ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD AND DRAGONS TEAM UP FOR “HOME RUN FOR LIFE”; Austin Hamilton will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 10

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ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD AND DRAGONS TEAM UP FOR “HOME RUN FOR LIFE”

Austin Hamilton will celebrate his Anthem Home Run for Life on Wednesday, June 10

 

Dayton, Ohio — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons will host 11-year-old Austin Hamilton during the unique “Home Run for Life” program on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. when the Dayton Dragons play the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 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.

 

Austin’s Story

 

Click here to view Austin’s story.

 

When Austin was just two years old, he was having difficulty operating the right side of his body. The hospital ran a CAT scan and found some damage to a particular section of Austin’s brain that controlled the right side of his body. He was quickly diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

 

Cerebral palsy is a broad term used to describe disorders that impair control of movement due to damage to the developing brain. In general, it affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. Cerebral palsy can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning.

 

When Austin was first diagnosed, he was in and out of therapy for a number of years.  There were multiple types of therapy he endured including occupational, speech and physical. Luckily, he doesn’t have to visit nearly as much now, but occasionally visits as an outpatient at the hospital for therapy. In addition, Austin has a daily routine that includes stretching and balancing activities so that his muscles stay loose.

 

Despite his cerebral palsy diagnosis, Austin is still able to participate and take part in many of the activities he loves.  His favorite sport is soccer and he plays on a select team. In addition, Austin also enjoys watching his favorite NFL team – the New England Patriots – play football.

 

Austin is now 11 years old and recently completed fifth grade at St. Helen’s.  He doesn’t let cerebral palsy keep him down. “It doesn’t bother me because I don’t feel any different than my friends or siblings,” Austin said, “People don’t treat me any differently.” One day, Austin would like to be a professional soccer player.

 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Dayton Dragons applaud all those who have been instrumental in Austin’s life, including his parents Matt and Lindsy, Dr. Albert, his soccer coach Nathan Wilson, and his entire medical support team.  Please join us in cheering on Austin as he completes his Home Run for Life at Fifth Third Field on June 10.

 

More Information:  The Dayton Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and play a 70-game home schedule at beautiful Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75. Individuals and groups seeking information about Dayton Dragons group tickets, lawn tickets, the season ticket wait list, sponsorship opportunities or booking a Dragons speaker are encouraged to contact the Dragons by calling at (937) 228-2287, emailing at [email protected], or on the web at daytondragons.com.

 

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