in a drive-by parade in celebration of Mo’s eighth grade graduation. Many of these local celebrities, as well as a long list of national names, also called in to spend a few minutes chatting with Mo when hosted “The Big Mo Show” with Jeremy Conn on 105.7 The Fan, fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams to host his own sports radio talk show.

Over the years, Mo developed a close relationship with Trey Mancini, who is now undergoing a cancer battle of his own. Trey cites their relationship and the time he spent with Mo during the 2018 All-Star Break as one of the reasons he broke out of a challenging slump that season. Mancini also raised funds for Mo’s family as part of his first ever tailgate party in late 2019 prior to a Ravens game and has repeatedly worn a #MoStrong shirt for Major League Baseball’s Players Weekend initiative.

Unfortunately, Mo lost his battle with cancer prior to the start of the 2020 season. He was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame as the second ever recipient of the Wild Bill Hagy award.

Players interact with Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital patients

In prior years, Orioles’ players have traveled to local hospitals to visit with pediatric patients in our community. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in person visits, players have continued to stay engaged and find creative ways interact with fans.

Recently, Orioles infielder Rio Ruiz “visited” pediatric cancer patients at Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital, via a robot that can navigate through the hospital and travel to children’s rooms.

These robots normally live at the National Aquarium, Smithsonian Air and Space and Maryland Science Center. Kids at various hospitals across the country are then able to "call in to" the robots, similar to going on a personalized tour. Rio was able to call in to the robot to greet patients across the hospital.

Orioles pitcher David Hess also joined patients virtually for a special meet-and-greet Zoom call. David had the opportunity to answer questions from children who are currently at the hospital and receiving treatment at home. Patients asked David questions ranging from baseball to his love of Star Wars. With the assistance of hospital staff, he was able to “move” into various rooms to interact with multiple patients. He also autographed baseballs for each of the children, which will be delivered to the hospital in the coming weeks.