SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cancer is a word that scares everyone. Childhood cancer is a term that makes our hearts ache.
But the Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is taking a proactive stand against cancer and has once again teamed up with the Rockies to create a special weekend for victims of the disease.
On Friday, 23 teenage cancer patients and 15 of their caregivers arrived at the Rockies’ spring training complex at Salt Rivers Fields. They got the chance to sample life with big-leaguers and forget about their disease for a few days. Sunday, the group attended the Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers game at Maryvale Baseball Park.
This weekend marked the fifth spring training baseball trip organized by Children’s Hospital Colorado, in partnership with the Rockies. It the past, former Rockies shortstop sponsored the trip. Now, veteran relief pitcher , along with his wife, Caitlin, have taken charge, and this year’s trip is underwritten by the Jason Motte Foundation.
Patients, ranging in age from 12 to 24 who are battling life-threatening illnesses, participated in a baseball scrimmage and took photos with various Rockies, including new manager Bud Black.
“Children’s Colorado is one of the only pediatric hospitals in the country that can offer this kind of experience to our patients — and itap all thanks to our philanthropic partners at the , including the Motte family and their foundation, and our dedicated caregivers,” said Bob Casey.
Casey, a pediatric psychologist who specializes in helping families navigate the emotional challenges of childhood cancer, organizes the Rockies event each year.
One of the cancer patients on this year’s trip is Aaron “AJ” Kramer, a seventh-grader from Longmont. He was diagnosed with leukemia in September and this weekend’s trip marked his first time away from home without their parents. Kramer is a huge Rockies fan and plays competitive baseball. He often manned third base, so naturally, his is third baseman .
“Currently, because his immune system is compromised, AJ is not attending school and has a home-bound teacher through the school district,” said AJ’s mother, Trisha Kramer. “He’s so excited for the Rockies spring training trip, because he loves baseball, is a huge fan of the Rockies, and this trip gives him the chance to socialize with other kids his age in situations similar to him. And for us, as parents, we know he’ll be in great care.”
Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than 100 years. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org.
