2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKSmlb.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl/2015/common/images/2015_Bat_Girls.pdf · honorarybatgirl.com 2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA

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2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS!

Barbara Nicholl My stepmom, Barbara Nicholl, is the strongest and kindest person I know. She was diagnosed with breast cancer from a rou>ne mammogram, a?er which she had a mastectomy and underwent chemo. Barbara has been cancer free for nearly 10 years now and the moment she was able to, she began >relessly fundraising, spreading awareness, and suppor>ng the fight to end breast cancer so other women and other families wouldn't have to face what she did. She never backed down, she never felt bad for herself, she just fought. And started figh>ng for others. She began fundraising and walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-‐Day Walk, amongst other efforts. She joined a team of other survivors and supporters, who call themselves the Tukee Tatas, who par>cipate in the 3-‐Day Walk together each year. Even a?er the 3-‐Day Walks were no longer held in Arizona, she and her team have traveled to par>cipate in the walk in other states. This September, she will be comple>ng the 3-‐Day Walk in SeaQle, WA -‐ marking her 10th year walking in the 3-‐Day. Following her recovery, Barbara underwent tes>ng that found she is a carrier of the BRCA-‐2 "cancer gene" -‐ at which point she had a preventa>ve mastectomy on her other breast. Her daughter, my stepsister then had a preventa>ve mastectomy in her early 30's following the discovery that she, too, was a carrier and her chances of developing breast cancer were extremely high. My family is so blessed to have a woman as strong as Barbara leading us and loving us. She is an example to me every day of a beau>ful, strong, fearless, and kind person. In a family of die-‐hard sports fans, Barbara is the biggest and most enthusias>c fan and I know she would go absolutely nuts for the opportunity to be the bat girl for a day for the Arizona Diamondbacks and proudly represent breast cancer survivors and those currently in the fight.

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ATLANTA BRAVES!

Tracy Chitwood I have the most amazing mother and breast cancer survivor. Her name is Tracy Chitwood and she is living with Stage 4 Metasta>c Breast Cancer. One day God "slipped her up" and she broke her leg, a healthy leg at that. But without that fall, we wouldn't have found out about it. Ever since it has been a fight, but it's been a fight that she has never backed down from. I was about 10 when she was first diagnosed, and we would read Psalm 91 every night before bed. That verse told us that God would protect us and as long we trusted in him and knew his name nothing bad could happen. I know that verse gave me the renewed faith that I needed to make it through another day, and it told her that God wasn't finished and she just needed to con>nue doing his work and she'd be alright. She has used her story to not only keep herself going, but I know she has touched so many and con>nues to give other cancer survivors hope that they can defeat this horrible disease. Even a?er this cancer caused her to have numerous surgeries, one recently forcing her to have all her teeth removed, her strength hasn't wavered. I was amazed the other day when we walked through a store and she saw another survivor who looked to be currently ge]ng treatments. Without thinking, she wandered off for a second and went to that lady just to say hello, give her some encouragement and let her know that she could do it! I was inspired by her ability to step out of her comfort zone to give strength to others when they need it. My mom has been an ac>ve organizer in many Komen and ACS events for over 13 years now, and has inspired my family and I to con>nue in the fight against Breast Cancer. In the 13 years since her diagnosis, she has taught me how to appreciate >me, how to trust in God, how to love uncondi>onally in good >mes and bad, as well as many other life lessons that I wouldn't have learned on my own. She's my hero and inspira>on and con>nues to be that bright hope to anyone she meets.

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BALTIMORE ORIOLES!

Sara Tresselt I'd like to nominate Sara Tresselt. She is a 37 year old breast cancer fighter. In October 2011, she was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcenoma-‐Breast Cancer. She was 33 years old, with no family history and no other risk factors. She was a seemingly healthy, ac>ve woman. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone 18 weeks of intense chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, 6 weeks of daily radia>on treatments, breast reconstruc>on, a year of Hercep>n treatment, and a year later it came back; then 3 more months of chemotherapy. As her friends and family rallied around her and struggled to find the words to comfort her, she never placed blamed on anyone or anything, never felt pity or sorrow, she just came out "swinging" from day one. She is a true inspira>on to her family, friends, doctors, and even strangers she would meet. She has the ability to make others smile and laugh, despite the tough journey she is on. She always makes herself available to others going through similar situa>ons that need to talk, whether it is her loved ones who are struggling with it or for complete strangers; she will always take the >me to talk, listen and pray with them. All throughout her tough baQle she volunteers at the local homeless shelter and soup kitchen every week and even went on a mission trip to Ecuador bringing school supplies to an orphanage. She is a HUGE O's fan and would be humbled and honored to represent the O's as the Honorary Bat Girl for a game. VOTE for SARA T.

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BOSTON RED SOX!

Heather Morse My friend Heather Morse has baQled this disease a few >mes. She is now living with Metasta>c breast cancer....she will not beat it but is struggling year a?er year to stay alive for her 3 boys. Heather is a woman who lives life to it's fullest. She and her husband Tom ride Harley's, (yes, she has her own!) and Heather organizes a bike run each year to raise money so she can par>cipate in the Susan G. Komen 3-‐Day, a 3 day and 60 mile walk. Last September.....having just fought a baQle with a re-‐occurrence in her liver, Heather walked EVERY STEP of the Philadelphia 3-‐Day.She has personally raise well over $20,000 toward a cure. To say she is my hero is an understatement. She has 3 well-‐behaved boys who get great grades, are s>ll in scouts and are just being raised properly=they are her top priority. While she knows she will never be free of this disease, she goes above and beyond each year to raise as much money and awareness as possible. PLEASE pick Heather to be an honorary bat girl.

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CHICAGO CUBS!

Ginny Cooper Ginny an ul>mate Cub's Fan (59 years and coun>ng -‐ loved,loved,loved Ron Santo) is a baQler just like her favorite team. A 10-‐year survivor of breast cancer, Ginny faced her challenge with dignity, passion and an unsurpassed determina>on to beat it. Undergoing chemo and radia>on treatments, Ginny is a "True Believer" in that she wouldn't let breast cancer determine how she lives her life. Mastering her fear, Ginny shared her baldness with the world, always with a smile and even though going through all the hell that breast cancer brings, she always was and con>nues to be more concerned for others than herself. Being the batgirl (woman) for the Cubs would be more than a dream come true, it really would be Heaven on Earth. As just one of the many millions of guys who admire and love the special person in their life that one-‐day got that dreaded call, all I can say is we need to do everything we can to help everyone facing breast cancer become a survivor. Go Cubbies!, Go BaQlers! and thanks to MLB for doing something so important for so many people.

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX!

Jody Huffmaster Jody Huffmaster, a die-‐hard White Sox fan, is a 2X survivor of Breast Cancer, & embodies what the 2015 MLB Honorary Bat Girl program is all about. ON 4/1/1999, a then 29-‐years young Jody heard those awful wordsâ�¦ "You have breast cancer." She underwent a Lumpectomy, 8 rounds of Chemo, & 36 radia>on treatments. Thankfully, she was declared cancer free. Jody started a family & was blessed with a beau>ful daughter. Then, on 1/30/2013, lightning struck again. Jody was informed that a?er 14-‐years her cancer had returned. This >me she underwent a double mastectomy along with 4 rounds of Chemo & on 6/6/2013 she was again declared cancer free. Concerned that she may be carrying the breast cancer gene & fearful that she had passed it on to her daughter, she underwent gene>c tes>ng. Thankfully, she is not a carrier & her daughter's future is that much brighter. Jody became involved with the "AVON 39 -‐ The Walk to End Breast Cancer" in Chicago, in 2008. This year will be her 7th consecu>ve year with the program. As of March of 2015, Jody has personally raised $18,079.00, & her team "Mommies on a Mission" has raised $132,989.00. She also makes herself available to other breast cancer survivors by passing on her knowledge & experiences as well as lending an ear to share with others. She always makes >me to listen & console others. Nothing will keep her from her goal -‐ to see an end to Breast Cancer.

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CINCINNATI REDS!

Melissa Rupert I'm 35, and I'm a new mom. My baby boy, Noah, is 8 months old, and he's my en>re world. I'll never forget how I felt when I found the "lump" in my right breast. I kept telling myself it had to be something to do with breasreeding. I mean, new moms don't get breast cancer, right? My annual appointment with my OB was just a few days a?er I found the lump, and when I brought it up with him, he assured me that it was nothing. "It's so?. I don't think it's anything. Just keep an eye on it." I was relievedâ�¦ for about 5 minutes. But something in my gut told me that it wasn't "nothing." So I made an appointment with my family physician, and he sent me to get a mammogram and an ultrasound.I remember very clearly how scared and anxious I felt si]ng there in the "diagnos>c" side of the breast center. My anxiousness just kept rising as they wanted to repeat some of the scans, and I knew when they led me back to the radiologist's office (instead of giving me one of those nice "congratula>ons, it's nothing" folders) that my life was going to become magnitudes more complicated. I was told it was "suspicious" and that I should come back immediately for a biopsy. And that phone callâ�¦ that was when the boQom dropped out of my world. "It is breast cancer." A?er being told that I have Stage 1 triple nega>ve breast cancer, I remind myself every day that I am not a sta>s>c. I am me. My outcome will be my outcome. My story is mine, and I am not a number. So, here I am. A new mom, a business owner, and an avid volunteer. I don't have >me to think about the "what if's." There is no alterna>ve. I'm in it to win it. I had my first round of chemotherapy a couple of weeks ago. When I started losing my hair, I picked up the razor and shaved. And every day, I hold my baby boy as >ghtly as he'll let me and remind myself that he is my rock and my joy, and I barely think about that nasty b*&@ch called breast cancer. I'll be escor>ng her to the curb soon.

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CLEVELAND INDIANS!

Alecia Dennis I understand that any woman who has gone through breast cancer deserves this honor. They are all amazing and all deserve pampering. However let me tell you about my amazingly courageous wife Alecia. She is 26 and was diagnosed with breast cancer back in October of this year. She had a lumpectomy a couple weeks later in November. A?er that was over she started her baQle with cancer with chemo, she had 4 treatments every other week that once completed switched to a treatment every Monday for 12 weeks! We have three treatments remaining before she is finished with Chemo. However once chemo is over we have decided to go ahead with a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruc>on. That will be another 6 months of pain and suffering that she will have to go through. If that wasn't enough let me tell you why she is the most courageous woman I know. She is going through all of this while s>ll working at Capital University, taking classes two nights a week to get her MBA (one class is Monday night which is the same day of her chemo treatment), oh and I forgot to men>on she is a loving mother of a 1 and a half year old. If there is a stronger woman out there I have not met her, She truly is an amazing woman who can take anything that is thrown at her, I am just lucky she keeps me around for the ride. -‐WriQen by her loving 24 year old husband-‐

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COLORADO ROCKIES!

Mary Dabbs On 9/5/14, at the age of 32, and with a husband and 7 year old son, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, breast cancer, Stage 2. it was TERRIFYING. I was nega>ve for the breast cancer gene, and given my young age, would have been beQer off buying a loQery >cket than being diagnosed with cancer! I took charge of my treatment with aggression, as I was not going to let this disease rule my life. I was determined to win. On 10/22/14 I started my first of 6 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. I shaved my once long, blonde hair, which was a shock to my 7 year old, at first into a mohawk, and then all the way, as I was going to lose it anyways. A?er my first infusion, I was overdosed on chemotherapy. I spent 18 days sick on the couch, on an>bio>cs, severely Neutropenic. I tried my best to live life as I normally would, despite being sick from all the toxic chemo. I arrived at every infusion in "fight mode" always wearing something crea>ve,giving a fun a]tude on a unfortunate situa>on. On 2/4/15 I completed my last aggressive form of chemotherapy and prepared for a double mastectomy, which would be in Denver, 3.5 hours away from home. On 3/4/15 I underwent life changing surgery. On 3/9/15 I was told that I was in fact, cancer free. Since that >me, my surgery has had complica>ons. I am currently been on bed rest trying to heal my dying >ssue. I will under go at least one more surgery for sure, but the good news is that I have overcome my baQle with cancer.I have made it a mission to show my son that anything in life is possible to achieve, and decided to make my "mess" my message. I am now Chair of Luminarias for our local ACS Relay for Life and have raised several hundred dollars for cancer research. Although I am cancer free, I s>ll have to undergo chemotherapy every 3 weeks un>l October 2015, s>ll am trying to heal from my mastectomy, and then will have to take a pill form of chemotherapy for the next 5 years, I am alive and breathing.

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DETROIT TIGERS!

Heidi Westphal In the fall of 2013, our 32 year old daughter, Heidi Geiersbach Westphal, was diagnosed with triple nega>ve breast cancer. Subsequently, she completed chemo treatments, had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruc>ve surgery. Just like in baseball, things are not always fair, but it is how you react that defines you. Throughout this journey, Heidi has been powerfully posi>ve, inspiring others with her grace and sense of humor. She shows support for breast cancer awareness at fundraisers and recogni>on programs. One local event, a volleyball fundraiser, "For the Love of the Bumps," honored Heidi as a cancer warrior. This year she will be helping with this event as a cancer survivor. Now it is her turn to "step up to the plate." Last Mothers' Day, Heidi, her husband MaQ, and I aQended the Tigers game at Comerica Park. The MLB organized a great tribute for those who "bat"tle breast cancer. We hope that Heidi will have the opportunity this spring to represent so many in Michigan who have been thrown a curve ball with cancer, but are staying strong and focused with the help of trained medical staff, family, and friends. Play ballâ�¦ these survivors have a winning a]tude!

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HOUSTON ASTROS!

Donna Rodgers My story is quite unique. On February 14, 2011 I no>ced a lump in my le? breast. I made an appointment with my gyn. I wasn't thinking anything serious at the moment because I knew I had cys>c breast for years. The Dr. examined me twice at different >mes and he stated it was nothing serious, just a cyst. Well I went home and something kept nagging at me. I made another appointment with the same Dr. A bit concerned he sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram, nothing to be concerned about was found. To make a long story short I didn't give up and researched a plas>c surgeon to reach out to for a second opinion. The next day he sent me for a biopsy and MRI of the breast and you would not believe I received the normal mammogram results and cancer diagnoses on the same day April 5, 2011. I was devastated but I knew with God and prayer I would get through this even a?er I was given a low percentage of surviving due to stage 3b with three involved lymph nodes. A?er 9 rounds of chemotherapy, I had a recurrence in my le? chest wall and had to undergo surgery again and 7 weeks of radia>on with deep depth. At this >me it was hard to have hope, but I had to keep figh>ng, my children and family needed me. One year later I underwent reconstruc>on of both breast with the grace of God. April 2015 I will be a 4 year survivor. My fight was not over. In February 2015 My older brother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I'm currently caring for him a?er a mastectomy, chemo and radia>on. We are both nega>ve for family BRCA muta>on. I will con>nue to tell my story to women and men to stop this disease from taking lives. Cancer will not win!

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KANSAS CITY ROYALS!

Michelle Mueller-‐Hinton A?er being cancer free for over 12 years, you think the worst is behind you. Then you hear the dreaded news; breast cancer is back. Chemo, doctor visits, pain, loss of appe>te and drive, and an enormous mountain stands before you. It would be easy to give in and let everyone hold you up. But not our mother. Michelle spends her day running a preschool and is the educa>on director for our church. She's a busy lady and had no >me to let cancer get her down. When the medicine wasn't working and her body refused to cooperate, Michelle kept on going. She would go to work nearly every day and powered through the worst. This second >me around was harder and much slower to see the posi>ve results. She went to bat every day for almost a year un>l finally things turned around. While the game s>ll isn't over, the rally towel can be put down. Michelle is a fighter and has currently entered the boQom of the ninth, only needing once a month treatments. Her commitment and dedica>on to her job and family makes Michelle an ace in our book.

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LOS ANGELES ANGELS of ANAHEIM!

Debbie Chaple God, family, friends and baseball make living with breast cancer a liQle easier. I have been a breast cancer survivor since Feb. 2004. I underwent a double mastectomy and 18 weeks of chemotherapy in 2004. I also had to have a hysterectomy due to my estrogen posi>ve breast cancer. In 2011 the breast cancer metastasized to my liver and bones. Resul>ng in a surgery that put a rod in my right femur from my hip to my knee due to a large tumor in the femur. Since Nov. 2011 I have had 2 rounds of radia>on for the bone pain and have been on 5 different chemotherapy drugs. There is no cure this >me. Just a maQer of trying to control the cancer and the pain that is associated with this awful disease. I have a great support base of family and friends that have helped me through this journey. We have walked in six 3 day walks sponsored by the Susan G Komen for the cure and raised over $50,000. I also have a small charity called Debbie's Gi? that raises money through a golf tournament where the proceeds go to teach local youth how to play golf (along with giving them a set of golf clubs) and twelve $500 scholarships to local high school seniors. My husband Chuck has stood by me through this whole process. It is very hard at >mes but we con>nue to go forward. We use travel and sports to forget about cancer for awhile. We love seeing our beau>ful country and try and take in a ballgame whenever we can. Whether it is a major league, minor league, or a so?ball game we always love the game. I am focused on winning this baQle. I hope that one day there will be a cure for metasta>c breast cancer and I am figh>ng daily to achieve that goal. Thank you for suppor>ng the cure and awareness of breast cancer.

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS!

Clara Gonzales My friend Clara Gonzales was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer in May 2014. Ten days a?er her diagnosis, she was without a job and no insurance. My friend's world was crashing down on her but she never let it show that things were not going so well in her life. Clara faced life and her challenges with faith, strength and grace. She kept a posi>ve outlook and lived by the phrase that "this too shall pass". Through the grace of god, Clara received support from the Komen Breast cancer society and was able to receive her treatment (chemotherapy and radia>on). Clara is just 3 days away from comple>ng her radia>on; she fought a long hard baQle and is a true warrior. Clara is a lifelong Dodger fan, she even wore her Dodger blue and Dodger wig during chemo sessions and would aQend games, even though her oncologist wanted her to stay home and rest. Clara always said that "the Ravine held healing powers" and she would truly feel beQer a?er seeing and cheering her boys. Win or lose, Clara stood by her team...she also faced her baQle with the true spirit of a winner. Please pick my friend!

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MIAMI MARLINS!

Missy Gotay-‐Cano My sister, Missy, is a fighter, on and off the field. This past summer, at the young age of 40, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruc>ve surgery and began chemo. She has con>nued working, with the help of her husband has kept up with her busy life of shuffling her two young boys to baseball (a passion of her since 4 years old), has stayed involved in her church and social ac>vi>es, and all the while has maintained her posi>ve a]tude. She is truly remarkable. Through her cancer journey, besides remaining healthy, her priori>es have been taking care of others. She is constantly making sure that her support system is ok, that we, her family, parents, are hundreds of friends, are "dealing" ok. Her selflessness remains intact and is so admirable. Missy has gone to bat since 4 years old. She played so?ball since that young age, endless travel ball summers, through college, has coached on the High School level, and loves it to the core. She is going to "Bat Against Breast Cancer" everyday and is so worthy of being recognized.

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MILWAUKEE BREWERS!

Johanna Kretschmer In 2007, my mom Johanna was diagnosed with breast cancer. My family was devastated but we knew my mom could fight it. During her fight she went through a lumpectomy and radia>on treatments. She didn't let cancer get in the way of her life; cancer made her stronger. She always put others ahead of herself, caring for my brother and I, making sure we had everything we need, and loving my dad uncondi>onally. My mom had been cancer-‐free for 5 years when she was rediagnosed in December 2013. Our family went through gene>c tes>ng a?er finding out my mom had the gene>c muta>on for breast cancer. Unfortunately, I was also diagnosed with it. At 23, it's a hard concept to understand that I have a lot of decisions ahead of me to make but watching my mom go through this awful disease twice has made me more proac>ve. My mom chose to get a double mastectomy to eliminate her chances of having to go through this again. She went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radia>on, which made her >red and some>mes sick. Though she o?en felt awful, she always kept figh>ng because she knew she had a strong support system behind her. She worked during the treatments and she never let cancer defeat her. Even when she should have been focusing on herself, she was always worrying about others. My mom had to deal with the devasta>on of her mother also baQling breast cancer a second >me. She does everything she can to help my grandma, pu]ng others needs ahead of her own. She is truly the most caring person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and I'm lucky to call her mom. My mom is now cancer-‐free. She s>ll has reconstruc>ve surgery planned for the near future but she has been so strong through everything. This mother's day I want my mom to feel how special she really is. I thank God every day for being blessed with such a strong, suppor>ve, and posi>ve role model in my life. Being an Honorary Bat Girl for the Milwaukee Brewers would be a dream come true for her.

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MINNESOTA TWINS!

Julie Gross My lifelong friend Julie lost her Mom to breast cancer. Long before her mom died, Julie and her daughters began doing all kinds of fundraising for breast cancer, as well as promo>ng awareness and preven>on of the disease. Julie organized cheerleading fundraisers with high school sports boosters when her daughters were cheerleaders ("pink the rink for breast cancer."). Julie has done all night walks and fundraisers, bought booths at fairs to promote the fight for a cure for breast cancer, there are too many ac>vi>es that she has done to list! She has done this for years! Julie's Mom died two days before Mother's Day, two years ago. It is a tough >me for her. But something like this is a monument to moms and all women that we have loved and lost to the disease. I hope you select my friend Julie! Love from, Linda P.S. In the photo I'm in the middle and Julie is the one with her hand on her hip. Our third pal is Sue-‐-‐friends for life!

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NEW YORK METS!

Marybeth Matyasik Less than a year ago, a very dear and generous person, Marybeth Matyasik was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts. She felt something was wrong only to be told everything was fine. She knew things weren't fine and fought to be heard. Her strength and determina>on is why is she was finally diagnosed. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts and underwent a double mastectomy with chemotherapy and radia>on treatments. Marybeth is a married mother of three boys, ages, 15, 13, and 9. All of her boys are avid baseball players as well as hockey players. Her strength and courage inspired a hockey team of 13 year olds (of which her son is on) to proudly wear a jersey in honor of breast cancer awareness and to play for a cause which most 13 years olds know nothing about. She has taught them to fight hard and never give up, which I can say the team never did this year. During her fight, she has con>nued to work, make sure each of her boys gets to hockey and baseball prac>ce as well as religion. She has always been the team photographer and con>nued to make every game possible and memorialize the boys efforts. It is because of Marybeth that a bunch of 13 year old boys now know the strength and courage it takes for a woman to fight breast cancer and just how difficult it can be for a family. It is because of this that I nominate Marybeth Matyasik as an honorary bat girl and thank her for everything she has taught not only me but a group of 13 year old boys about courage, determina>on and love. She is not only a fighter but a teacher as well.

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NEW YORK YANKEES!

Rebecca Doolen My wife Becky goes to bat against Breast Cancer every day. Becky is 43 years old and the mother of our 4 children, and my wife of 19 years. Last year she was diagnosed with Stage IV Metasta>c Breast Cancer. All while baQling this aggressive disease, she manages to raise our children in a loving, stable home. She fund raises for Breast Cancer through par>cipa>on in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk", She takes care of the needs of others in our community. She raises our children to never give up, Fight a good fight, and manages to carry herself with grace and dignity. Through out her illness Becky has made it a priority to give her children wonderful memories while she was sick to try and out weigh the horrible images her disease may leave in their young minds. Mee>ng the Yankees in NY is preQy high on her "Things to do List". We count the days >l the end of her treatment as well as count the days >ll Opening Day, Through our shared love of the Yankees, baseball maintains a sense of normalcy in our home. Becky would make an Amazing Bat Girl for the NY Yankees!!

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OAKLAND ATHLETICS!

Michelle Iwai In June 2010, my partner Michelle, lost her mom to breast cancer. Eleven months later, while s>ll grieving the loss of her mom, Michelle at age 38, was now diagnosed with the same terrible disease. She along with her family and friends were devastated. She was just preparing to par>cipate in her first Relay for Life to honor her mom and now she was faced with figh>ng for her own life. Michelle had to endure 6 surgeries which included a double mastectomy and reconstruc>on along with 16 weeks of chemotherapy. It was a very tough >me. During this period, she lost her job, her health insurance and even one of her beloved cats. But she fought back with courage, strength and determina>on and I am happy to say she has been cancer free for almost 4 years. One of the first things she wanted to do as a breast cancer survivor was par>cipate in the Oakland A's Breast Cancer Awareness Day....this year will be her 4th in a row. In 2013, she was finally able to par>cipate in Relay for Life and earned the award for 3rd highest individual fundraiser. Last year, her Relay for Life team took the top award for fundraising and Michelle was the 2nd highest individual fundraiser for her city. She is always willing to reach out and give support to anyone in need. As season >cket holders, we are both huge A's fans and always look forward to aQending the most important game of the year.....Breast Cancer Awareness Day! Let's go A's!!!

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PHILIDELPHIA PHILLIES!

Roni StorH I will never forget the feeling of dread that came over me when my very dear firiend sat with me and told me she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For the past 12 years I have been running breast cancer events to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. In addi>on, I work for a company that is involved with breast cancer trials and treatments. I knew having breast cancer was no longer a death sentence. I knew, also, that there were many treatment op>ons and networks of support (like Susan G.Komen), but I also knew I couldn't bare to see my dear friend go through this! I remember crying, but I also remember something even more...she was the strong one, comfor>ng me! I truly can not think of a more worthy representa>ve to go up against Breast Cancer! She will kick some buQ and more! When I think of Bat Girl, I not only think of the ball girl at the baseball games, but a Super hero, and that is what she is to her family, friends, and the breast cancer community. She works a full >me job, has a family, including a husband, 2 beau>ful daughters and 2 grandsons, but will be there in a heartbeat if you need her. She is always helping someone (even when she was feeling ill through her treatments)! She volunteers for many fundraising ac>vi>es and is a wonderful spokesperson recan>ng her story and helping others cope with their disease. She cares so much for others that are suffering, and wants to make a difference in their lives. And that she does! She truly is a beau>ful survivor! I am blessed to have her in my life, and hope to for many years to come! FYI -‐ She is the short haired blond haired person in the picture below.

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PITTSBURGH PIRATES!

Kate Crawford I wanted to share a story about my beau>ful wife, Kate. She was diagnosed at only 28 with terminal breast cancer. We have three small children at home. Twins, Grace and Lily who are 6 now and our son Stephen who is 5 and has special needs requiring therapies due to him being born 8 weeks premature. We were told that Kate will likely never be cured and has a less than 15 percent chance of surviving 5 years. She went through 35+ chemotherapy treatments and was able to stop chemo in 2014 since her tumors had shrunk in size and stabilized. She goes every three week for infusions for other drugs that keep her cancer at bay and allow us more >me with her. She stays at home with our son and ensure that through his difficul>es he thrives. Kate started blogging her journey and has inspired tens of thousands of people across the world. Even though her prognosis is grim Kate has an unbelievably beau>ful a]tude. She loves baseball and played so?ball through high school. She blogged once about remembering back to being on the field and how much she loved the game. The kind of perseverance she had during games is what was ge]ng her through now. She is an amazing woman, mother and wife. She lives her life for our kids and created a "Mommy Bucket List" in which she savors the memories she creates with us. Kate was able to take the kids to their very first Pirate game, which was on her bucket list. Another thing she wanted to do was have a lemonade stand with the kids. We decided to donate all the money they raised to breast cancer research and organiza>ons in PiQsburgh. We have raised nearly $30,000 in the two years since she was diagnosed. Kate wrote this about having cancer on her blog, "My love won't be incapacitated. My faith won't be shaQered. My hope won't be forsaken. My strength will not be eradicated. And my soul will always be smiling. "

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS!

Kathy Bumeter I would like to nominate my AMAZING sister-‐in-‐law Kathy! Kathy is in the middle of her brave fight against breast cancer. Kathy discovered a lump in May 2014 that at the >me the doctor told her was nothing to worry about. A?er a few months Kathy went back to the doctor and in December was diagnosed with breast cancer that was between stage 2 and 3. Two weeks later Kathy started an 18 week s>nt of Chemo. Kathy is married to my brother ScoQ who is a Firefighter. They have 2 wonderful daughters, Madison 14 and Mackenzie 11. Kathy has always taken care of him, the girls, their home and ALL that goes with that. She is always on the go ready to help and make sure her family is taken care of! Though chemo has been a rough for Kathy, she s>ll manages to make sure everyone is cared for and con>nues to be ac>ve for her own health. Kathy has lost her hair, but she now sports a wig with style and grace. BEAUTIFUL as ever! Though she may not be as energe>c every day as she was before the chemo started, Kathy con>nues to amaze us all with her strength. She just completed a 7K run at the CoQleville St. Patricks Day parade and Run with her twin sister and friends. AH-‐MAAA-‐ZING!! She has a long road of chemo, radia>on, and surgery ahead yet Kathy never stops thinking of everyone else first. She is an inspira>on to her family, friends, and everyone she meets. A Facebook page created by my sister is >tled #KBSTRONG, and has over 80 people following her journey that give daily pictures, videos, and words of encouragement. Kathy is a die hard St. Louis Cardinal fan and this would be a spectacular opportunity for her to be a part of. Something just FOR HER. Something that would help keep that smile that's always on her face. She is so deserving of some Redbird LOVE and support! So c'mon CARDINAL NATION, lets prove once again what the best fans in baseball can do! Vote for my sister-‐in-‐law, Kathy! #KBSTRONG all day long!

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SAN DIEGO PADRES!

Ana Munoz Hello my name is Ana, and by the Grace Of GOD I am a PROUD SURVIVOR! At the age of 31 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The day that I was given the terrible news, it was another terrible moment in my life. I can't recall everything the doctor was saying all I could think was the word CANCER..CANCER.. CANCER. I became numb and scared all at once. I thought of my son who at the >me was 8 years old, and being a single mom at the >me, everything came to mind. Who would watch over my son?, how am I going to tell him about this?, I don't want him to worry nor be scared. Also it was more frigthening since in 2007 I had just lost my mother to breast cancer. I was with her every step of the way during her treatment and watched how slowly this illnes took my mothers health and it won it's baQle and took her from me and my siblings. My mother was only "52" years of age. I saw how she suffered and how she fought back and I didn't think I had the strength in me to do the same. But once I looked into my sons BIG beau>ful eyes and I explained my diagnosis, all he could say was, "Mommy are you going to die like my grandma?". I felt such pain in my heart. So I decided to do something, and I gained my mothers strength and I refused to allow this CANCER take control over me nor allow it to take my life. I had to LIVE for him and my family. We s>ll had not recovered from our mothers loss and I was not going to bring more sorrow into our lives. They needed me and most importantly my son needed me! My journey began with chemotherapy, radia>on and 5 years of hormonal therapy and by the GRACE OF GOD I BEAT IT!! I am a SURVIVOR and soooo proud of it! I know my Mommy is proud! She held my hand the en>re way! Now a?er seeing this contest I decided to enter and HOPE I CAN GAIN YOUR VOTE! Even if I don't win it won't be a loss for me ... I AM A WINNER ALREADY.. I am s>ll here!! Thank You and GOD BLESS!!!

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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS!

Sue Young I met Sue almost 20 years ago playing taiko (Japanese drums). You couldn't help but like Sue and enjoy her always op>mis>c spirit. During the >me we played together she became my other sister (we shared the same last name a?er all!). Over the years that we have been friends, I learned that Sue was one of those friends...the kind who could pick up your spirit, was there to support you, make you laugh when you needed a distrac>on or give you a warm hug when you cried. She is always taking care of someone, if not a friend or family member, in service of others (she was in the Peace Corps). When she learned she had cancer, she used this same posi>ve spirit and energy to baQle back and has been in remission since. Sue is also a huge Giants fan, going to games when she can and always cheering with a posi>ve energy that I am *sure* is part of the reason they won those 3 World Series >tles. As a graphic ar>st, you can see her love for the Giants on crea>ve display with her fan art. To get Sue elected as honorary bat girl for the Giants would be a great honor and the least that we could do to honor such a wonderful friend!

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SEATTLE MARINERS!

Kathleen SuKon My wife is an amazing person. When we first started da>ng, I came over to her apartment one day and found her by herself watching baseball. It was at that moment that I knew I was going to marry her. We got married in October of 2012 and last year decided to start a family. When she was 6 months pregnant, she had some pain in her right arm and found a lump on her breast. The diagnosis was our worst fear: Breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer was the exact diagnosis, which means there was no singular tumor. The doctors told us they'd have to remove her right breast in order to keep it from spreading any further. Since she was 6 months pregnant, they couldn't do all of the tests that they usually do for cancer pa>ents, so they had her take one round of chemo before the birth, and would fully assess her a?erward. On November 18th, she gave birth to our beau>ful baby boy, Spencer. One week later, she went back in for her tests and they found her situa>on was much worse than they had ini>ally thought: It had spread to her liver and to some of her bones. She was now diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, a cancer that they largely consider incurable. She, being the amazing person she is, has been an absolute warrior throughout the ordeal. Undergoing heavy, weekly chemotherapy and being an incredible mom to our now-‐4 month old is the most inspiring thing I've ever witnessed. I would ask you to please consider her for the honorary bat girl as baseball is one of her favorite things in life and I think she deserves some recogni>on for the way she is, not only living her life, but completely taking a stand against le]ng cancer control who she is or how she lives her life. Thank you.

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TAMPA BAY RAYS!

Dorothy Campbell There are a few things that a baseball player knows when going up to bat. They know that a ball will be pitched to them; they know that they should probably swing at said ball; and they know the crowd will roar if they hit a home run. Going to bat against cancer is almost the same. When a cancer pa>ent is diagnosed with cancer, they know that cancer is going to be 'pitched' to them, they know that they will 'swing' at cancer, and they know that the whole journey, the 'crowd' or their family, friends and supports, will roar for them when they 'hit the home run.' My nomina>on for Honorary Bat Girl is for my mom. In 2010 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went to bat against it, swinging at it, and eventually hi]ng the home run. The whole >me she had her family and friends roaring for her and when it was gone we roared even more. A baseball field could not contain our excitement for her. My mom not only went to bat for herself. When she got up to bat she swung for her whole team; the team of women who were in her shoes, before, a?er, and while she was in them. When she got up to bat she swung as hard as she could for that home run. As a family, we have also formed a team of support and every year we par>cipate in raising awareness for breast cancer. We raise funds and we donate them, so everyone else on the team of women diagnosed can have a chance to swing at the bat for their lives and for their team. Over the past four years, our support team has raised over $20,000.00 for awareness for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser. Since the original diagnosis of breast cancer, my mom has gone into remission and was recently diagnosed with metasta>c triple nega>ve breast cancer. With this new diagnosis, she is up to bat again, however nothing has changed since the first >me. The cancer has been pitched, now she will con>nue to swing at it and we will be behind her, roaring.

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TEXAS RANGERS!

Lee Ann Evans My sister, Lee Ann Evans, is the best person I've ever known. If you've ever met her (or ever will), you know why I say that. Lee Ann loves her family; she loves God; and somehow, she loves everyone with whom she comes in contact. In November of 2012, Lee Ann was diagnosed wth a highly unforgiving type of inflammatory breast cancer which doesn't provide par>cularly hopeful recovery sta>s>cs. Lee Ann began an aggressive course of chemotherapy followed by a radical bi-‐lateral mastectomy, concluded with an intense course of radia>on therapy. All the while,Lee Ann provided the gi? that she possesses to love and inspire countless folks along the way during the mul>ple steps of her therapy. On the same day as Opernig Day 2015, Lee Ann received news from her physician regarding her annual examina>on. And I'm competely happy to report that she is CANCER FREE! Please join me in commending Lee Ann Evans in her courageous baQle with cancer. And, oh yeah, I forgot to men>on: Lee Ann Evans loves the Texas Rangers!!!

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TORONTO BLUE JAYS!

Stacie Bergwerff Just over 2 years ago, I found a lump the size of a large marble under my arm. Soon a?er, we were trying to absorb the news that I had stage 3 invasive breast cancer. It had already set up shop in both armpits. The plan was unsparing: 6 months of chemo, major surgery, radia>on, and at least a year of targeted treatment. It was devasta>ng on many levels. But the hardest thing about it, hands down, was telling our 9-‐year-‐old son that I had cancer. My main concern was figuring out how to be a good Mother even when I was terribly ill. How could we make him feel secure, and answer all of his ques>ons and fears with honesty and love? Day by day, with the help of my husband Mats, we made it work. We did it with rou>ne, an amazing support system, and by focussing on joyful things we could s>ll do as a family. For us, that means baseball. We are passionate Toronto Blue Jays fans. I've loved the game since I was a child, converted my Swedish husband to it, and put a glove in Jesper's hand as soon as he could hold it. During chemo, I had a few "good days" each month. On those days, we would watch games together and throw baseballs at the park. It was simple, peaceful, and brought us all great comfort. During 2013, we le? home just once -‐ a road trip to Toronto to see the Jays. When game >me arrived, I wasn't well enough to go, but I cheered from the couch as my boys hit the Rogers Centre with my brother (a fellow superfan.) A year ago -‐-‐ as I was recovering from my medical marathon -‐-‐ we vowed that if I was well, we would travel to Dunedin to see the Jays during spring training. It would be a celebra>on of life, and baseball, and coming through a difficult >me with great hope for the future. I'm thrilled to say that I'm wri>ng this from Florida, a?er watching the Jays win games against the Phillies and the Tigers. I'm aQaching a photo of us at the ball park, which sums up our gra>tude to the team and this amazing game. Sincerely, Stacie B OQawa

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WASHINGTON NATIONALS!

Tracy LusHg My wife Tracy and I were born in the same hospital and went to the same small college, but didn't meet un>l October 2009. We married on March 11, 2012, and in addi>on to being my perfect match, she is an amazing step-‐mom to my children. On May 8, 2013, Tracy was cold and tucked her hands into her armpits. She went pale, and said, "This isn't a 'come-‐on' -‐ Feel this!" We felt the lump that would change our lives. Tracy's grandmother died of breast cancer, and her mother survived it, so she got annual mammograms. It was shocking not only to find out she had breast cancer (new since her previous mammogram), but to learn that it was very aggressive, and already at Stage 3. Not was>ng a minute, Tracy was in surgery by May 17, followed by 6 months of chemo, 36 radia>on treatments, and a year of IV Hercep>n. She has an irreverent, posi>ve a]tude. When her hair started falling out, she would throw it out the car window so "birds can line their nests with it!" She con>nued to work full >me. She refused to "hide"-‐wearing bright wigs (blue was a favorite). She tells people her story openly and honestly in an effort to remove the s>gma of talking about the disease. And through all of the struggles, the Washington Na>onals provided a source of joy. Going to games gave Tracy a sense of "normalcy." Eager to get out of the house, she aQended a game in late May 2013 with her surgical drains s>ll in place! In July, Tracy got her head shaved, put on a cap, and went straight to a game. A?er comple>ng ac>ve treatment in September 2014, Tracy immediately splurged on two things. The first -‐ we became Na>onals season >cket holders. The second -‐ we booked a trip to spring training at Space Coast Stadium, and for the first >me in 2 years, she could pull her hair through the back of her cap! Tracy is an inspira>on. Being an honorary bat girl for the Washington Na>onals would honor her courage, resilience, and humor through these tough years.

Documents

2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKSmlb.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl/2015/common/images/2015_Bat_Girls.pdf · honorarybatgirl.com 2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST ARIZONA