2017 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS - MLB.com€¦ · 2017 HONORARY BAT GIRL...

2017 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Leslie ChesterWhen I was first diagnosed in December 2015, I made a point to keep a positive outlook on things. Of course I had my down days but, in spite of them I started a small blog that shared short stories of the humorous events that can take place while undergoing treatment. I love photography and it helped heal me mentally. I finished chemo Sept 2016. I am slowly taking clients again and I am still undergoing treatment through June/July this year but, the worst is behind me. I was honored to have been selected as the "Official Photographer" for the local, Connie Davis 5K Walk for Cancer. It was a great event and I felt proud to have been a part of such a wonderful event that raises money for local families. I participate in the local cancer support groups and I try to help others understand their treatments. There are so many that are confused as to what is happening to them. My family is most important. I am a full time mom of two smart, beautiful girls and I have an incredibly supportive and loving husband. Before my hair started to fall out, I had my hair cut, in to what I called my "warrior cut". It was something I never would have the guts to do normally. It was a great way to prepare myself and a way to take charge of what was to come. Once my hair started coming out in clumps, I had my daughters cut and shave my head. I wanted them to be involved, I wanted them to know it was "just hair". I thought it was important for them to help in the process in order for them to heal and to be ok with me being bald. My husband photographed the whole thing for me. It was a beautiful moment for all of us. I am involved in a few online support groups and I am an open book for anyone to contact me and ask questions. I feel honored that people trust me with their questions and concerns. Recently, I have started a T‐shirt company to help raise funds for those locally that can't afford their treatments.


ATLANTA BRAVES

Brenda HumphreyThe Ladies in my family have always proven themselves to be independent, hardworking, and strong. My Aunt Brenda Humphrey is a testament to this. A single parent who raised a son that now serves our country in the Marines in Japan. Brenda has always had a strong faith and loving heart. When her sister was diagnosed with Leukemia, living miles away she was there to support her till the end of her journey. Then there was her Mother diagnosed with breast cancer, another sister diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and well yes then another sister diagnosed with breast cancer. True to her nature Brenda was there to offer her love and support. Then July 2014 it was unfortunately her time at bat with the disease that had affected so many in her family. Although many before her had fought this disease, you never fully expect that you will be next, but she was. Like she had so many times before at hearing this diagnosis, my Aunt Brenda cried, but then she held her head high, and depended on her faith and family to get her through. During and throughout her illness she never gave up hope. She diligently began to educate family members and friends about this disease while she herself was going through treatment and recovery. She also lost several things during this period; time away from work, her hair, appetite and just as she was getting back to normal, her father. Throughout it all Brenda remained strong and finally she was back to normal. But then this past March, Brenda was diagnosed again! My Aunt Brenda has shown more strength than anyone I know, more than anyone could expect for someone who has helped her Mother and sisters fight the disease of cancer and for someone who has herself been diagnosed for a second time within 2 years. And yes, once again my Aunt Brenda cried, but she has shown nothing but strength, grace, and willpower as she once again steps up to bat to fight this disease!! Because of this I feel that my Aunt deserves to be Honorary Bat Girl!


BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Amber ShawMarch 17 2014. While my friends were celebrating St. Patrick's day, I was being told "you have breast cancer." I was 28 and months away from getting married. In that instant, I was changed. Due to my age and the type of cancer, an aggressive treatment regimen was advised. Without hesitation I followed my doctor's orders and was eager to get started. I endured a double mastectomy, intense chemo, and a blood transfusion. October 2014 I was able to walk down the aisle as a healthy bride. The week following the wedding I was back in the hospital for my intended last surgery. Fast forward to October 2016. I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Weeks before, I was being recognized by the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition for being part of their traveling photo exhibit to raise awareness about breast cancer and personalize individuals affected. Knowing there is no cure is terrifying but the courage and fight I have found and feel within me became stronger. Two more surgeries, 5 rounds of chemotherapy, and ongoing oral chemotherapy was my most recent treatment. Cancer stuff has become my life. Once considering myself unlucky and unfortunate, I was provided the opportunity to switch from a career in x‐ray to mammography. What better way to step up to the plate and turn my worst life event into a positive? I have found my purpose after my diagnosis and am able to offer support to others in a position I was in, twice. I have had patients express their gratitude for my work. My patients think they are the ones being helped but they actually help me cope with my own battle. I have been thrown some nasty curve balls in my life and have had to persistently fight to try and not strike out. This is what life is; full of surprises. Some good. Some bad. All trials have an underlying purpose with an opportunity to grow and learn. What better way to keep the fighting fire within me lit than by hearing thousands of fans cheering for our beloved Birds, that first pitch, and me?


BOSTON RED SOX

Christina Hampton‐Shoemate

Following tradition for our one‐year wedding anniversary my wife gave me paper; concert Tickets to Pearl Jam at Fenway Park. Two days later my wife Chrissy age 41, mother of 3, high school teacher, and marathon runner was getting ready for the gym and bent over to pet our dog in front of a mirror when she noticed an indentation on her right breast. That day has changed our lives forever, the official diagnosis Stage II Breast Cancer, estrogen , progesterone + and her 2‐, and a 3.75 cm tumor in the right breast, left breast had a small spot. Chrissy said, just get them off! She kicked butt while completing 8 rounds of chemotherapy, caring for our family, teaching her students, and being wonder women to all who know her. Chrissy donated her thick long hair to Wigs for Kids before she began chemo. The only hat she wears has a "B" on the front from Fenway Park. She had a bilateral mastectomy in February and will have reconstruction after 30 rounds of radiation. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets and promotes breast cancer as not just lumps and bumps. Her students gave her a plaque when she finished chemo that says, "I never knew what bravery was until I saw it in my teacher." She has inspired me, our children, family, friends, and an entire school. Her students sold T‐shirts that said "Team Hampton saving 2nd base for a fundraiser." Ironically, mother's day weekend 2010 she bought me tickets to my first Red Sox game at Fenway Park and every year she manages to get tickets to at least one game. As she is finishing 30 rounds of radiation I thought it would be perfect to honor her on Mother's Day as the Red Sox honorary bat girl. As an incredible mom, loving teacher, and awesome wife, she hits everything out of the park. Since her diagnosis every inning has had a breaking ball and she still manages to take every day as it comes. If I could be her pinch hitter I would in a minute, she is forever Red Sox fan, PLEASE make Chrissy the Red Sox Honorary Bat Girl.


CHICAGO CUBS

Lauren SmokeLauren is a dear friend of mine that I met in a mom's group, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of being the Cub's Honorary Bat Girl. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 8 weeks pregnant with her first child. What should have been the happiest time of her life ended up being a fight for her life and her baby's. She underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemo with her son fighting with her, and Nico was born healthy in September with more hair than his mama! She called him her little warrior who saved her life. She wasn't able to fully enjoy her maternity leave as she had to finish chemo and 6 weeks of radiation; she finished treatment on Christmas eve. Lauren continued giving hope to newly diagnosed young women all over the country after she shared her story via the American Cancer Society in a national campaign. She had been able to focus all her love on her husband and baby for almost a year when their happiness was cut short; Lauren's cancer had returned. It was Stage 4. She was terrified of not seeing her baby grow up, and began chemo treatment once again. Even with all she's been through, and now in the fight of her life, Lauren remains a beacon of hope to others. She has stayed positive, and continues to connect with women who are fighting breast cancer, and has started a charity called Mommy & Me Warrior Supply Packs which sends care packages to pregnant women battling cancer. She has done multiple fundraisers for charities like Metavivor, St. Jude's, and Notes4Cancer. She has spread awareness throughout her community about metastatic breast cancer and cancer during pregnancy. She is also a helpline volunteer for the Young Survival Coalition, and she's featured in their brochure. But her number one focus is still her miracle baby, Nico. Despite cancer, she still says she is the luckiest girl in the world, because she has him. Nico rooted for the Cubs this past year with his mama, and hopes to bring him to a game this season.


CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Shaika OcampoHi name is Shaika Ocampo, I am a mother of two little boys named Achilles and Maximus Ocampo ages 5 and 3, they mean the world to me. I am a wife to an awesome man who is my Rock, a daughter, a sister, a best friend to many, a public servant as I am a Chicago Police Officer, a White Sox Fan and a Breast Cancer Fighter. I been fighting my fight since September 17th 2015, as I thought the fight was over July 2016, to my surprised I felt a Lump on the left side of my chest December 2016 and low and behold it was Breast Cancer again re‐diagnosed December 21st 2016. I had a bilateral mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 28 sessions of radiation and hormone therapy the first time around. Now I am currently finishing up 6 rounds of chemotherapy and expected to have surgery for lump removal and reconstruction surgery to get on with a full and healthy life. The Journey of Breast Cancer its very difficult but since my diagnosis I have turned my experience into a positive one. I share my story in order to bring awareness, #1 early detection is key and #2 Breast Cancer does not discriminate it will come for any age, race and gender. I've fund raised and worked along side of the American Cancer Society by sharing my story so it can hopefully serve as an inspiration to others and give them Hope. Being Part of the Honorary Bat Girl Event would be an absolute Honor as my Husband and I are both huge White Sox Fans and no matter what we are going through we always love to come out and support our team. Go White Sox GO.


CINCINNATI REDS

Kathi VanWinkleMy journey with breast cancer started in the summer of 2016 when I found a lump during a self‐exam in the shower something I very rarely did. I had no family history or other risk factors so I didn't think I needed to check monthly. Boy was I wrong. September 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 DCIS HER2 negative breast cancer. One month later I had a double mastectomy followed immediately by DIEP Flap reconstruction surgery. In all I spent a total of 12.5 hours in surgery. Now, I am a self‐appointed spokesperson for early detection. I tell anyone that wants to listen about how early detection saved me, and how if it can happen to me it can happen to you. I have started a Facebook group page promoting education, early detection and awareness. I have passed out self‐exam flyers to all of my co‐workers and have even been asked to speak to a class at The Ohio State University‐Newark on my experience. I will also be running in two 5Ks raising money for The Stefanie Spielman breast cancer research fund in April, and the Susan G Komen race for a cure in May. I am a middle school secretary, and I am showing all my students that Cancer is not a death sentence. I am a huge baseball fan and even named my son after Nolan Ryan. Baseball got me through some of my toughest times during my recuperation from surgery. I was able to just not think about my cancer for a few hours a day and sit and watch a baseball game. I even watched the NLCS from my hospital bed. Without baseball during my time off from work I would have went crazy!


CLEVELAND INDIANS

Julianne EverettIn 2011, my wife Julie was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She went through a double mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 rounds of radiation, and reconstructive surgeries. Since that time, she has also had surgery to remove her thyroid, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. Throughout this, she has maintained a healthy sense of humor, joking after the last surgery that there aren't many organs left to remove. After her initial treatment, she became an advocate for the AreYouDense organization, which lobbies to require doctors to notify a patient if they have dense breast tissue, and subsequently offer an MRI or ultrasound, which are more effective methods to identify breast cancer (she had a negative mammogram the DAY she was diagnosed). She is a 2013 honorary of the Ears To You organization, whose mission is to "lift the spirit of cancer patients by providing a moment of joy and hope." More recently, she helped to organize a fundraiser for the Stefanie SpielmanFund and, in it's first year, raised over $3,000. And we now expect this to be an annual fundraiser and to raise the bar every year. She has counseled an untold number of cancer patients over the years. Often, it's a friend of a friend, so she is calling a stranger and giving them words of encouragement, advice for picking a medical team, and simply offering to call her back at any time of the day. Julie and I (her husband) were also filmed by University Hospitals for a story about the caregiver of a cancer patient, which was prominently featured on their website a few years ago. A lifetime Cleveland sports fan, we both make it an annual event to attend the Indians Home Opener, and go to as many additional games that we can find time to attend throughout their season. Last year, we were fortunate enough to attend game 7 of the World Series (pictured below). I can't think of anyone more deserving to be an honorary bat girl.


COLORADO ROCKIES

Amelia LehmanIn early 2009, at 31, with a 9 month old and a 3 year old, I got the call. When the doctor said that awful word, I went numb. Her voice became muffled and I could only pick out words. Cancer. Stage 3. Bilateral. Chemo. Radiation. STRIKE 1. I don't remember hanging up. I looked at my innocent boys. Too young to understand the gravity, to understand why mommy was crying when she is the one who usually comforts. I wondered if they would have to grow up without me. Would I be there for their first tee ball game, first homerun, first love, first heartbreak? And when I looked at my husband, he was looking at me with eyes filled with fear and tears. It was then I knew I could choose to remain terrified, angry and sad. Or I could choose to step up to the plate with grace and courage, to go to bat and fight. I did everything the doctors instructed: 2 surgeries, 8 rounds of intensive chemo, 6 weeks of daily radiation. Little did I know that my 2 sweet boys would turn out to be my ultimate motivation, my biggest fans and cheering squad. I wanted them to see me as strong and courageous, someone who does not give up when behind in the count. After completing treatment there was no sign of cancer. We celebrated. Fast forward 5 years. At 36, again, that awful word. The same cancer, metastasized. STRIKE 2. This time it's on the bones and will never completely go away. This time we fight to stop progression. With an All‐Star team of doctors and nurses at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we made a defensive plan. It's up to me to remain on offense, battling at the plate. I have watched my boys graduate from tee ball to Little League to travel baseball. We visit a Major League park every year with the intent of visiting them all before my boys are grown. Our love of baseball binds us, and is a welcome distraction to the daily life of a cancer patient and her support team. STRIKE 3 is inevitable. For all of us. Until then, I plan to keep fouling them off as long as possible.


DETROIT TIGERS

Lisa MeyerMy mom is the strongest person I know, it sounds cliché, but it is true. She was an Army wife and gives so much of herself to help others whether it is my brother, my dad, myself, other soldier's families and now through volunteering at a local high school. In 2012, right after the holidays, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctors caught it early and for that we are so thankful. Our family has always been very strong, but this really shook us all up. After the initial feelings we all had, mom, once again, rallied us all saying that we would beat this together. She stayed with her parents for 6 weeks to get radiation at the University of Michigan cancer center in Alpena, 360 miles away. My mom has gone to spring training games a few times with my dad, a family trip to Comerica Park and even out to Minnesota for Opening Day once. Our local school volleyball program runs a breast cancer awareness game every year and she puts a lot of effort into helping with the planning. This summer she will be 5 years cancer free and what a relief it will be.


HOUSTON ASTROS

Tammy MiceliMy mom, aka my cheerleader, was diagnosed on November 11, 2015 with stage 2B invasive Ductile Carcinoma breast cancer. At the time of diagnosis I was the only child at home with an older sister on a church mission in Cusco, Peru and an older brother living in our hometown of Reno, Nevada with my 1 year old nephew. My mom had grown up a cheerleader in high school and college and was a cheer coach for 10 years, even coaching my sister and I. After undergoing a double mastectomy in December of 2015, one of the first fears she had is that she would not be able to "cheer" anymore with her limited arm movement. She began chemotherapy in February and did 2 rounds, ending in June. Though she may have lost her hair and most of her strength, she never lost her beauty and amazing personality. She began radiation in August and finished in September but the battle wasn't over yet. That December, another challenge arose when she developed cellulitis in her tissue expander. After being hospitalized 2 times for this and administering her own antibiotics at home, through a PIC line, she had an emergency surgery to have the expander removed. She continues to have lymphedema in her left arm. Through it all she continued to show love and compassion to those around her, especially those at the Assisted living and Memory care facility that she worked at. She is now set for her final reconstruction on April 21, 2017. Even though she is going for a bone scan to make sure it has not reoccurred, she continues to have a bright spirit and take care of the ones around her. She never failed to push through every hardship. She WILL hit cancer out of the ball park!!


KANSAS CITY ROYALS

BrieAnne EpkeIn 2015, I was 35 and diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm a pediatric nurse and mom of 2 boys. My journey started with a stroke, when I suffered permanent hearing loss in one ear. I had a repeat brain MRI and new lesions were found. I was told I had brain and breast cancer on the same day. I was sent to MD Anderson for treatment. Within a couple weeks I was undergoing brain surgery. The lesions proved to be more strokes from the cancer. After surgery, I had 15 chemo treatments and a double mastectomy. Then I became very ill with hemolytic anemia, pneumonia, & histoplasmosis. While recovering, I had another complication that landed me 9 days in the hospital followed by months of physical therapy. My husband & boys gave me the courage and fighting spirit to beat cancer. Watching my boys play baseball helped me through some tough times. Traveling to Houston for treatment and being unable to work took an emotional and financial toll on our family. Winning something like this would be an honor. Baseball is a passion in our life, both boys play and hope to be in the minor leagues like their dad. We are huge Royals fans and love cheering them on. I am part of YSC (young survival coalition), an organization that provides supportive services and education to young women affected by breast cancer. I have applied to be a state leader, so that I can travel around Kansas to promote YSC and make an impact on women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. I registered for the 2017 YSC tour de pink in October. I will be going to bat for breast cancer by riding a bike for 200 miles up the California coast. It will help prove to my boys that mom is back. All proceeds will go to help raise awareness for breast cancer. I have to raise money to participate in the race so I will be organizing fundraising events to help and also provide awareness at the same time. Here's my link to check out https://west.ysctourdepink.org/brieepke Thank you for doing this for breast cancer survivors.


LOS ANGELES ANGELS of ANAHEIM

Patti SanchezMy mom Patti is my hero and I think she is more than deserving of being the Angels 2017 Honorary Bat Girl. In 2009, my aunt was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My mom & I decided we would sign up to participate in the 2 day Avon walk in Santa Barbara. I walked, she was part of the crew, working a pit stop. Together we raised $1800. This became our yearly "girls weekend" every September. Together we were able to come together in honor of my aunt, who is now a survivor. But in November 2013, things took a turn and my mom was also diagnosed with breast cancer. This came just 4 months after her mammogram had come back clear. It came on quickly. My mom who didn't want to burden our family during the holidays, hid it until after Christmas. She endured a year of chemo and a double mastectomy. Meanwhile she still managed to work the crew of our annual Avon Walk weekend (which takes a lot of energy out of you). She went back to work right a way and never let the cancer be her crutch. She continued to keep a positive outlook and never asked much of anyone. She did not let cancer defeat her. She even made it to an Angel game that year, too! Since then she also ended up needing a hip replacement. The meds she had to take possibly made her arthritis worse. And again she still worked the walk and never complained. To a lot of our Avon buddies, my mom is Peppermint Patti. You can find her on our 39.3 mile route hollering, "Lift those ladies up!" She is always encouraging. In her day to day life she is a constantly selfless, always giving her time to helping others. She makes a big difference in the lives of the kids she works with. She is just all around an amazing lady who is more than deserving to be Angels 2017 honorary bat girl. Please vote for my mom, my hero!


LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Tanya ParraBreast cancer struck out the day it met me. Being diagnosed at 29 was one of the scariest experiences of my life, but I immediately went into survival mode. Breast cancer was never going to beat me. It's taken away my health, my hair and so many other things, but it will never take my spirit. Unfortunately, my tumor was brushed off by my doctor, but luckily I became my own advocate and pushed for additional testing. I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer which is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. I share my journey through social media to raise awareness that young women can get breast cancer and to encourage young women to be their own health advocates. It would be a dream come true to be an honorary bat girl for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I've stepped up to the mound and I go to bat against breast cancer every second of every day knowing I will win.


MIAMI MARLINS

Michelle Thompson Cortes Going to Bat against Breast Cancer is my every day. Battling Cancer is more than battling the disease itself. My world changed when I turned 40 and had my first mammogram. Cancer was not common in my family, it was not until the moment I sat with the doctor as he shared the news that I began to face not only the possibility but what was the very real reality. That's when the battle began, battling what it felt like to actually hear the words of the diagnosis. Trying to listen, focus, keep a straight face and really wanting to get the heck out of there. Battling the waiting, this was one of the worst parts. The different consults, biopsies, the exams, the procedures and the scans. Having no idea what I was dealing with and the unknown was terrifying. As a mom of two boys it was during that time that I had to begin thinking of how to share the diagnosis with them. Protecting them from unnecessary worry yet leading with transparency. The battle of sharing in general led to the questions, awkward comments and the new found doctors sharing their treatment recommendations. I gained new friends and support systems, but I also lost friends. I am proud that following treatment that included a mastectomy; I am overcoming and beating this battle. My decisions now lead with cancer. I am kinder, knowing others may be battling. I think long term, grateful to have had my cancer caught early. Most importantly, I am committed, committed to do my part to conquer cancer. I share my story often; I never know who is listening. The physical part of my journey ends April 14 when I have the expander taken out and finalize what will be my new breast, my new body. I have committed to run the Chicago Marathon in October with the American Cancer Society. I will be running for me, those still battling, those who have yet to be diagnosed and those who fought the battle and are no longer with us. I would be honored to share the field in Miami Battling Breast Cancer together.


MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Jacki McClellanMY MOM IS THE DEFINITION OF STRENGTH. Back on my 23rd Birthday, my mom went in for a routine mammogram. The Doctor went over the results and noted that everything looked "fine." However, later that evening my mom would receive the worst phone call. The doctor had read her results wrong and she would need to come in the following day to discuss his findings. The next day my mom was told she had Stage 3 (now would be stage 4) Breast Cancer and that it had spread to all of her lymph nodes in her right arm. The next few weeks were a blur. I remember when my dad shared the news that my mom had cancer. I just screamed and was so angry! No one in our family has a history of Breast Cancer. So, to us this was a huge shock. Over the next year my mom had multiple surgeries, two rounds of the most invasive chemo drug on the market, 30 days of radiation, and physical therapy. She also lost her hair twice and battled several infections. However, through it all my mom was so BEAUTIFUL and always kept a positive attitude. She would always look forward to the summer when she could root on her Brewers and "forget" for a moment that she had cancer. She even has multiple pink Brewers gear to support her battle. Back in 2015, I was diagnosed with Melanoma skin cancer. Not only was I scared but I was also 35 weeks pregnant with my first child. Through multiple surgeries my mother NEVER left my side and gave me the courage and strength to beat cancer like she did. Therefore, I believe my mom deserves to be recognized for her courageous faith and STRONG will to survive and BEAT cancer!


MINNESOTA TWINS

Greta SimmondsI would like introduce you to a superhero I call my sister, Greta! See she does wear these awesome tights with fish patterns, crazy designs and even ones with the galaxy, but she is not one for the spandex leotard, not quite her style. Her cape may not be visible by most, but it is very visible by those that know her. Greta has some great super powers‐ strength, power of positivity, and sense of humor. Greta was diagnosed with late stage 2 invasive ductile breast cancer on Christmas Eve 2015. Her initial reaction was shock, as she is only 28 years old and no family history of breast cancer. Shortly she put on those amazing tights and got ready to take on this evil villain we call cancer. She has gone through chemo, a double mastectomy surgery and radiation treatments. As each superhero knows that sometimes the villains knock you down. But the best of superheroes get back up and fight with vengeance. Greta fights cancer daily but she doesn't let cancer dictate who she is or how she lives her life. She continues to work a full‐time job, go out with friends, family, and just live her life. She started her own support group as there isn't one for cancer fighting superheroes in her age group. In Greta style, she likes to keep things positive and full of humor. Using her super powers to remind people the importance of mammograms no matter what age and self‐checks. Greta thinks that this support group is supporting her, but really she is the one that is inspiring all of us. She is the one with the super powers. Greta's doctors have been very pleased with her treatments and the outcomes over the past year. Which is really no surprise for a superhero. She will pull up those tights, and use her super powers to continue the fight. Greta or Super G as many know her as these days will continue show this villain of cancer that its doesn't stand a chance against this superhero and her posy.


NEW YORK METS

Randi BornHi there, my name is Randi and I am 27 years old. In May of 2015 at the age of 25 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In March of that year I felt a lump and had my doctor check on it, he then sent me for a mammogram. Due to my age I was denied a mammogram even though I had a script from a doctor. Since I was denied, my doctor had me go see a friend of his who was a breast surgeon, she then did a needle aspiration in her office and two days later I got my diagnosis. In August of that year I had a double mastectomy and was then cancer free. I have tried to find platforms to share my story and how young women who may need mammograms should be able to get one regardless of age. If it weren't for my doctor who insisted I have this further checked, the cancer could have spread further before we realized what it was. Sharing my story with hope I can reach even one young woman and let her know if something doesn't feel right, fight to get your answers. During my time of recovery I watched the New York Mets. Some days when I really couldn't do anything because of the pain from surgery I was able to watch them and it made me feel a lot better. Thank you for reading my story, Let's Go Mets and LETS BEAT BREAST CANCER TOGETHER! Xo Randi


NEW YORK YANKEES

Kristin MindoReceiving the diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer at age 36 sucked. It happening 3 days after Christmas 2016 made it even worse. Over the first few days, I struggled to answer the question, "Why me?" Thanks to the wonderful people around me, I figured out the reason. They helped me realize that through this fight my strength and spirit would serve as an inspiration. Before my hair started falling out from chemo, my boyfriend suggested that I own it. At the first sign of hair loss, I headed straight to the salon. I sat down, asked for the clippers, and said, "I want to shave it." The owner was so impressed he asked if he could capture the moment. He believed that that was the kind of courage that would be an inspiration to other women with cancer. We made the event a photo shoot, posting it on his Facebook page. It brings me joy to think that taking matters into my own hands could help at least 1 other woman get through their tough time. I hope I inspire people I come in contact with but there is more that I can do. I am currently raising money for the Young Survival Coalition. I am also putting together a team to run a 5K in May to raise funds for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. I have already started planning a dinner event to raise funds for the both organizations. Raising money and awareness for breast and ovarian cancers keeps me inspired and looking forward! A lifelong goal of mine is to visit every Major League ballpark. Before last spring, I had been to ten ballparks. Last year, my boyfriend and I drove from New Jersey to Milwaukee to start a 4‐stadium tour. Even though I am in the midst of my battle, I am not going to let that stop me. Next month, in between chemo treatments, we're headed to see the Cardinals and Royals. "It's not about how hard you can hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." Cancer will not stop me from doing the things I love. I'll continue to fight each day to live life and create memories!


OAKLAND ATHLETICS

After having her first child, my niece was diagnosed with a nasty form of breast cancer. After her initial shock, she TURNED THE TABLES. She attacked the cancer with all the intelligence and spirit that got her to the head of class through school years and achievements as a woman. Throughout her treatment she used Social Media to increase public knowledge, GIVE SUPPORT and ENCOURAGEMENT to others in their personal fights. She wrote essays and now has a book in print: CANCER HATES KISSES. Jessica says “Cancer Hates Kisses flips the traditional cancer script. It is not a sad story, but an empowering one, recognizing it takes superhero strength to kick cancer’s butt and be a parent. It is a story celebrating how children, with their smiles, laughter, joy, hugs, kiss, and love are the best medicine. Indeed, my own daughter gave me the courage to wake up each day and fight cancer with every ounce of my being. Cancer Hates Kisses demystifies cancer for children, using simple language to discuss complicated subjects like surgery, chemotherapy, hair loss, and radiation.” With her sparkling personality, I believe she is the BEST spokesperson one could imagine in the fight against this disease. The book has a unique perspective on talking with children, and also provides an empowering perspective for women. After a double mastectomy, 3 months of chemo, and now hormone therapy, Jessica recently celebrated her two year cancerversary. She desires to use her experience to help as many other young women with breast cancer as possible.

Jessica Reid


PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Catherine Leettola2017 has been a rough year for my wife; Catherine Leettola. After her grandfather died right before New Years; she felt like she had lost her guardian angel. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 1c in January. She had to have an emergency surgery to remove the tumor and is monitored every 3 months for this disease in hopes that it never comes back. In early March; Catherine found a lump in her right breast and immediately went in to get it checked. Her self‐exam helped lead her to a Her2+ breast cancer diagnosis by the doctors. The news was shocking as she had received two cancers within a short time frame of each other. It was supposed to be a happy time as we had just bought our first house ever and looked forward to settling into the Philadelphia area. But, I believe only the strongest people get cancer and Catherine has shown up to that challenge. I have been inspired by my wife's attitude, resolve, and fight. She immediately went into her chemo treatments and has already gotten her head shaved. She battles the symptoms and continues to go to work so that she feels normal. She wants to make a difference in this world and believes she may have found her calling. Early detection is key and she continues to call her loved ones and friends and tell them about going in for their yearly exams and doing a self‐exam once a month. She has journal entries of her story on www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherineleettola for her loved ones and friends to see. I pray for her and am inspired to help spread the word and share her story. Her prognosis is great as the breast cancer was caught early! We know that not everybody is as lucky as we are. She has 5 more chemo sessions to go! I entered this contest as a chance to offer her a pick me up. Baseball is her favorite of all the sports I watch and perhaps can also give her a platform to share her message of hope and inspiration. Thank you for your time in reading this story!


PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Christine NeedlesMy story is about my mother's fight with Breast Cancer going back to her initial diagnosis in October 2004, at the age of 40, through to a reoccurrence in October 2007. Her name is Chris, a mom of 4, and a very active volunteer, but facing an aggressive fight with Triple‐negative Breast Cancer. On October 6, 2004, our families' lives changed forever after she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. For the next six weeks, it was a new world full of surgery and tests. By November 29th, all the tests were done and she was headed off to her first Chemotherapy treatment. After a winter of treatments, these treatments were completed and a few weeks to recover were taken before the Radiation Treatments began. Finally after 38 Radiation Treatments, she looked forward to getting life back to a new normal. Now fast forwarding to October 2007, there is a new tumor in her lung, 2 tumors in the lymph nodes in her chest, and a golf ball sized tumor in her cerebellum. We are now faced with the fact that the chemotherapy was not as effective as we all hoped and prayed. With metastasized breast cancer, we shift from the pursuit of a cure to treatment of a disease. After several surgeries, many scans, and countless blood takes, we have defined the regiment to attack these cancerous cells. It is time for battle. Once a cancer has metastasized, you are always at battle with the disease. She continues to be under metastatic surveillance, but is looking forward to having 4 months in this next span between scans and tests as she continues to be further out from her metastatic diagnosis. Chris continues to support multiple cancer support groups in our community, and was awarded the 2016 Giant Eagle Karen ShapiraSurvivor Award. She does this so that she can provide encouragement and a positive outlook to other women facing this same disease. Chris' courage is a true inspiration, and her four children are continually able to celebrate Mother's Day with their Superhero.


ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Jessica DartingMy name is Taylor Otto and I want to tell you about one amazing woman with the most infectious smile. Jessica Darting is not only an awesome wife, a "cool" mom, a STL sports fanatic, and talented dancer, she is also an amazing friend. She has been an x‐ray tech at Children's Mercy hospital for more than 5 years. It's no wonder why she has been so successful at her job, just wait until you see her bust out some cool dance moves or a famous movie song for a kid. On January 12, 2016, Jessica received the unfortunate news that, at the age of 34, she had stage 2 infiltrating ductal breast cancer. In a very short amount of time, Jessica had surgery scheduled and underwent a double mastectomy and had 22 lymph nodes removed. Over the course of the next 5 months, she received 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Not only did Jess have to undergo all of the stress of her illness but she went back to work and continued treatment with daily radiation therapy for 6 weeks. Jess had a whole crew rallying behind her but she had to be brave for more than just herself and her family. She had to come to work every day and put on a smile for kids that are going through cancer and illness as well. She made it look so effortless. Jess also somehow found time to make new transitions in her career and become the lead tech of the x‐ray department. Her journey to recovery is still a very long road. Jess just recently had a DIEP flap reconstruction surgery and will continue to have several more. Just days after having her first reconstructive surgery, she was videotaped dancing in the hospital halls with her drains attached to her gown. It takes a fearless leader to get out on the field with those baseball boys and there is absolutely no one better for the job than Jessica. If you make the decision of choosing Jess as the honorary bat girl, prepare yourself for nonstop fun and dancing. Not even cancer can stop that woman from smiling and dancing her way through life!


SAN DIEGO PADRES

Wendy ShureldsWendy Shurelds is passionate about living life to the fullest and turning every bad situation into a positive experience. In 2009, Wendy lost her mom in a workplace fatality, she found herself speaking in front of congress fighting for workplace safety and along with United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) she helped write the Family Bill of Rights, which was adopted by OSHA. "I wanted my mom's voice to be heard and I didn't want other families to endure a tragedy like mine." When she was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer there was no doubt she'd fight it because in the end, she'd want to help other women in need. Komen San Diego became a resource for Wendy after she was laid off and had no health insurance. Now she's in remission and everyday she advocates for women in the African American community by bringing awareness and encouraging them to take charge of their health. "Life is very short, I don't take life for granted anymore, I live my life moment by moment and I try to have fun and be happy. Fighting for these women is my passion. When it comes to changing history, Rosa Parks inspires me because she was a pillar of strength. I feel that I have endured so much in my life, losing my mom and dad and having to fight for my life. I can still smile and dedicate my heart to all women." Wendy deserves to be 2017 Honorary Bat Girl because she not only found the strength to beat cancer for herself but has brought awareness and resources to communities across the County to help beat this horrible disease.


SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Kristen Demeduk Kristen, or "Kapt'n K10" as her friends know her, is a 35 year‐old wife and mother that LOVES LIFE! She squeezes all the joy out of each day she is blessed with. Her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 amplified her love of life tenfold. When she wasn't busy at treatment (chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, infusions & radiation) she was with her family traveling, camping, wakeboarding, snowboarding, quad riding, watching Giants games and making a music video! She created a parody to Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" & renamed the famous song "All About the Boobs, No Cancer". Together with her amazing friends and family she choreographed and filmed this education video and utilizes it as a vehicle to spread awareness about breast cancer and stress the importance of early detection. The music video was just the beginning of her mission to spread awareness and raise money for cancer research. In 2015 she was the Honoree at the Tri‐Valley SOCKs "Bras for the Cause" Breast Cancer Walk where she shared her story with hundreds of others devoted to raising money for the cause. Soon after she was asked to be a guest speaker at Washington Hospital's "Celebration of Life" event ‐ spreading Hope to others fighting the terrible "f'n c" as she calls it. Recently she joined the Tri‐Valley SOCKs non‐profit organization as a strong fundraising advocate. She had the privilege of meeting world‐renowned researchers at UCSF and spoke at their 2017 Breast Oncology Retreat in San Francisco, sharing her passion for fundraising to continue to fund research. The SF Giants have always been her favorite MLB team and on Mother's Day 2016 she was fortunate to spend the day at the game with her mom (THE BIGGEST GIANTS FAN ON THE PLANET), her husband and her two‐year old son. It was on that day she had the opportunity to see the 2016 Honorary Bat Girl take the field and realized how amazing it would be to be honored as such and have the opportunity to take her mom on the field.


SEATTLE MARINERS

Vanessa WalshVanessa Walsh deserves this award. In March 2010, Vanessa's husband Federal Way Officer Brian Walsh died of a heart attack while on duty. Vanessa was 33 years old and 7 months pregnant. Originally Brian was determined not to have died in the line of duty meaning Vanessa and her kids wouldn't get any benefits reserved for families of fallen heroes. But she fought and won! It took a year but Vanessa fought to make sure that Brian's sacrifice would never be forgotten. After Brian's death, Vanessa gave birth to her daughter in May 2010. She did an amazing job raising three kids on her own, including her daughter Elena who never met her Dad. She drove her kids to basketball, baseball and wrestling. During the same month as Elena's birthday in 2014, Vanessa found out that she had Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer ‐a very aggressive form. Because of this, she was forced to retire from the Air Force Reserves. She had already served 18 years and wasn't ready to retire so she served in other ways. She took her fighting spirit to Olympia to work on legislation to help other spouses of fallen officers to allow them to remarry and keep their death benefits. Her dramatic testimony about her fight with cancer brought legislators to tears! During chemo, Vanessa posted online the ups and downs she endured to help educate people on the kind of cancer she had and how she was fighting. She has struggled and fought, not just for her family, but for others. She participated in a cancer trial at UW and she flies to California at her own expense every 3 months to participate in another trial. Through all of this, with little help, Vanessa is a Mom first. She posts how she will miss the day when she isn't driving her kids to ball practice or getting out stains on baseball pants. Her cancer is now in remission. She recently posted online that her surgeon thanked her for taking on a risky surgery because she has become the template for others. The post ended:"#whatyouleaveisyourlegacy."


TAMPA BAY RAYS

Angela HazzardImagine going in for a routine mammogram at 47 and being told you needed to see a surgeon right away. Flash painfully slowly to the surgery date two long months later and being told you had Stage 2 breast cancer and faced a long and painful healing for a TRAM procedure mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and radiation. Now picture the poster child for Early Detection and Awareness, who maintained a positive attitude as a wife, mother, and employee in a high‐stress job. That is my daughter, Angela. Now over five years cancer free, she has used this "bump in the road" as she calls it, to encourage others to get mammograms, fight the good fight on their own illness, and work to raise funds and participation in fundraisers. Not one to sit back and dwell on herself, she was out walking the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, with her husband, children and family, before her surgery and in the five years since. And still feeling the need to do more, she and her daughter raised the requisite $2500 each to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in St. Petersburg. The training and walking of this resulted in injuries that were determined to signal the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Enough, you think? Not so. She "crewed" for the 3‐Day in Atlanta and she met her West Coast daughter to "crew" the 3‐Day in San Diego the following year. Continuing this pattern, she again "crewed" in Atlanta in 2016 and "walked (ran walked) 5k's and 10k races at Disney World for the last three years! She was energized by cancer, not enervated by it! As a Ray's family with our fourth year of season tickets, we would be so proud to see our daughter as the Ray's Honorary Bat Girl for 2017. Like the Rays, she is a champion and a survivor!


TEXAS RANGERS

Kimberly LockeOn January 4th, 2017 my lovely wife Kim faced the largest challenge of her life, she was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. At first the news was devastating, but she resolved at that moment to go to bat against breast cancer and WIN! Since that day Kim and her extraordinary team of doctors have established a game plan and executed it flawlessly. She has been through surgery and fought hard to get back on her feet in minimal time. She is currently awaiting the results of all the testing to determine the next step; chemo or radiation or both. As she awaits Kim is enjoying life with renewed enthusiasm, returning to work, bowling again with her league, and planning a trip to Arizona to see "her" Texas Rangers in action at Spring Training. Growing up in Arlington, TX, Kim has been a lifelong Ranger fan. She attends several games a year and watches as many as possible on TV. Her passion for Texas Rangers baseball is a motivating force in Kim's #NeverEverQuit attitude. Kim is a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. The kindness, generosity and unselfishness that she shows everyone she meets is humbling and inspiring. She understands that the support from family, friends, colleagues and other cancer survivors has already helped tremendously and will continue to help her get through the daily mental and physical battles ahead. I know in the future she will reciprocate all the support shown to her by focusing her passionate personality in going to bat against breast cancer for others in their fight. She is currently preparing for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure and is actively recruiting participants. Kim's courage and determination in the face of adversity has been awe‐inspiring and I could not be prouder of her.


TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Katherine DavidsonSix years ago, my wife Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26. After five surgeries and six rounds of chemo, we thought it was over. We bought a house and had plans of starting a family. We were engaged, with no solid date set for the wedding, when we got the news that my father had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We scrambled to put a wedding together in 3 months in order to have my dad at our wedding. My dad died in July; ten weeks before our big day. As we mourned, we struggled to enjoy the wedding planning process. While dress shopping, Katie started having some symptoms that her oncologist wanted to explore further. Nine days before our wedding, we received a phone call explaining that Katie's cancer was back, but this time it was terminal. It had spread to her bones, from head to toe. We were devastated. Gone were the hopes of starting a family. Gone were the dreams of living a "normal" life. Gone were Katie's career aspirations and goals. We spent our honeymoon at the cancer center. Since her first diagnosis, Katie has done as much as she could to help others. She writes a blog to help validate other women's breast cancer experiences and has spoken at countless events telling her story and promoting early detection. She advocates that breast cancer doesn't discriminate against age and has raised over $10,000 for cancer research. She has travelled to developing countries like India to volunteer in the hopes of paying it forward. Katie has been a Toronto Blue Jays fan since she was a little girl and despite being in treatment, she attended The Blue Jays Home Opener last year. Katie grew up idolizing John Olerud and played first base her whole baseball career. Pat Borders and Joe Carter were heroes, Roberto Alomar was a crush. Now Jose Bautista and Kevin Pillar are her heroes and Josh Donaldson is the crush. Breast cancer has taken so much from the woman I love; it would be amazing if I could help her win The Honorary Bat Girl Contest.


WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Melissa GreenBeing the daughter of a breast and uterine cancer survivor, I knew before my own experience even started how difficult it was going to be. But I'm happy to say I struck out cancer and I'm coming up on my two‐year cancerfreeversary (late April). I found a lump in my left breast in Oct. 2014 during a routine self‐exam. I was diagnosed with stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer. I went through 16 rounds of chemo over the course of 5 months and underwent a double mastectomy and two separate breast reconstruction surgeries in 2015/2016. Nothing about my experience was easy, and I'm still dealing with some pain and other issues. But the only way to GET through something so craptastic is to GO through it. My experience was made so much easier though by my mother who drove hours to take care of me during all of my procedures/treatments/surgeries. Her grace and courage during her own battles against breast and uterine cancer gave me the strength to get through my worst days. I am glad to say we both beat the throw to home to outscore cancer! It really did take an incredible team to get me through it‐‐my Dad, sister, nieces, brother‐in‐law and numerous friends were amazing in their love and support too! I have shared even the goriest of details about my experience with my family and friends, and even strangers, in an effort to get them to think about their breast health and to have important conversations with their health care providers. I have gone to bat against breast cancer raising money by holding a Tackle Breast Cancer fundraiser the past two college football seasons with the DC alumni chapter of my college alma mater, the University of South Carolina. The funds have benefited local organizations including the Casting for Recovery's Mid‐Atlantic Chapter, Life With Cancer and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.

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