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Dayton Dragons

Dragons, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Team up for "Home Run for Life"

April 30, 2012 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Dayton Dragons News Release


Dayton, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 13-year-old Caleb Tracy during the unique "Home Run for Life" program on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons take on the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Field.

The Anthem Home Run for Life program provides children in the Dayton Region a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they battle serious medical conditions. Each honoree gets to take a symbolic home run lap around the bases of Fifth Third Field during a sold-out Dragons home game while the crowd provides a standing ovation.

CALEB'S STORY

13-year-old Caleb Tracy loves technology. He started his first year at the Dayton Regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) School and is already working on a website for a school project. He is also building a website for his church and is in charge of the video recording there. When Caleb was only a year old, though, his future was a little less certain.

Around his first birthday, Caleb went to the doctor for a routine check up. After some blood tests came back inconclusive, Caleb was referred to Dr. Canessa, a specialist at Children's Medical Center. Dr. Canessa ran a few more tests and the next day informed Jennette and Mike Tracy that their son was in kidney failure and needed a transplant.

"We cried a lot when we first found out," Jennette said. "But we were able to speak with a family who had gone through something very similar. They reassured us and told us their daughter who received a transplant is now 18 years old and an ambassador for the hospital. That gave us hope."

Caleb had to wait until nearly his third birthday to have the kidney transplant. Although Caleb's parents weren't matches to donate, his Aunt Kimberly was and agreed to donate one of her kidneys with no hesitation.

Caleb's surgery lasted eight hours and was a huge success. He still had to go in for tests twice a week following the surgery, but he immediately started getting healthier.

Caleb still takes several medications and has to go in for tests every few weeks, but he lives a normal life and has high aspirations. "When I get older I want to be a pilot," Caleb said. "I love flying and even got to fly an F-16 simulator at our school's career fair."

During an inning break, Jayden will take a ceremonial lap around the bases, which will signify his "Home Run for Life." When he rounds third base, the Dragons players will be lined up to greet him as he makes his way towards the plate. As Jayden crosses home, Dragons manager Delino DeShields will present him with a certificate making him an honorary Dayton Dragon and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will present him with an engraved bat.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Caleb's life, including his parents Jennette and Mike, his sister Elizabeth, his Aunt Kimberly, Dr. Canessa and the entire medical team at Children's Medical Center. Please join us in cheering on Caleb as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on May 2nd.

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