MIAMI -- Less than two years ago, Mayra Ordiales was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Today, her cancer is in remission, and on Sunday, she experienced something she said was beyond her dreams.
Ordiales was selected to be the Marlins' honorary bat girl for Miami's game against the Phillies at Marlins Park. The Miami native was also tasked with throwing out the first pitch with most of her family in attendance.
"This has been phenomenal, more than I could have dreamed of," Ordiales said of the honor bestowed upon her as part of Mother's Day celebrations around Major League parks to further bring awareness to breast cancer by honoring those who have demonstrated a commitment to the support to fight the disease.
Authentic game-used Louisville Slugger pink bats and other gear from Mother's Day games will be auctioned exclusively at MLB.com, with proceeds benefiting the fight against breast cancer. The complete Mother's Day collection -- which includes the special caps and jerseys being worn by players on Sunday -- is available at the MLB.com Shop.
Ordiales, a second-grade teacher at Royal Green Elementary, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2014. Following chemotherapy treatments, surgery and radiation treatment, she was told that the disease was in remission last June. She said that her support group of her entire family and the administration at her school helped tremendously in her fight against the disease.
"They were so good to me during the whole thing," Ordiales said.
Donned in a Marlins game jersey, Ordiales, a long-time fan, threw out the first pitch to Miami ace Jose Fernandez, who then handed her the souvenir ball and posed for a picture.
"This is incredible," Ordiales said. "I'm a huge [Marlins] fan, always have been. I got a pink bat at home with my name engraved on it and a very nice Marlins tote bag. ... My whole family is here. It's incredible."