There were more than just two teams ready to take the field May 8th at the Dell Diamond stadium in Round Rock, Texas. The Round Rock Express and the Oklahoma City Dodgers were joined by the Texas Oncology team, sponsor of the Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark. It was a night of putting patients first, supporting the community and celebrating the human spirit. It’s another opportunity to share and show the winning combination of the commitment of Texas Oncology and the courage of patients in facing the challenge of cancer.
Austin-area physicians, staff members and cancer patients donned “Fight Cancer” t-shirts and joined baseball fans to honor those currently fighting cancer as well as survivors of the disease. They also recognized staff, friends, family members, and caregivers – the community of support that surrounds patients along the way.
The event began as nine children of Texas Oncology patients took positions alongside Round Rock Express players as ‘Baseball Buddies’ during the National Anthem. Travis Campbell, who is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma at Texas Oncology–Marble Falls, threw out the game’s first pitch. His wife, children, and friends joined him on the field. “I had a wonderful time at the Cancer Awareness Night and am so grateful to have been able to be a part of that celebration,” Campbell said.
Thousands paid tribute to individual patients for their brave fight against various types of cancer. Friends and family members held up signs naming loved ones they ‘go to bat for’ to help strike out cancer.
Dick Ellis, the popular former Austin television news anchor, was joined on the field by his wife and eight grandchildren during his patient recognition. Dick is being treated for colon cancer at Texas Oncology–Round Rock.
Mark McLaughlin, who is being treated for brain cancer at Texas Oncology–Austin Midtown, waved to the crowd and flashed a huge smile. After his on-field appearance, many in the stands requested one of his world-famous hugs.
The Cancer Awareness Night is an annual event that brings the Austin cancer community closer, helping boost the spirits of patients and their loved ones facing cancer on a daily basis.