Breast cancer advocate from Sharon Hill, Pa., to be honored by Phillies for “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” on May 19 at Citizens Bank Park
Andy Sealy, who is spreading awareness on metastatic breast cancer (MBC), is being honored by the Phillies for her extraordinary commitment for “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer,” and will take the field as the team’s Honorary Bat Girl on Sunday, May 19, before the 1:05 p.m. game against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park.
Sealy, who is from Sharon Hill, Pa., made national news in 2017 by hosting a “goodbye party for her breasts” after she had found out she had breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy. Following the surgery, she learned the cancer had spread, and was diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her life’s challenges led her to becoming an advocate for those battling MBC.
“I speak out on my disease as often as I can,” said Sealy, now 39 years old. “Statistics say my median life span is three years. I don’t follow statistics…never have! I am no longer working, but I am grateful for every breath. This is my NEW NORMAL. THIS is metastatic breast cancer.”
After learning about Sealy’s courageous story, the Phillies selected her to be their Honorary Bat Girl. She is one of 30 individuals chosen to represent each club throughout the league. The pre-game honor traditionally takes place on Mother’s Day, but since the team is away on that date, the club will recognize Sealy on May 19.
Help Honorary Bat Girl Andy Sealy Raise Funds
For the first time since the Honorary Bat Girl program’s inception in 2009, MLB has partnered with CrowdRise by GoFundMe to host a fundraising contest for each of the Honorary Bat Girls to benefit Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) and Susan G. Komen. The winner of the contest will receive a trip to the 2019 World Series. MLB will donate all funds from the contest to SU2C and Komen.
About Honorary Bat Girl Program & “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer”
The Honorary Bat Girl program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative celebrated on Mother's Day. “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” is a Major League Baseball initiative supported by MLB charitable partners, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen. This initiative raises awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research. For more information, please visit MLB.com/HonoraryBatGirl.