PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland Sea Dogs were playing to secure more than just a win at Tuesday night's home game, which doubled as their 30th annual Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) night.
Every year, the team hosts a Strike Out Cancer in Kids fundraising night in an effort to raise money for MCCP, which helps fund medical support services that MCCP offers.
The initiative ultimately allows the nonprofit to better support families who have children battling various forms of cancer. Money from the fundraiser also goes toward cancer research.
In addition to the fundraiser, players and the Sea Dogs give MCCP patients a night to remember. Each year, one patient is featured as the Strike Out Cancer in Kids Slugger Kid. The annual Slugger Kid gets the opportunity to take a victory lap on the field, shaking hands with each Sea Dogs player, and throwing the first pitch.
This year's Slugger Kid is 9-year-old Aiden Palmer, who suffers from a high-risk cancer. Palmer squared up with Sea Dogs mascot Slugger in a fundraising match-off.
"Watch out, Slugger," Palmer said.
Palmer's goal is to raise $10,000 for MCCP before Slugger does, showing childhood cancer and everyone at Hadlock Field what he's made of.
Portland Sea Dogs Vice President of Communications Chris Cameron said Slugger Kids are some of the bravest kids he knows.
"It tugs at your heartstrings quite a bit," Cameron said.
Cameron has seen many kids over the years who, just like Palmer, are determined to beat the odds. That's why he and all the Sea Dogs players wore this year's custom-designed game jerseys with pride.
Each custom jersey was designed by children who receive cancer treatments through MCCP and MaineHealth. The jerseys will later be auctioned off through the fundraiser.
"The kids that we've had that have gone through the Maine Children's Cancer Program are remarkable," Cameron said. "The strength that they show. They've had a lot of obstacles that they have to overcome, and they do it with a smile on their face. And it's really special to see."
Cameron has seen Slugger Kids go on to be teachers and even race car drivers, achieving their dreams after beating cancer.
MCCP Philanthropy Manager Grace Jandro said Palmer's dream is to be an astronomer.
Being that improving cancer research is often instrumental in helping treat cancer early on and effectively, the Strike Out Cancer in Kids fundraiser is just one way people can help give Palmer and children like him a better shot at their dreams.
"The earlier we can detect it, hopefully the less invasive intervention we can give while still hopefully eradicating the disease," Jandro said.
Just like your favorite Sea Dogs players, Palmer is running through his own bases in life. Rounding first base, the diagnosis, overcoming the disbelief and challenges childhood cancer brings, and fighting to make it to home base, cancer-free.
"Keep fighting," Palmer said, encouraging other kids just like him.
To learn more about how you can help Palmer and Slugger each reach their $10,000 fundraising goal, click here.