2013 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -...

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2013 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

My sister, Tracie Stra.on, was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago at the age of 34. She is a single mother of 3 amazing boys, ages 12, 16 and 18. Her cancer has matasBzed to her spine and brain now and last September doctors told us she would pass away within 4 weeks. 6 months later she is doing amazing, far be.er than any of the doctors expected. She is the strongest, most posiBve person I know. Tracie has a strong will to live because she wants to see her boys grow into the men she has raised. Her oldest will graduate high school in May and she is planning his graduaBon party. She will turn 37 in June and plans to be here for that as well. My sister and her kids are baseball fans and LOVE watching the Diamondbacks play!! We love her so much and are so proud of her strength as she ba.les cancer!

Tracie Stra3on

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ATLANTA BRAVES

Joan Dumas, pastor's wife, mother, grandmother, wonderful musician, sister and friend was diagnosed Feb., 2011 with breast cancer. The "Hero" medicaBon would eradicate the cancer, and a double mastectomy would decrease the odds of return. In quiet bravery she accomplished what she had to, 1 step at a Bme. She began walking. In a few months Joan was walking 5-‐6 miles a day. Determined to walk in a breast cancer Half Marathon in Oct. 2012, Joan raised $1000.00 to enter. Before the walk, discovering a lump in the same breast, a biopsy followed. Because of her history the doctor took the lump and surrounding Bssues. Following the walk, Joan received the unexpected news that breast cancer had returned. The path report arrived at the doctor's office just as Joan walked in for her appointment. PaBent and Physician were in disbelief. Through chemotherapy again, then daily trips for radiaBon, her quiet faith resounded loudly around us as we watched her fight through the discomforts of the "Heroes" she agreed to embrace again. It is not over, but the brilliance is there. Her quiet walk through this valley, though dark to her, is illuminant to us all. Her faith is evident. Her walk is tall. I am honored to know her as my friend

Joan Dumas

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BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Even though I am only 13, my mom's story is worth telling. Krista needs to be considered for Orioles' Mother's Day bat girl honor. My name is Sarah Grace+ I grew up in Maryland. My two younger brothers play rec., travel,+ all-‐star baseball all year-‐round at Glade Valley baseball. I am at the ball fields all the Bme + have a.ended Orioles games since I was 7. Mom was diagnosed w/ triple-‐negaBve breast cancer in 10/11. She was working two jobs: a pediatric nutriBonist for very sick kids + tuiBon assistance help for families at my school. She worked all through treatment: radiaBon, chemo+ ader every procedure. During radiaBon+ chemo, I helped dress her burns, held her throw-‐up bucket, brought her tea+ kept her company. Mom has sBll driven my brothers +me to school, piano+ sports ; she worked both of her jobs,+ helped other people in the community. 2 weeks ader my mom's chemo, she led my church group+me, on a mission trip to help repair homes in N.C. As the oldest, I have had to work hard to help my mom. She has encouraged + helped me to stay focused. I have maintained an 'A' average all through my mom's fight. My mom's favorite phrases are 'HOPE'+'Fight Like a Girl'. Please pick her for this contest because I want to be an example to other girls that have family members fighBng this ba.le,+ model for them how to show love +support to their loved ones. Girls are brave. My mom, with her strong faith, has been that example for me. Please consider my mom for this contest.

Krista McElwain

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BOSTON RED SOX

ChrisBe is a single mother of 3 beauBful girls and there is no doubt that she will swing Breast Cancer out of the park. She found her first lump last Sept. but it didn't show up on the ultrasound or mammogram and was told it was a FibrocysBc Mass. She went back in Dec. to get it checked again and they found another lump. The doctor then assured her they were both FibrocysBc Masses and she had nothing to worry about. She was sent back again for biopsies on her lumps and lymph node, both tested posiBve for cancer. She was diagnosed on ValenBne's Day this year. At the end of her 6th chemo she will have a double mastectomy and reconstrucBon. She will then have radiaBon and a year of weekly HercepBn treatments. An organizaBon has been created by her friends called "Team ChrisBe" due to taking a medical leave from her job for a year. Our community has been seing up many fundraisers to support her ba.le. She has also been selected by the American Cancer Society to light the torch at the Relay for Life event this June. Ader her ba.le is over, Team ChrisBe will conBnue to raise funds to help others ba.ling cancer in our community. Everyone who knows her would agree that she is a strong and fierce woman who is ba.ling through cancer with the most posiBve aitude which is truly inspiring. Ader being misdiagnosed twice, she can teach us all a lesson; early detecBon is extremely important even if you have to be your own advocate. Giving up is not an opBon.

Chris=e Cantara

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CHICAGO CUBS

I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, a very aggressive breast cancer, on May 4, 2012, at the young age of 23. Also, I had cancer in my lymph nodes, 8 or 8 were posiBve. Cancer has forever changed my life... I never thought that it would be me, especially at this stage in my life. I sBll have my whole life ahead of me, I want to get married, have kids, find my dream job... God had a different plan. I've had numerous surgeries, including a bilatera mastecomy, a year of chemotherapy treatments, 28 radiaBon treatments, and I sBll have a few hercepBn chemo's led. I look forward to being in remission and being cancer FREE!! God, my boyfriend, my friends, and my family have been my rock throughout this enBre journey. Without them, I don't think I could have beat this. I count my blessings and thank The Lord every day. No ma.er what I'm going through, how much pain I'm in, or how sick I am, I know that somewhere out there there is someone that is worse off than I am, and whatever it is I am going through, I know I can overcome it. Having a posiBve aitude has helped me trememdously throughout my journey. I would be absolutely honored to be Honoray Bat Girl for the Cubs. I am a HUGE Cubbie fan, also a huge Anthony Rizzo fan! It would be a dream come true to be named this. Thanks for this amazing opportunity!!! :)

Ally Fairfield

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX

I know Sherri through the Young Survival CoaliBon, as she has almost single-‐handedly spearheaded the growth of its Chicago branch. She has also done more on behalf of fundraising and advocacy for breast cancer awareness/research than anyone else I know, all while working and raising a family. One organizaBon for which she's done the most has been the Komen foundaBon, with her parBcipaBon in Komen's Mother's Day Walk, Komen Lobby Day 2010, and acBve involvement in raising money for the 3-‐Day Walk. Throughout these efforts she has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars on behalf of Komen. She has also been a Komen Chicago Affiliate Grant Peer Reviewer, and I have seen first-‐hand just how important Sherri's efforts have been in the lives of so many women. Sherri's efforts have not been limited to Komen, however, as she has also been a Project LEAD graduate, taken part in NBCC Lobby Days annually, been a DOD Consumer Reviewer, and co-‐founded the YSC Chicago affiliate as well as END Breast Cancer IL. On a personal level, Sherri has been a YSC Peer Counselor, BulleBn Board Moderator, and Chicago Affiliate Leader since 2010. Finally, to truly lend her warm personality to interacBons with other cancer survivors, Sherri has been a Mentor Angel with Immerman Angels, helping guide others through the same life-‐changing experience. And of course, Sherri is also a huge White Sox fan -‐I can't think of anyone be.er suited to represent us at a beauBful day at the ballpark!

Sherri Waldvogel

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CINCINNATI REDS

I am nominaBng my friend and co-‐survivor Josie Shuler to be Honorary Batgirl for her favorite team...the CincinnaB Reds! Josie was diagnosed on 8/8/08 with Triple NegaBve Breast Cancer. The morning of her surgery, she was told her mother had passed away in the Phillipines, and she soldiered on...in the last four and a half years, her cancer has re-‐occurred in her lungs and her brain. She has gone through mulBple rounds of chemo, breast radiaBon, and brain radiaBon. There are several Bmes that the doctors have told her she only has months to live, and she sBll soldiers on. She is currently going through a trial chemo at UC's Barre. Cancer Center to try and help herself, but even more to help try and find a cure for this deadly Triple NegaBve Breast Cancer. Her favorite way to destress is to volunteer! She helps Komen CincinnaB, ACS, and many other groups. AND, there is no greater Reds Fan! She has an "exhibit" of all her Reds memorabilia in her basement, she and her husband Gary are members of the Hall of Fame, and a.end RedsFest every year, and as many games as they can. Everyone that meets Josie falls in love with her. This would be the ulBmate gid to give her, and keep her spirits up while she fights this crazy beast called cancer.

Josie Shuler

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CLEVELAND INDIANS

As a lifelong athlete when I heard the words "you have cancer" I thought I had been given my death sentence. I had just had my second child. Telling my strong, Cleveland firefighter husband who had lost a child from a prior marriage was the most difficult part. I made the decision the same day to go to bat to win the fight against the disease. I underwent a year of chemotherapy and three surgeries thus far. Eight months later I was diagnosed with melanoma which involved more surgeries. I have made a lifelong commitment to coaching and inspiring other women through their ba.le with the disease. I chaired the Survivor Ceremony as part of the Race for the Cure in Cleveland. I was sponsored by Komen to a.end the Young Survivor Conference and I use my knowledge to educate others. I am acBve in raising money for various chariBes that help families like ours or support research to find a cure. I oden tell my story at Oncology conferences or Races such as Race for the Cure or Relay for Life. Although the ba.le has been a challenge I leverage my experience to help other women not just survive but thrive. I am always grateful for organizaBons such as MLB that support breast cancer survivors. Through awareness, collaboraBon and a shared commitment to find a cure we will end this disease and I will see my children grow up. Thank you so much for this opportunity! I go to bat every day to make a difference in the lives around me.

Colleen DeVito

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COLORADO ROCKIES

Thursday, August 16th 2012 was a day that changed our family. My wife was 13 weeks pregnant, and was just informed she had stage 3A breast cancer. The next day we were meeBng with the Oncologist, and the following Tuesday we had an appointment with a surgeon. We found out that she would have to have a right breast mastectomy. We sBll didn't have a chance to wrap our heads around what was going on, but one week ader diagnosis she was going in to surgery. Ader healing from surgery she started chemotherapy, which was week 19 of her pregnancy, and a few days before her 35th birthday. Weeks 22, 25, and 28 were also weeks she had to undergo chemotherapy. We will never forget when her chemo appointments were, because we counted them by the weeks of her pregnancy.Week 32 she delivered a healthy baby boy, who went through the whole experience with her. . Currently she just finished her 11th infusion of 12 in her second round of chemo. She will have a month break before starBng radiaBon. My wife has never complained, her mo.o through this has been "I guess god thinks I can handle a lot"

Paz Dierks

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DETROIT TIGERS

For many years I stood in the stands as a Tigers fan supporBng breast cancer events and survivors as they played ball. Li.le did I know, at age 32, it would be my turn to step up to the plate. I took the bat in hand with a stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis. I swung through 27 grueling weeks of chemo. I sat the bench to undergo a unilateral mastectomy. I took the field at 33 difficult radiaBon sessions. Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a tough season. Without my team of family and friends I may have struck out. Thankfully that season is over. Being a team player takes commitment. I have commi.ed to the breast cancer team with my roster posiBons that include; representaBve at Race for the Cure benefiBng Komen for a Cure, fundraiser for The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and parBcipant in Bras for a Cause supporBng Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit. This ballgame is now an integral part of my life. In October it will be my grand slam moment when I officially call myself a 5 year breast cancer survivor. I go to bat in Detroit for all those past, present and future survivors awaiBng the day when there is a winning game ball called a CURE!

Tracie Kania

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HOUSTON ASTROS

Gina would make a great Honorary Bat Girl, for as long as we can remember she has been a sports fanaBc. Always collecBng baseball, football, and basketball cards. She had to have a blood transfusion as a very young baby and has been challenged in life, but she did not let this get her down, she has had the same job since 1976 and works very hard. She is the most loving, caring, tenderhearted, and has the innocence of a child. Worldly people can be cruel and take advantage of that but she never lets any thing like that keep her down. Over the past few weeks Gina has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has moved into her lymph nodes. We are told that it is the size of a lemon in her breast and is in her neck. They will be beginning Chemo soon. She is very scared and does not truly understand what is going on. It would thrill her heart to be asked to be the bat girl and allowing her to meet some of her biggest hero's, not to menBon the Astros play the Rangers for the Mother's Day game.

Gina Law

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KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Survivor, that is a word I never used to describe myself. In 2009, I lost my dad 3 months before my son was born. I then found out I had the BRCA gene. My greatest fear was realized on October 2, 2009. At 35 I thought my world was ending. I was told I had breast cancer. I quickly and fiercely began my ba.le against cancer. I had a double mastectomy and hysterectomy, six months of chemo and more surgeries. I had ups and downs; moments where I felt defeated, but at my weakest moment I became my strongest, a fighter. I fought because I was taught to never give up; because that's what my son needed, because I wanted to win this ba.le. Finally, in September of 2011, I had my last surgery, I won my war. I might have lost parts of me, but I did not lose this fight. Today, I am a be.er me, a be.er mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Today, I am a SURVIVOR. Each year, I parBcipate in Susan G. Komen and Relay for Life to make a difference; bring awareness to this disease. There can be good that comes out of dark Bmes. I want this opportunity for the three generaBons of family who fought this before me. My son is a Royal's fan to his core, what an honor it would be to share in this event to be on the field with a team he looks up to. This experience would be as meaningful to him as it would be for me. I would be honored to take a stand against cancer for those who cannot be here today, those currently fighBng it and for those who have to hear the dreaded words tomorrow.

Kelly VanBuskirk

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LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Last year ader my yearly physical I was told I needed a mammogram.My Dr gave me prescripBon and being a busy mom I forgot.So some Bme later my husband and I went out to a concert and I wore heals (something I rarely do) and my foot began to hurt.I went in to see a pediatrist and was told I needed an X-‐ray so I went in, and while I was there I remembered about my monogram.I asked the technician and she said we might as well do it since your here. Never did I think that hurBng my foot saved my life. My mammogram showed a large tumor about the size of a walnut (that I never felt) and ader more test and several biopsies I was told that I had stage 2 breast cancer. Having young children I made a decision that this diagnosis would not bring me down that the best medicine is laughter and that a posiBve aitude can heal. Regardless of the outcome I wanted my children to remember this as a growing Bme not as a sad Bme. When I told the news to my friends and family we had an ice cream party, the night before my first chemo we celebrated by having girl night at the Angel game, when I started loosing my hair we had a shave party! Yes these events were fun and that is what got me through the really tough Bmes. I am done with chemo and just recently had my first surgery. This by far has been the hardest thing ever but the game is not over yet soon I'll have a victory and we can light up the Halo!This Angel Fan has a victory!

Nancy Oshiro

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Our 35 year old daughter, Sara, wife of John and mother of two boys, Jaden, age 7 and Jordan, age 5, found a lump in her right breast on April 30, 2012. She had a biopsy May 4th, received the diagnosis of Stage 2 Colloid Carcinoma on May 8th, and underwent a double mastectomy on June 8th. She began her five-‐year-‐course of tamoxifen in July 2013. Her first reconstrucBve surgery was done on October 17, 2012 and she is in the process of scheduling part 2 of 3 now. Through the support of her wonderful husband, great friends, co-‐workers and family, she is staying posiBve and moving forward with her life. Her father, a life-‐long Dodger fan, would love to see her as honorary bat girl on Mother's Day, 2013 at Dodger Stadium. Sara is such an outgoing person. Less than one year since discovering her lump, Sara has founded "Feel Yourself Up": A Breast Cancer Awareness OrganizaBon PromoBng Self-‐ExaminaBon. Through this organizaBon, she plans to raise awareness about the importance of early detecBon through self-‐examinaBon, and money for those needing help with expenses of day to day life while fighBng breast cancer.

Sara Aguilera

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MIAMI MARLINS

Ana Sanchez was diagnosed in 2010. Underwent a parBal mastectomy, chemotherapy, and 33 rounds of radiaBon. She had a.ended Race for Cure for many years before her diagnosis, however in October of 2010, while going through chemotherapy, we started TEAM ANA-‐LICIOUS in her honor and she walked that day alongside her team. She conBnues to lead Team Ana-‐licious had their 3rd annual race last October and registered about 70 people. Her goal is to grow the team as large as possible to spread awareness and raise funds for women to get the treatment they need in order to overcome this disease, just as she did. Her own surgeon and office staff has asked her to support a paBent currently going through chemotherapy, because even in the midst of pain and worry, Ana Sanchez conBnued to smile, stay posiBve, and take care of her family and ailing parents. She worked full Bme throughout the enBre treatment and even scheduled her radiaBon appointments for 6:30 am (first appointment of the day) so she could be at work by 8. She's a dedicated Grandmother as well, and didn't allow the ader effects of chemo from stopping her from dropping off her grandson at Pre-‐K 3 every morning. If anyone deserves to be Honorary Bat Girl, it's Ana Sanchez. Her determinaBon, faith, and unwavering support of the Ba.le of Pink doesn't go unnoBced. Her family, friends, and co-‐workers cheer her on and will conBnue to do so every year as Team Ana-‐Licious grows bigger and bigger because of HER!

Ana Sanchez

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MILWAUKEE BREWERS

My daughter, Susan, is a 35 year old wife, mother of three, teacher and an avid Brewer fan. She is also a vicBm of breast cancer. There is no doubt that Susan is a Brewer fan, always wearing the Brewer logo. I oden receive a call ader a game, good or bad, with Susan exclaiming, "Can you believe the Brewers!" Their family summer vacaBons are planned around the Brewer schedule. They have watched their favorite team not only at Miller Park, but in San Francisco, St. Louis, Pi.sburgh, CincinnaB, Minneapolis, and Atlanta. Susan was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in February 2013. She is doing well with her chemo treatment and her prognosis is good. She is a real trooper. I have heard her complain only once and that is when her doctor said that she could not chaperone the 8th grade field trip to Miller Park. Susan conBnues to teach in Oshkosh, only missing days around her chemo treatment. Susan loves teaching and the support from the staff, families and students has been unbelievable. She has received posiBve comments from parents of students for openly sharing her ba.le with cancer. To show their support, the students not only made her a breast cancer blanket, but a Brewer blanket too. Every spring, Susan jokingly says she is going to quit teaching and apply for a job with the Brewers. I think being an honorary bat girl would be the next best thing! Pictured is Susan with her mother and me. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor too.

Susan Meunier

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MINNESOTA TWINS

Cheri Krejci is my sister and a truely amazing person. Our parents both died of cancer and Cheri was the one sibling that lived closest to them and was the primary care giver to both our parents. Cheri would go with mom to help raise money for the Geneva Cancer AucBon which has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. In 2010, Cheri was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not only had she seen what cancer does first hand from taking care of our parents, now she had to live it. She bravely had a double mastecomy and had to go through chemotherapy. Today, she is cancer free. Not only did she "fight the fight," she is working very hard to help others. She is the head of the Blooming Pairie Cancer Group. They have several fundraisers throughout the year and have a huge Silent/Live AucBon in September which raises thousands of dollars. The last several years, this small community of about 2,000 people has donated over $50,000 each year. Not only do they give it to further cancer research, they also give money to people in the community stricken with this terrible disease. They help them with daly needs such as gas card to help pay for gas to get to treatment, grocery expenses etc. This is a Breless job, but I know that my sister is determined to do her part to help find a cure. She truely is a hero to all those that know her.

Cheri Krejci

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NEW YORK METS

I am Nicole Malato: life-‐long Mets fan & breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in May 2011. I conBnue to fight. I will likely be in treatment for the rest of my life. I have always tried to make the best of every situaBon. Cancer is no excepBon. You might say it's the Major League equivalent of staying posiBve through challenges. I apply what I learned being a Mets fan to my cancer ba.le. For example: â�¢ You go.a believe! â�¢ You win some, you lose some â�¢ The game can change right up unBl the last out in the bo.om of the 9th, so never give up â�¢ Assembling a team that works collecBvely is criBcal to success. My team includes the best medical staff, family & friends around Despite my ba.le, I try to help others by wriBng. I have a blog about my cancer journey at h.p://nmalato.blogspot.com and wrote a book called "When Life Hands You Pink Lemons". It is a guide to other women going through breast cancer. It shares pracBcal Bps to help others manage treatment. Being to support others helps me make sense of a disease that is senseless. Seeing it has touched the lives of other beauBful women brings me joy! Being chosen as the honorary bat girl would thrill me, and would delight my 4 year old son, a young, passionate Mets fan. He loves watching games and wearing #5 jersey. He would be so excited to see his mommy on the field. I am proud to be a cancer survivor & a Mets fan. I may have traded in my ball cap for a wig & a pink ribbon, but I bleed Mets blue!

Nicole Malato

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NEW YORK YANKEES

On the last day of classes for the high school where I teach English in 2010, I was cleaning my classroom. I was puing away copies of Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" when I received a call from the Dana Farber Cancer InsBtute in Boston. They delivered some of the most terrifying news of my life; a lump in my breast that I had discovered was malignant and that I had breast cancer. I was unsure of my future and broke down into tears. I was contemplaBng how I would tell my two sons, who were in high school and 7th grade at the Bme. That winter, I endured 8 sessions of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiaBon treatment that occurred every day, and a mastectomy. I was born and raised on the Grand Concourse just mere blocks from Yankee Stadium and have been to countless games including Reggie Jackson's 3 home run game in the 1977 World Series and even the first night game at the new Yankee Stadium. My enBre family are Yankees fans and we go to several games a year. In fact, Yankee Stadium is where I first told my brother of my diagnosis. It is my second home and the Yankees are my second family. It would be an unimaginable honor to be selected and if I was, I would like to dedicate it to my 93 year old mother who was also born and raised in New York. Now living on Cape Cod, she receives the Daily News everyday to check scores and is the greatest Yankees fan I know. She saw Ruth and Gehrig play in the old stadium, now I would love for her to see me on the field at the new one.

Lisa Forte-‐Doyle

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OAKLAND ATHLETICS

I am a mother of two young girls, Aubrey (3 and a half years old), and Anna who is just now 1. This past September my world was rocked when ader nursing my newborn baby I felt a lump, well actually I felt three. Ader Ultrasounds, Mammograms, and a painful biopsy, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIa Breast Cancer on September 17, 2012; I was only 28 years old. Cancer does not fun in our family so this was out of led field. My husband, family and I banded together for the fight of my life. I had a mastectomy, aggressive Chemotherapy and I am sBll going through radiaBon expected to end in two weeks. Throughout the process, I had to conBnue to be strong and there for my children as I am a stay at home mommy and their daily caregiver. There was not the opBon to sink in a hole and shun the world. I had to face this cancer and the world head on with all my strength, for I was going to persevere, win, and thrive for I am a FighBng Momma. Our family enjoys baseball. My husband, coming from an A's season Bcket holding family, and I have enjoyed raising our children to love the game. Stomper, the A's mascot, is a favorite in our house and we love to go to the game, or watch on TV, whenever we can.

Kris=n Frost

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PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

I am a 36 year old wife, homeschool mom, former markeBng planner, mulB-‐pet caretaker, lover of chocolate, Phillies fan, breast cancer survivor and most importantly, a sinner saved by grace. Ader an 18 year history of breast lumps, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer on 12/1/11. Treatment included 8 rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy and 6 weeks of radiaBon. I lost weight, my energy, my appeBte, my hair and my pride. This trial has by far, been the hardest thing I've ever had to endure in my life. However, even on my worst days, I knew God was right there giving me strength for each moment. His grace truly is sufficient for me. I have been cancer free since 8/6/12 and am feeling great! I was able to parBcipate in a breast cancer walk this past fall and plan to run in the Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run in June. I sBll struggle with the fear of recurrence, but I remind myself daily that my life is in God's hands. No one, not even the healthy, knows what the future holds. I am so very blessed with such a great support network of family and friends. My 3 biggest fans (husband-‐Jim, 9 year old son-‐Jimmy & 6 year old son-‐Cody) would be thrilled to see me be a Phillies Bat Girl! What a promoBon that would be from being Li.le League Team Mom. Psalm 73:26 has become my favorite life verse. "My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever!" And last, but not least, Go Phillies!

Tami Perrin

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PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Maria is the most poised and powerful woman I know. When facing cancer, she thrives, rather than just survives, demonstraBng the sheer veracity of her strength. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that metastasized rapidly. Since her diagnosis, she's had many struggles with the disease and treatments. Maria is a compassionate wife, mother, and teacher, loved by all who meet her. Maria is also a true Pi.sburgher. The community supports her so much that they created a group called "Team Maria," a collecBve of hundreds who support their incredible friend. She is acBve in Gilda's Club, Susan G. Komen FoundaBon, and supports literacy by partnering with ReadAloud.org. In 2012, Maria was chosen as one of eight Pink Power Moms. These women represent the many women that ba.le cancer while conBnuing to demonstrate the ideals of family, love, and service. I can't fully express my honor, respect, and pride for this woman. Many people do not live enBre lives as fulfilling and meaningful as she has led in the past year alone. She doesn't do what she does to impress anyone or to get an award; she does it because she has faith in the world, in herself, in her family, and in God. Maria deserves this honor, as does every person who has ba.led cancer in the way that she has. Unfortunately, only a select group can be Honorary Bat Girls. I ask that Maria receive this honor, because she will wear this Btle with pride and will represent all women who have been fighBng with her.

Maria Heddleston

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SAN DIEGO PADRES

How do I Go to Bat Against Breast Cancer? I SURVIVE! Ader undergoing a lumpectomy, chemo and radiaBon, I conBnue to fight this disease by LIVING my life and giving back to the cause. I was only 38 when I was diagnosed, years before the recommended age of an iniBal mammogram. I am alive today thanks to a rouBne breast exam. Raising awareness about cancer has become my call to duty. SomeBmes, I meet with newly diagnosed paBents referred to me by my oncologist. Other Bmes, I just share my personal story. And every year, I walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-‐Day. Shortly ader finishing chemo, I walked in my first 3-‐Day. I had to show cancer that it didn't get the best of me. In fact, I was stronger spiritually and mentally than before my diagnosis. I would not let cancer beat me and I will not let it win the war. I'm coming up on three years of remission in May, and my fourth year walking in the 3-‐Day. My team is called "Save 2nd Base" because my family and I love baseball. As a mother of two boys in li.le league and a travel league, I can tell you that our family eats, sleeps and breathes baseball. It would be an honor to represent the Padres as their Bat Girl. Plus, my sons would think I was the coolest Baseball Mom, ever! During the 3-‐Day, my team sports our black and pink baseball jerseys and hats. We have walked over 180 miles and raised close to $28,000. 'Save 2nd Base' won't stop walking and "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer" unBl we find a cure!

Michelle Jenkins

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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

I am a 2 Bme Breast Cancer Survivor. My first diagnosis was in Oct. 2003, ader 2 lumpectomies, I opted for a mastectomy of my right breast and completed 6 mos of chemo treatments. Approximately a year later, I decided to have reconstrucBve surgery and opted for the "tram flap" procedure which uses your stomach muscle to create the new breast. All was going well, I had passed the 5 yr remission mark and started to breath easy...then to my dismay, during my annual mammogram a lump was discovered in my "new" breast, and it was concluded that it was a recurrence of my iniBal cancer. The doctors are unable to explain how the cancer returned in new Bssue in an area ader a mastectomy. 2 lumpectomies were performed, with the second lumpectomy being a success, it was looking like I would have to face the decision of a mastectomy again and possibly a double. I completed chemo, one of the drugs administered was HercepBn which was a year long, infused chemo and 17 weeks of radiaBon. I lost my hair, but not the ability to fight this disease! I am a single Mom of 2 grown men, the hardest part was telling them I had cancer, not once, but twice! I am also a Giants fan and share the same birthday with the great Willie Mays.

Wanda Zimmerman

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

I am a 3 Bme breast cancer survivor, a melanoma survivor, a throat cancer and tongue cancer surviver. It started in September of 1996, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy with Chemotherapy & RadiaBon. We had the Race for the Cure that year in Evansville and I was able to run it and won my age division! 10 years later I was diagnosed again, this Bme with Sod Tissue Sarcoma which was caused by the radiaBon from the first Bme. I had 5 ribs removed at Mayo Clinic, but recovered and went through chemotherapy again, while going through the chemo, I lost my hearing due to one of the side effects of the drugs, so now I wear hearing aids in both ears to be able to hear. I was also diagnosed with melanoma at that Bme and had surgery to remove that. 5 years later, I again was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, again due to the radiaBon treatment of 96', I then had a mastecomy followed by yet another 4 cycles of chemotherapy. While ba.ling breast cancer, I have endured about 20 biopsies of my tongue and throat. Having lost my uvula during one of the recent surgeries, I conBnue to ba.le this disease, but am happy to say today, I am doing well. My husband has stood by side through each and every surgery, biopsy and treatment. I am thankful for my husband, children, and grandchildren who conBnue to support me through this. Our family and myself has been life long Cardinal fans and we are blessed and thankful to God for everything we have!

Kathy Day

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SEATTLE MARINERS

The young lady I would like to nominate for this honor is my daughter Kimberly Tess Fugere. I think you will be hard pressed to find a more deserving person than Kimberly. She was born with one fourth of her brain damaged and she had suffered an intrauteral stoke, she also has cerebral palsy. The doctors told my wife she would never walk or talk and she should be insBtuBonalized. Well she stepped to the plate and proved them all wrong. She grew up to get a college degree, marry, and give my wife and I two beauBful grandchildren. My wife has a family history of a geneBc cancer disorder that prevents the body from fighBng cancer. Kimberly lost her grandmother to cancer, her mom (my wife) to cancer at 52. One year ader losing her mom to cancer she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at 30. She is now 32 and has a great aitude and outlook on life despite the fact that her cancer has metastasized to her lungs and brain. She underwent brain surgery 2 months ago and has ongoing treatments for other areas. Honestly if you can find someone with a more hear wrenching story than Kimberly's please honor them, they deserve it, but as I state earlier I think that is going to be a very tough assignment for you. This is a limited space but if you want more informaBon please feel free to contact me. 805-‐975-‐5160 Sincerely, Jim Greenman Proud Dad

Kimberly Fugere

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TAMPA BAY RAYS

Cauney Bamberg is a force to be reckoned with. She is a wonderful mother and wife, a fierce friend, and an important advocate for her community. She is a no-‐nonsense leader with a great sense of humor who seems to know someone anywhere she goes. Ader bringing together 200 of her closest friends to join the Inaugural Polk Race for the Cure planning commi.ee, and organizing a most successful event, it seemed mired with irony that Cauney would be diagnosed with Stage I invasive breast cancer. At 45, everything about Cauney having breast cancer seemed wrong to us. She was too young and too vivacious to have breast cancer. She was already an advocate for survivors and sang the praises of annual mammograms and early detecBon. While friends and family reeled from her diagnosis, Cauney never skipped a beat. Ader her surgery and through her radiaBon treatments, Cauney conBnued to Chair the 2nd Annual Polk Race, work at her actual job, and raise her family. She brought a renewed energy and a new perspecBve to the 2nd Annual Race Planning Commi.ee. We are so thankful that her breast cancer was caught early and she conBnues to inspire our efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. Ader everything Cauney has done for her community, she deserves the honor of throwing the first pitch for the Rays on Mother's Day!

Cauney Bamberg

honorarybatgirl.com


TEXAS RANGERS

Terri HuesBs was diagnosed with breast cancer on 10/07/2011 on her 40th birthday. She had a radical mastectomy on my led breast on 10/19/2011. 20 lymph nodes where removed and 14 were cancerous. She said, "if I would not have had God through this whole mess, I don't think I would have made it." She was scheduled for 6 chemo treatments starBng that January. Ader her first, she ended up really sick and in hospital. She had a staph infecBon and hospitalized for 7 days. Sick for 2 Â½ weeks each Bme she had chemo, she tried to keep a posiBve aitude. Ader her 5th treatment, she ended up so sick, she lost 40 pounds and was hospitalized for another 5 days. Too sick for the last treatment she went through 5 weeks of radiaBon. Then Bmes got tough: On October 22, 2012 -‐ She lost her job and insurance. Her previous employer did pay her insurance through November so she could get the first surgery on November 9th to expand the Bssue for reconstrucBon. Every two weeks this was expanded unBl the end of March this year. Her final surgery is scheduled June 13th. " I know that I had breast cancer for a reason. I know that there is a ministry in my future to help women just like me." -‐Terri HuesBs I hope you will strongly consider Terri, as I personally know she is a phenomenal woman. Thank you!

Terri Hues=s

honorarybatgirl.com


TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Hi, my name is Ma. and I am wriBng in about my friend Amanda. About a year ago, Amanda was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It was aggressive and Amanda is 26 years old, she had a hard Bme understanding and accepBng the fact most people she was undergoing treatment with, were much older than she. Amanda began chemotherapy. There were side effects, notably losing her hair, but thru donaBons and help from friends and family, several wigs were purchased. Through all this she had her ups and downs, but showed a stregth and composure that amazed and inspired everyone around her. Following chemo, was surgery, a double masectomy. Clearly a tough step for a gorgeous young girl. Finally, several rounds of radiaBon. Her last treatment was April 4th 2013 and to celebrate, her and I came to watch our Jays beat Cleveland 10-‐8! I am inspired by Amanda's strength. I am honoured to call her my friend. When I saw this opportunity on the BlueJays website, ofcourse I figured it would be a perfect fit. I thank you for the consideraBon and I hope you'll select Amanda McQueen as a 2013 Honorary Bat Girl! I know it would mean the world to her. Thank you! Part two: Because Amanda deserves it! Even with chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiaBon, Amanda has been determined to make sure something posiBve comes out of this situaBon. While fighBng her own ba.le, it became clear there is not many support groups for women Amanda's age. With the help of her social worker, Amanda is working towards creaBng a woman's retreat, for ages 18-‐30, so those going through treatment will have a sympatheBc ear from people who can fully relate. The first retreat, "Pink Pearl: a day of support, sharing and enjoyment", has been booked for May! Amanda is looking into social work herself so she can dedicate her experience towards helping others in their ba.le to rid the world of this terrible condiBon. The days pass and Amanda's strength conBnues to shine through. Her hair is growing back and in short Bme, Amanda will be donaBng her wigs to those who cannot afford them. Furthermore, Amanda is very talented with makeup, polish and other treatments. Through social programs, Amanda is moBvated to help others going through treatment feel beauBful and find their silver lining. Through the generosity of friends and family Amanda has also helped raise over $6000 for the cause, through private donaBons and at events such as the CIBC run for the cure. Amanda has been so strong, so posiBve, and is forever grateful to the staff at the Juravinski centre and she plans to volunteer her Bme there. Oh, did I menBon she's a BlueJays fan?!

Amanda McQueen

honorarybatgirl.com


WASHINGTON NATIONALS

My sister, Nell Benne., is a breast cancer survivor. But that moniker doesn't adequately describe her triumph over breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on my birthday in 2011 and li.le over a year later, thanks to an early diagnosis on her part and superb medical care, she is now cancer free. Nell was an elementary school physical educaBon teacher and fast-‐pitch sodball umpire for over 20 years, but knee problems and replacement, ended both careers. She then trained, evaluated, and scheduled NCAA Division 1 umpires for many years. She has been and is an inspiraBon to the thousands of students, players, and umpires she has guided through the years. However, Nell's true strength was shown during the extremely difficult year of chemotherapy treatments, double mastectomy, and restoraBon surgery necessitated by her breast cancer. Her outlook and posiBve aitude during this period wouldn't allow anyone to feel sorry for her and this changed the lives of all those who came to see her or talked to during this difficult Bme. You could feel her inner strength when you were with her and it made you stronger. She is now cancer free and inspires those who are currently undergoing treatment. Nell Benne. is truly a beacon of light in the fight against breast cancer and with each and every day shows the world that breast cancer is not a death sentence!

Nell Benne3

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